how to clean a granite cutting board

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Here's how: In order to remove pesky stains from your plastic cutting boards, trying using a paste made of 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon of water. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. #7: Our exclusive all-in-one cutting board maintenance kit, with mineral oil, wood wax and applicator cloth. The 9 Best Granite Cleaners of 2023 What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Microfiber cloths Spray bottle Small bowl Dust mop Materials Dishwashing liquid Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol Baking soda Hydrogen peroxide Plastic food wrap Tape Vegetable oil Instructions The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa How to Clean Granite Daily However, it's very important to make sure you're cleaning your granite correctly you could cause permanent damage if you don't. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. "Pour kosher salt on the stain and add a small amount of water," says Cook. Its strong ingredients will not only dull the shine, but it can also remove any sealant to the point that the underlying stone will become pitted. 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). If you have an oil-based stain, substitute water for hydrogen peroxide. Granite is a highly durable and stain-resistant material that leads many to think it is indestructible. She adds, "Stand the board on its edge until completely dry, then store flat after it's dry." Whatever you do, do not let water or juices of any kind set on a board for . 8. Try not rubbing or spreading with the cloth but instead try blotting and then wiping it off. Even with diligent washing and sanitizing, odors might start to cling to your wood cutting board. Rinse the towel with clean water and use it to wipe the area once again. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. A professional can run a warped board through a wood planer, but there's going to have to be some modification. Prized for its beauty, the stone is used for kitchen and bathroom vanity countertops as well as backsplashes, desktops, fireplace mantels, and even floor tiles. Allow the paste to dry on the board completely, and then gently scrape it off using a bench scraper or metal spatula. 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. The key to the proper cleaning of granite is using the right type of products and, fortunately, many of them can be found in your pantry. However, you may want to test this first by scrubbing a small area of your board, since certain types of wood or finishes may react differently to any cleaning solution. A mild soapy solution is one of the best ways to clean granite to remove everyday dirt. Scrub the stain using a sponge or nylon brush moistened with hot water. It also aids in antimicrobial properties. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Granite floors should be swept or dust mopped daily to remove grit and loose soil which can scratch the finish. In addition to allowing the wood to dry fully, oxygen is a good sanitizer. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Small fissures in the stone may cause cracks if subjected toexcessive weight. Use a soft cloth to wipe the granite surface, using a circular motion. To keep your granite shiny and clean, perform regular cleanings every week, use deep cleanings if the granite hasnt been properly cleaned in some time, and avoid common mistakes like using vinegar or acidic cleaners. Read to see what we recommend. Pour baking soda into a container or bowl and add hydrogen peroxide, one teaspoon at a time, to the powder. If the water disperses or soaks into the wood, your board needs more oil. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. To clean countertops and backsplashes near stovetops, mix a cleaning solution of one cup of cool water and one cup of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol in a spray bottle. 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. Once the sandpaper becomes clogged or worn down, switch to a new piece. Simply rinse the board and place it in the dishwasher to clean. Let sit for a few minutes before rinsing off. Apply pressure over the plastic so that it adheres to the paste and secure it in place with a piece of tape. If hand washing isn't your thing, composite cutting boards are the way to go. If there are any stubborn stains, you can create a slurry of baking soda and water and gently rub the mixture onto the board using a Scotch-Brite sponge. Make sure that your dish soap is pH neutral and doesnt contain any acidic elements. According to Allison Samuels, founder of Two Trees Studios, mildew tends to collect on the very perimeter of the board, which is where youve been standing it up to dry. If you really want to salvage your board, the pros recommend contacting a professional woodworker for advice or, if youre up for a project, sanding off the mildew. Unfortunately, using the wrong types of cleaners causes damage to granite. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. You dont need to disinfect it unless youre using it to prepare raw meat. Combine just enough water and baking soda in a bowl to form a paste-like substance. You can pick up a bottle of John Boos Mystery Oil in a single bottle or by the pack, as it's recommended to oil your board every 3 to 4 weeks. "To prevent cross-contamination, designate one cutting board for ready-to-eat items such as bread and fresh produce, and a separate cutting board for raw meat and poultry," says Sana Mujahid, PhD, manager of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports. This will make your granite shine like new, and has the added benefit of disinfecting it. Granite construction provides a easy surface for preparing vegetables and working with dough for pastries Feeling lucky? Slice a lemon in half and dip the cut side into a bowl of coarse salt, then rub vigorously into the board. For more cleaning power, use a lemon half to scrub the abrasive baking soda or salt. Wash and dry the board. After cleaning your granite countertop, apply a small amount of cooking oil to a microfiber cloth. Bamboo cutting boards are fairly popular because they have a similar look to wooden cutting boards but are less susceptible to warping, splitting, and scrapes (and hence less of a haven for bacteria). #6: Premium 2-1/4" thick American Maple with side handles. This makes them great for carving meat. Proceed in the same way for each subsequent grit. . Create your St. Patrick's Day menu from our selection of appetizers and main courses (we included a few drinks, too!). Just be sure to stand the board upright after spraying to let it air-dry completely before storing it. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 9,897 times. If a little bit of the stain remains, you can repeat the treatment. Avoid cutting directly on the countertop. We independently review everything we recommend. You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to. Consider regular oiling and conditioning. Warped cutting board? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Using a white cloth prevents possible . Retrieve your username. Many of these cleaners are harmful to the surface. 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. A ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part alcohol with 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap works well at killing bacteria, cutting grease and protecting the shine. Here's how to wash them by hand: Like a wooden cutting board, food-grade mineral oil ($11; Amazon) may be used to keep the bamboo from drying out, and to protect water from entering the board. Granite floors are beautiful in their own right. "Do not cut on one spot of the cutting board constantly," says Cook. Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Toss it and buy a new one.