How to Clean a Cutting Board Properly (Wood, Plastic, and Bamboo)

Your cutting board is one of the most-used surfaces in the kitchen — and one of the most bacteria-prone. Cleaning it properly after every use is essential for food safety.

What You'll Need

• CLARK'S Cutting Board Organic Soap — specially formulated for wood, bamboo, and butcher block surfaces
• Mevell Food Grade Mineral Oil — for conditioning wood and bamboo boards after cleaning
• A stiff scrub brush
• Warm water
• White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide (for sanitizing)

How to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board

Step 1: Rinse Immediately After Use

Rinse the board under warm running water immediately after use. Never submerge a wooden board in water or put it in the dishwasher — this causes warping and cracking.

Step 2: Scrub with Cutting Board Soap

Apply CLARK'S Cutting Board Soap to the surface and scrub with a stiff brush. The natural orange and lemon extracts cut through grease and food residue while being safe for wood. Rinse thoroughly.

Step 3: Dry Upright

Stand the board upright or prop it at an angle to air dry on both sides. Laying it flat traps moisture underneath and causes warping.

Step 4: Condition with Mineral Oil (Weekly)

Once a week, apply a generous coat of food-grade mineral oil to all surfaces of the board. Let it soak in for at least 30 minutes (or overnight), then wipe off the excess. This prevents drying, cracking, and staining.

How to Clean a Plastic Cutting Board

1. Wash with warm soapy water and a scrub brush after every use.
2. Plastic boards are dishwasher safe — run them through regularly for deep cleaning.
3. For stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water, let sit 10 minutes, scrub, and rinse.
4. Replace plastic boards when deep knife grooves develop — bacteria hide in the cuts and are impossible to fully clean.

How to Clean a Bamboo Cutting Board

Treat bamboo like wood: hand wash only, dry upright, and condition with mineral oil regularly. Bamboo is denser than wood and more resistant to moisture, but still warps if submerged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher?

No. The heat and prolonged water exposure will warp, crack, and split wooden boards. Always hand wash.

How often should I oil my cutting board?

Once a week for boards in regular use. New boards should be oiled 3–5 times before first use to seal the wood.

Which is more hygienic — wood or plastic?

Research is mixed. Plastic is easier to sanitize in the dishwasher, but wood has natural antimicrobial properties. The most important factor is cleaning promptly after every use, regardless of material.