How to Clean a Plastic Cutting Board

Plastic Cutting Boards: Easy to Clean, Easy to Neglect

Plastic cutting boards are popular for their affordability, dishwasher compatibility, and ease of cleaning. But they have a hidden problem: knife grooves. Over time, the cuts and scratches from knife use create deep grooves that trap food particles and bacteria — and these are nearly impossible to fully clean once they develop. Here's how to keep plastic boards as clean as possible.

What You'll Need

• Non-scratch scrub sponge
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Bar Keepers Friend
• Mild dish soap
• Warm water

Everyday Cleaning

Plastic cutting boards are dishwasher safe — this is their biggest advantage. Run through the dishwasher after every use for thorough cleaning and sanitizing. If hand washing, use hot soapy water and a non-scratch sponge, scrubbing both sides. Rinse thoroughly and air dry or dry with a cloth.

Removing Stuck-On Food

For food stuck in the grooves, soak in hot soapy water for 15–20 minutes, then scrub with a non-scratch sponge. A baking soda paste applied to the grooves and left for 10 minutes helps lift stubborn residue.

Removing Stains

Plastic boards stain easily from beets, berries, turmeric, and tomatoes. See our dedicated guide on removing stains from plastic cutting boards for detailed methods.

Removing Odors

Plastic absorbs odors from garlic, onion, and fish. Wipe with white vinegar after washing, let sit 5 minutes, then rinse. For persistent odors, make a baking soda paste, apply to the board, let sit 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Bar Keepers Friend for Discoloration

For overall discoloration and surface staining on white or light-colored plastic boards, Bar Keepers Friend works well. Apply, scrub with a non-scratch sponge, rinse thoroughly.

When to Replace a Plastic Cutting Board

Replace when the board has deep knife grooves that can't be cleaned, persistent staining that doesn't respond to treatment, or warping that makes it unstable. Deep grooves harbor bacteria that no cleaning method can fully reach.

Final Thoughts

Plastic cutting boards are low-maintenance when used with the dishwasher regularly. Hand washing with hot soapy water handles everyday cleaning, baking soda tackles stuck food and odors, and Bar Keepers Friend addresses discoloration. Replace when grooves become deep.