The classic debate on wood vs plastic cutting board (เขียง, which is the term in Thai) shall forever be on the frontline. While some home cooks and chefs might support one side, others find perks for both the cutting boards. However, one important thing that everybody will nod their heads to approval would be to keep the cutting boards clean.
Taking Care of Plastic Cutting Boards
And plastic boards being insanely easy and simple to maintain by the dishwasher, can help the bacteria to thrive either on the surface or on other parts. Though bleach can eliminate a lot of these bacteria, not many would want to introduce chemicals inside their kitchen.
Maintaining Cutting Boards
Use the Dishwasher to Clean Your Cutting Boards
One of the perks of using a plastic cutting board is that they are nonporous, and hence you can put them in the dishwasher. And you must use the dishwasher. Since the dishwasher operates on a hot cycle, they are one of the prime ways to have your cutting board disinfected.
Use Soapy Water and A Scrub Brush For Manual Washing
A rag/sponge wouldn’t get inside the knife grooves that exist on the used plastic cutting board. Use a scrub brush and soak in the water and use soap inside the crevices. You can use water and soap to dislodge the bacteria and food particles.
Rely Upon an Alternative Disinfecting Solution
To disinfect manually sans relying upon bleach, post washing your cutting board, soak the board in a solution of white vinegar. You can spray the white vinegar along with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution as well. Either way, you have to allow the board to sit for five minutes straight before you wash it again with the help of soap and water.
Scrubbing Away Stains
When needed, make a paste using a part of baking soda, a part of salt, and a part of water to scrub away the surface stains.
Removing Stains from Plastic Cutting Boards Like a Pro
There are two basic ways to clean stains from your plastic cutting boards:
- Soak it in Hydrogen Peroxide
- Then use baking soda along with hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing detergent paste.
Why Bleach is Never a Good Option for Cleaning Plastic Cutting Boards?
Most people rely on bleach to clean the cutting boards. Bleach is used because it is amazing and great for eliminating stains and having the germs killed.
Sadly, using bleach for cleaning can damage the corroded surfaces of the plastic board.
- Bleach is a solution of sodium hypochlorite, and this in turn isn’t good to inhale. Bleach can get your eyes and skin irritated and are dangerous to consume.
- Bleach is a powerful base with ph12. And courtesy of the high ph balance, it is corrosive to plastic.
Avoid bleach and store-bought cleaning agents to remove stains from your cutting board and instead opt for hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen Peroxide is an easy and eco-friendly way to eliminate stains and keep your cutting boards new, forever.
