http://www.care2.com/greenliving/cutting-board-cleaner-green-makeover.html
Cutting Board Cleaner: Green Makeover
By Annie B. Bond, Care2's In-house Green Expert
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.
More on Uncategorized (5 articles available)More from Annie B. Bond (3187 articles available)
Annie B.
Melissa
Jana
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Heather L.
Lynn
Carl
Betsy
Cait
Avery
The Gallands
Eric
Andrew
Dave
Deepak
28 comments
add your comment »Julie, I use a vinegar and water solution in a spray bottle to clean kitchen countertops... works great!
flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Does anyone have a great recipe for kitchen counters. I clean homes for a living and I am putting together a supply of all natural products to use in my customers homes. The only thing I can't seem to find a recipe for is a really good antibacterial spray for kitchen counters. HELP PLEASE!
flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
the best I have heard of and use to this day is slicing a lemon in half, sprinkle coarse salt on the board and rub with the half of lemon like a sponge...smells great, works great!!!
flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I love wood, but have used glass cutting boards for the last several years. Much easier to clean.
flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I use a product from Melaleuca. It has been approved by Health Canada. Main ingredient is Thyme. It is all-natural and safe around babies. It is guaranteed to kill HIV, Samonella to name a few bacterias. Here is a link to one of my favorite products. http://www.melaleuca.com/ps/index.cfm?f=ps.productDetail&pid=1074&pType=1&sCatId=162
flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I dry it in the sun its' a great bacteria killer(after washing naturally)
flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
As long as you remember to throughly rinse your boards with BOILING hot water, it should not cause any problems. by hubby also cannot have grapefruit and licorice is another product that should be avoided by those who are on any kind of high blood pressure,heart and related medical issues.
flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I take a half a lemon and wipe the board completely with it squeezing some of the juice onto the cutting board and let it stand for about ten minutes. You don't have to rinse it but if you want you can with hot water. It works well!
flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I think OxyClean is the best for cleaning cutting boards - it is non-toxic (uses oxygen), cleans, disinfects, & deodorizes. I mix it up using hot water, spray it on, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then scrub with a brush & rinse. It cleans so much better than soap & water, it actually makes the wood smoother! Sanitizes the same way peroxide does, but without the bleaching. Takes out all the odors, too, even garlic & onions!
flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
For meats, I use a plastic cutting board that can go in the dishwasher. For fruits & veggies, I use my wood boards and wash by hand.
flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?