Follow these easy steps to clean and refresh your cutting board:
- Sprinkle Baking Soda: Begin by sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of your plastic cutting board. The baking soda will work as a mild abrasive to lift stains and grime.
- Squeeze Lemon: Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice directly onto the baking soda. Be sure to cover the entire area. You can also rub the lemon halves directly onto the board, which will help remove stains and leave a fresh scent.
- Scrub: Using a soft sponge or cloth, gently scrub the cutting board in circular motions. The baking soda acts as a scrubber while the lemon juice provides both cleaning power and a fresh, clean fragrance.
- Let It Sit: Allow the mixture to sit on the board for about 5–10 minutes. This gives the baking soda and lemon juice time to break down stains, odors, and grime.
- Rinse and Dry: After scrubbing, rinse the cutting board thoroughly with warm water. Dry it completely with a clean towel to prevent any moisture from seeping into the plastic.
Why This Trick Works
Both baking soda and lemon have natural cleaning properties that make them ideal for tackling the tough stains and smells that can develop on plastic cutting boards. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, allowing it to scrub away dirt without damaging the surface. Lemon juice, on the other hand, contains citric acid, which helps to break down stubborn stains and kill bacteria. Combined, these two ingredients make for a powerful, yet gentle, cleaning solution that leaves your cutting board looking and smelling fresh.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Cutting Boards:
While this trick works wonders, here are a few additional tips to keep your cutting board in top condition:
- Regular Cleaning: Make sure to clean your cutting board regularly after each use. This will help prevent food particles from building up and causing staining or odors.
- Use Separate Boards: Consider using separate cutting boards for raw meat, fruits, and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination and reduce stains.
- Deep Clean Periodically: In addition to the baking soda and lemon method, periodically deep clean your cutting board with a vinegar solution or a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to kill bacteria.
- Avoid Dishwashers: While it might seem convenient, putting your plastic cutting board in the dishwasher can cause it to warp or degrade over time. Handwashing is gentler on the material and extends its lifespan.
Conclusion:
If you’re tired of seeing your plastic cutting board looking grimy and stained, this easy and natural method using baking soda and lemon will restore it to a like-new condition with minimal effort. By incorporating this cleaning trick into your regular routine, you’ll not only extend the life of your cutting board but also keep your kitchen hygienic and fresh. No more scrubbing for hours or using harsh chemicals—just a simple and effective solution that works every time!
Try it out the next time your cutting board gets gross. You’ll be amazed at how easy and effective this method is, just like my mom always said!
