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How to Clean a Cutting Board?
A cutting board, also called a knife block, is a flat board on which to put material for cutting. There are many different boards with different sizes and uses. One type of board has a concave edge around the edge, another has a flat edge that cuts across the board, and yet another type has a pointy edge which is not sharp but serves to aid traction when sliding across the board. Board sizes can vary based on their use. Kitchen cut boards are commonly used for kitchen tasks like chopping and slicing. Other types exist for cutting other materials like plastic or leather.
Popular choices for cutting boards include wood, metal, plastic, laminate, composite materials, natural stone, ceramic, paper, and several types of natural fiber boards. Each of these materials provides different characteristics and needs, so it’s best to know what kind of material will be best for the intended use. If one intended to use the board for food preparation, choosing the appropriate board depends on the type of food to be prepared, the size of the cutting surface, and the skill of the person doing the cutting.
Many bacteria grow on the underside of plastic 
Boards that are non-slip and smooth are good choices because they do not harbor moisture and the grooves provide a good place for bacteria to breed. Boards that have rough surfaces, especially textured ones, are good choices for germs to hide and breed. The grooves provide a place for bacteria to breed if the surface is smooth and non-slip. Because bacteria likes moisture, boards that have rough surfaces and are non-slip are better for bacteria than smooth and flat surfaces.
The blade of a knife can potentially damage plastic cutting boards
It is best to buy plastic boards made from materials that can handle the weight and impact of a knife blade. Dull knives will not cut the plastic properly, so it’s important to invest in a high quality knife with a decent blade.
One of the greatest dangers of plastic cutting boards is the potential for a food or beverage to become spilled onto the surface. This is especially dangerous when hot liquids are spilled onto the surface since heat will expand the plastic and create greater stresses on the surface. Heat will also create an area where bacteria can breed. To prevent this from happening, it’s best to use non-stick surfaces. While it may be more expensive, it is worth it compared to the dangers of having a potentially contaminated surface.
Before you begin using your cutting board
It is best to clean it with soapy water. Use a detergent or liquid laundry detergent to wash off the dirt and debris. When washing the board with soapy water, it is best to rinse well, and blot the board until all residue has been removed. When rinsing, make sure to only use a single spray of the cleaning agent as it can cause a chemical reaction with the board’s metal parts.
It is very important to make sure your cutting board surface is completely dry before you start using it. Many kitchen tools require the use of oil-based products to reduce the friction and wear on the surface. This means wooden cutting boards need to be oiled before use. Another reason wooden cutting boards need to be oiled is to protect the surface from being scratched. Scratches in the surface of a wooden board can allow dirt and other substances to enter the board and compromise the electrical conductivity of the electric current as well as causing a possible short.
After you have prepped your cutting boards, and washed them with soapy water, you are ready to start cutting! Using a sharp, clean knife, either directed on the direction of the grain or at an angle, cut along the surface of the board. Make sure you wipe the knife across the entire blade. Also, be sure not to apply too much pressure when cutting boards as this can cause splinters to fly. After you have finished your cut, wipe the knife with paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
