Keep your cutting board germ free with our care guide.

Then, every month, deep clean, disinfect, and oil the board to help with long-term maintenance.

If used frequently, you may want to disinfect and oil it every couple of weeks.

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Carson Downing; Props: Joseph Wanek; Model: Grace Sweers

Just sweep away the crumbs and verify there is no moisture left on it.

Do not let it soak in the sink until you are ready to clean it.

Those little cracks become breeding grounds for bacteria that can potentially cause foodborne illnesses.

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Carson Downing; Props: Joseph Wanek; Model: Grace Sweers

Instead, wash the board by hand after every single use, following the steps below.

Then, apply dish soap and scrub with a sponge or dish brush.

(Meat juices can drip and contaminate the other side.)

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Carson Downing; Props: Joseph Wanek; Model: Grace Sweers

If there’s a handle on the board, wash that as well.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

Rinse both sides of the board with warm water.

Then, use aclean clothor paper towel to dry it.

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Carson Downing; Props: Joseph Wanek; Model: Grace Sweers

Let the board completely air-dry before putting it away.

Step 1: Wash Board

Rinse the board with hot water.

Then, apply dish soap and scrub with a sponge or dish brush.

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Carson Downing; Props: Joseph Wanek; Model: Grace Sweers

Rinse the board thoroughly, then dry it with a cloth or paper towel.

Let the board completely air-dry before putting it away.

Completely air-dry the board before storing it.

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Carson Downing; Props: Joseph Wanek; Model: Grace Sweers

Buff the oil into the board, making sure to coat every surface.

However, bacteria often linger in the little grooves and scars resulting from knives.

The debate over wood versus plastic cutting boards is a matter of personal preference.

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Carson Downing; Props: Joseph Wanek; Model: Grace Sweers

There are some advantages to plastic cutting boards, the main one being price.

Plastic boards are also dishwasher-safe.

Not to mention, wooden cutting boards make beautiful additions to the kitchen.

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Carson Downing; Props: Joseph Wanek; Model: Grace Sweers

Using oil on your wooden cutting board is the best way to prevent the board fro absorbing water.

If your cutting board is used daily, oiling it every two weeks will keep it like new.

Be sure to choose a mineral oil that says “food safe' or “food-grade.”

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Carson Downing; Props: Joseph Wanek; Model: Grace Sweers

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Carson Downing; Props: Joseph Wanek; Model: Grace Sweers

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Carson Downing; Props: Joseph Wanek; Model: Grace Sweers

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Carson Downing; Props: Joseph Wanek; Model: Grace Sweers

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Carson Downing; Props: Joseph Wanek; Model: Grace Sweers