How to Clean a Plastic Cutting Board (Including Deep Stains and Odors)

Plastic cutting boards are low-maintenance and dishwasher-safe — but they still need proper cleaning to stay hygienic. Deep knife grooves and stubborn stains require more than a quick rinse.

What You'll Need

• Mild dish soap and warm water
• A stiff scrub brush
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach (for sanitizing)
• JohnBee Spray Bottles — for applying sanitizing solutions evenly
• Microfiber Cleaning Cloths — for drying

Everyday Cleaning

1. Wash with warm soapy water and a scrub brush after every use.
2. Scrub both sides — bacteria can transfer to the underside.
3. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth or air dry upright.
4. For a deeper clean, run through the dishwasher — the high heat sanitizes effectively.

Removing Stains from Plastic Cutting Boards

Method 1: Baking Soda Scrub

1. Wet the board and sprinkle baking soda over stained areas.
2. Scrub with a stiff brush for 2–3 minutes.
3. Rinse and repeat if needed.

Method 2: Hydrogen Peroxide Spray

1. Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide over the stained surface.
2. Let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Scrub and rinse. Effective on berry, beet, and tomato stains.

Method 3: Sun Bleaching

After washing, place the wet board in direct sunlight for 2–3 hours. UV light naturally bleaches out many food stains without any chemicals.

Sanitizing a Plastic Cutting Board

After cutting raw meat or poultry, sanitize with one of these methods:

• Hydrogen peroxide: spray, let sit 5–10 minutes, rinse
• Diluted bleach: 1 tbsp bleach per gallon of water, flood surface, let sit 2 minutes, rinse thoroughly
• Dishwasher: the most convenient option — high heat kills bacteria effectively

When to Replace a Plastic Cutting Board

Replace your plastic cutting board when:

• Deep knife grooves cover the surface — bacteria hide in cuts and can't be fully removed
• The board is heavily stained and won't come clean
• The surface is warped or uneven

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use a plastic cutting board with deep knife marks?

Deep grooves harbor bacteria that survive even dishwasher cycles. If the surface is heavily scored, it's time to replace the board.

Can I use bleach on a plastic cutting board?

Yes — diluted bleach (1 tbsp per gallon of water) is safe and effective for sanitizing plastic boards. Rinse very thoroughly afterward.

How do I get rid of the smell on a plastic cutting board?

Spray with white vinegar, let sit 5 minutes, then rinse. For stubborn odors, make a baking soda paste, apply, let sit 15 minutes, scrub, and rinse.