KOMPAS.com – There are two types of cutting boards, namely wood and plastic, which are often used in the kitchen.
Every cooking utensil certainly has a lifespan and needs to be replaced periodically. Moreover, plastic cutting boards can possibly spread bacteria such as salmonella, E.colli, and listeria.
However, plastic cutting boards are quite safe to use if they are properly sanitized. If the cutting board has stains that are difficult to remove, it should be replaced.
Check out the explanation of how often you should replace plastic cutting boards at home, quoted from the page Thespruceeats.com.
Also read: 4 Dirtiest Things in the Kitchen, Apparently They Are Often Touched
Selecting and using a cutting board
Although cutting boards can harbor germs, plastic cutting boards are better than wooden ones because they are non-porous, making them better for cutting raw meat.
For hygiene reasons, it is better to have a separate cutting board for cutting food. Use one for fresh produce and bread, then use the other for raw meat.
Also read: How to Store Kitchen Spices in Silicone Containers, Lined with Tissue
Having different cutting boards can help prevent bacteria from raw meat from spreading to foods that don’t need to be cooked.
Making sure to have different colors can help remember which is which for vegetables and raw meat.
Also read: 8 Tips to Eliminate Bad Odors in the Kitchen After Cooking
How to clean a cutting board
Wash cutting boards with soap and hot water every time you use them. Rinse until the water runs clear then pat dry or use a napkin to dry.
If the cutting board is used for raw fish, meat, or poultry, the American Cleaning Institute recommends cleaning it with a bleach solution.
Mix one tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Flood the surface of the board, let the liquid sit for a few minutes then rinse and dry.
Also read: How to Clean a Greasy Kitchen After a Big Cookout
Conclusion
Good cleaning methods can help extend the life of plastic cutting boards, but they need to be replaced regularly.
Jessica Ek, a spokesperson for the American Cleaning Institute, says plastic cutting boards should last at least a year, and possibly up to five years, depending on how often they are used.
Also read: How to Store Kitchen Spices in Silicone Containers, Lined with Tissue
