How to Keep Your Plastic Cutting Board Clean and Safe – A No-Nonsense Guide to a Germ-Free Kitchen

Spread over the board, especially in grooves

Let sit for 5–10 minutes

Scrub with a brush, then rinse thoroughly

This is your go-to when the board “has seen things.”

4. Lemon and Salt – The DIY Power Duo

This isn’t just for Instagram — it actually works.

How to do it:

Sprinkle coarse salt over the board

Cut a lemon in half and use it like a sponge

Scrub in circles — the acid and abrasion clean and deodorize

Rinse well

🍋 Bonus: It leaves your kitchen smelling like a fresh salad.

Kitchen supplies

5. Tea Tree Oil Spray – The Natural Disinfectant

Tea tree oil has natural antimicrobial properties — and it smells amazing.

How to do it:

Mix 1 teaspoon tea tree oil with 1 cup water in a spray bottle

Spray after washing and let air dry (don’t rinse)

Store in a cool, dark place

Note: Tea tree oil is toxic to pets — keep away from curious dogs and cats.

When to Sanitize – And When to Replace

Sanitize After:

Raw meat, poultry, or fish

Eggs

Any messy, sticky, or slimy ingredients

Replace Your Board When:

Deep grooves won’t come clean

It’s warped or cracked

Stains won’t lift

It starts to smell even after cleaning

Plastic boards don’t last forever.

When in doubt — toss it .

🍽️ Pro Tips for Keeping Your Board Safe & Long-Lasting