how to clean a granite cutting board

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. To clean granite countertops, mix warm water with a bit of dishwashing liquid to create a cleaning solution. That said, granite does require specific cleaners to remove dirt and grime. The Best Surface Cleaners, Wipes, and Disinfectants This is how to clean, care for, and restore. You can also use warm water and 2 teaspoons of dishwashing soap if you dont have any granite-specific cleaner around, but a special granite cleaner is designed to keep granite healthy during a deep clean. If youve only sliced bread, just brush away the crumbs or wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth or paper towel. For more cleaning power, use a lemon half to scrub the abrasive baking soda or salt. Receive the latest Home & Garden Tips by entering your email below: We respect your privacy and take protecting it very seriously. The next day, use a fresh paper towel to wipe off any excess residue. Immediately after cleaning your bamboo cutting board, pat it dry with a dish towel to avoid letting water soak into the board. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. If you're looking for a golden idea, you're in luck. Acidic foods like pickles, ketchup, and soft drinks can damage the finish. Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home. Non-porous and durable, a granite cutting board is what you need if you're looking for an alternative to plastic and wood boards. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Use Cutting Boards Granite countertops are so tough that they will actually dull a kitchen knife used on the surface. It's also important to store the board indoors where it's climate-controlled. Whether you're working with artisan hardwood cutting boards or more affordable plastic cutting boards, we'll teach you how to properly clean and care for your cutting boards. The acidic lemon juice acts as a cleaner and will also help deodorize the board. If hand washing isn't your thing, composite cutting boards are the way to go. Certain wood fillers can be used to fill minor cracks. Debbie Wolfe Disinfect the Board Pour the 3% hydrogen peroxide over the board. The USDA does suggest using a dilute solution of chlorine bleach and water to sanitize boards. Youll need to do several rounds of sanding, starting with a coarser-grit sandpaper and gradually working toward a finer-grit one. Others only seal the most porous granite slabs and simply polish granite that isnt as porous. Simply rinse the board and place it in the dishwasher to clean. Its a bit of a project, and it requires some elbow grease, so plan for an hour or more. If your board has any sour or mold-like smell, you can also put a cup of baking powder onto the board and pour a cup of white vinegar over the board. Do not use harsh cleaners such as Comet or bleach to remove stains from granite. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Quality wooden boards should last for a long time, especially if you care for them properly. Most desktops and mantles simply require weekly dustings. Even the acidic nature of distilled white vinegar and lemon juice can dull the finish of granite over time. To disinfect, use a commercial product specifically for granite or other natural stone surfaces. Do not use other organic oils, as the fats in those oils can and will spoil, turning rancid and causing your cutting board to stink. Let it sit for at least half an hour and then use a clean, wet cloth to wipe away the residue. Wipe the entire . Clean and straightforward, this large marble cutting board provides generous space for different tasks. Whichever way your granite was finished, you dont want to ruin the shine. Wipe it on the countertop and then use another microfiber cloth to buff the finish to a glossy shine. Be sure to clean any crevices where food and bacteria may hide. They also don't get as many scrapes from consistent use as plastic cutting boards. Swish the water to make a soapy solution. One of the few natural oils that you can use is coconut oil, which will not go rancid for some time (but is not immune to eventually spoiling). Do not allow the board to soak in the solution. Composite cutting boards are popular due to their durability. Coat the board with beeswax to seal in the oil. Stand the cutting board up to dry. In this tutorial I will teach you how to produce Walnut epoxy resin cutting boards that you can make as a gift for any special occasion or Holiday, or keep them for yourself and enjoy the beauty for practical use or decor. After cleaning your countertop with a soapy solution, use isopropyl alcohol for granite cleaning and disinfecting. But with proper installation, some preventive maintenance, and proper cleaning, granite can maintain its good looks and last for decades. Stand the cutting board up to dry. But these handy kitchen helpers require a little TLC in order to keep up appearances. Scrub Away Stains If there is discoloration on the board, sprinkle the area with a liberal amount of baking soda. Remove the plastic wrap and allow the mixture to dry completely, then wipe away. They're made from heavy-duty resin material, which unfortunately makes them a little tougher on knives. It's a very simple process: Wipe the board down with warm, soapy water and towel dry, says Mandy Cook of John Boos & Co., makers of heirloom-quality wooden cutting boards. Last Updated: June 5, 2019 "Pour kosher salt on the stain and add a small amount of water," says Cook. Never put a wood board or other wood items (like salad bowls and spoons) in the dishwasher or submerge them in a sink full of water because theyll warp and/or crack. Dirty dishes? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Learn how to clean and maintain your cutting boards whether they're wooden, plastic, bamboo, or composite. Instead, use a granite cleaner such as Granite Gold, or make a mild solution with soap and water. The finish may become slippery and cause falls. Properly conditioning your board also creates a protective barrier against moisture, and this helps keep the board clean and makes it less likely to warp or crack. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If a little bit of the stain remains, you can repeat the treatment. 9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown. Gently scrub your board with a sponge and hot, soapy water (we recommend using a mild unscented dish soap, such as Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dish Liquid). First, rubfood-grade mineral oil and then a beeswax-based cream into the wood using a paper towel. Open joints in the board can create a trap for bacteria. #4: For the knife afficionado, hinoki is regarded as the best wood to use for cutting. Raw meat may contain bacteria that can cause foodborne illness, and you dont want to transfer that bacteria to other foods. Allow the liquid to sit on the surface of the granite for about one minute to disinfect the counter. If you cant clean your board right after preparing food, just leave it on your counter until you can get to it. If you're noticing a sour smell, or just want to give your board a good deep clean, try this method. Unfortunately, using the wrong types of cleaners causes damage to granite. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Now it's prepped for a stronger cleansing. If stains have set and are difficult to remove (red wine, colored drinks) create a stain-removing paste. Stain removal Quartz is nonporous as well as scratch and stain-resistant. This is key to flushing bacteria off the surface of the cutting board. Alternatively, to help eliminate odors, you can spritz the surface of a board with a solution of 25% distilled white vinegar and 75% water. Sand the rough surface of a cutting board. Not only is it easy to remove dirt and stains using simple and mild ingredients such as dish soap and baking soda, but they bring out the natural luster of granite. Granite construction provides a easy surface for preparing vegetables and working with dough for pastries Deck yourself out in green and celebrate everything Irish with our absolute favorite St. Patrick's Day recipes for brunch and dinner. Toss it and buy a new one. Granite floors should be swept or dust mopped daily to remove grit and loose soil which can scratch the finish. This article has been viewed 9,897 times. Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home. Combine the water and rubbing alcohol in a bottle sprayer and shake well to mix. Clean the floor of any sand and dust by sweeping away the debris with a dust mop. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Although plastic can handle the dishwasher (unlike wooden cutting boards), it's best to hand wash in order to lengthen the lifespan of your boards and prevent warping. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Scientific evidence shows that in cleaning, the volume of water matters more than anything, as it washes away bacteria and particles, so make sure you run it under lots of water and especially on scarred sections that are good at trapping food particles. Do Not Use Tile or Grout Cleaners Never use tile or grout cleaners to clean your granite countertops. Even with diligent washing and sanitizing, odors might start to cling to your wood cutting board. But wed recommend that you use a separate plastic board for meat, poultry, or seafood, and a wood board for everything else. While not a part of cleaning, its always good practice after your board is dried to rub mineral oil onto your cutting board. You May Also Like: Best Kitchen Knife Set. Clean the area with a clean microfiber cloth. To clean using hot water, sponge and a light amount of soap, scrub off any foods and fluids that have come into touch with the board.