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Cutting Board Cleaner: Green Makeover

Cutting Board Cleaner:  Green Makeover

Cleaning a cutting board thoroughly so that it doesn’t harbor bacteria is important to protect your family’s health. But in doing so you don’t want to add new environmental problems such as the overgrowth of superbacteria, which disinfectants can cause. Here’s what to do instead:

While I recommend people cut meat on plates and wash the plates in a dishwasher so that the hot water sterilizes the plate, I am aware that most of us use our cutting boards for a wide variety of chopping duties.

Reduce concern about deadly bacteria growing in your cutting board using these simple options:

1. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that soap and water kills bacteria. Wash the cutting board with soap and water (note to use real liquid soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s); it is effective to do this using a good scrub brush, to get into all the nooks and crannies.

2. Wash with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide alternated with straight white distilled vinegar. Let each material rest on the cutting board for 10 minutes or so before rinsing.

3. If you like the smell of lavender, make an antibacterial spray by mixing about 10 drops of the pure essential oil of lavender to 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake to blend. Spray on the cutting board and don’t rinse.

I am on the lookout for a safe, EPA-registered herbal disinfectant. Stay tuned.

Read more: Home, Green Kitchen Tips, Health & Safety, Household Hints, , ,

By Annie B. Bond

Annie B. Bond

Annie is a renowned expert in non-toxic and green living. Named one of the top 20 environmental leaders by Body and Soul Magazine, Annie has authored four books, including "Home Enlightenment" (Rodale Press, 2005) and "Better Basics for the Home" (Three Rivers Press, 1999).

43 comments

+ add your own
12:59AM PST on Jan 28, 2012

Thanks for the article.

9:16AM PST on Jan 27, 2012

Thank you

3:08AM PDT on Jun 9, 2011

Sometimes i use half a lemon to scrub the board, then i wait some time before washing again.

1:13AM PDT on May 29, 2011

Thanks for the article.

11:19AM PDT on May 13, 2011

Keep a board for your onions, one for garlic, one for fuits and veggies and SKIP the meat....problem solved!

6:32AM PST on Dec 30, 2010

useful info...i have on hand and do use, nice reminders

8:27AM PST on Dec 28, 2010

THANK YOU.

3:06AM PDT on Sep 1, 2010

THANKS

12:16AM PDT on Jun 11, 2010

cool

2:02PM PST on Feb 28, 2010

I like the lemon idea

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