Effective Way to Clean and Disinfect a Cutting Board

Cleaning and disinfecting kitchen items are important part in food preparation. These food hygiene activities substantially eliminate or reduce disease causing microorganisms and decrease microbial load. A good standard hygiene, especially food hygiene, could reduce infections in the home. It is impossible to eliminate being infected by pathogens, as there are other ways that germs can be transmitted, like human-to-human contact, but other risk factors, like surface-to-human transmission, can be interrupted.

Targeted Hygiene Concept

The “targeted hygiene concept” as described by CDC is identifying situations and areas where risk exists for transmission of pathogens. This simple concept not only  points out to an  effective cleaning and disinfecting method but also efficient work flow, as it provide a reasonable way to identify when disinfection might be appropriate[1].

Advantages

Applying the targeted hygiene concept in the kitchen, clearly cutting boards are on the top of the list as most likely a source of surface-to-human transmission of pathogens, hence a thorough cleaning and regular disinfection is required. Short term gains are having a clean, odourless and flavor free board thus better tasting food. While long term gains directly concludes on financial aspect as it would lengthens the life span of the item, and avoid food poisoning which aids in maintenance of good health.

A crucial part in food preparation, it has been emphasized in a previous blog post to have two cutting boards: one for ready to eat vegetable and fruits, and cooked foods, and another cutting board for uncooked meats and such items. The rationale for such food safety practice is to avoid cross contamination. Also help reduce infections in the home.

Steps in Cleaning and Disinfecting Cutting Board

1. Cleaning. Wash clean cutting board with dish washing soap and warm water. Wet board with water to remove visible and large particles. Lather surfaces with dish washing soap using either a coarse surface sponge or a soft brush, this produce friction to dislodge or remove smaller particles and stains. Rinse.

2. Disinfecting. Disinfect with 3.0% hydrogen peroxide for 15 minutes, once a day preferably at the end of the day. Keep 3.0%hydrogen peroxide in a handy dark-colored spray bottle for kitchen use. Spray the bottled disinfectant into the washed cutting board. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse and hang dry. 

If using other disinfectants and detergents always follow manufacturers’ instructions for proper use, like recommended dilution, material-compatibility, storage; and also its safe use. 

That is how simple and easy to clean and disinfect a cutting board. It is applicable to any type of cutting board materials.

Do you like this article? If you do and want to know more please leave a comment and questions below and don’t forget to follow. If you find this article lacking please feel free to post reactions, suggestions, and corrections. And also follow to help this blog to create better content. Thank you!

As always keep it clean and simple. Enjoy!

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Last Updated February 2017.). Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008.  Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/