subject: Why You Should Use A Cutting Board [print this page] The importance of a cutting board is second to none in any kitchen whether it's professional or residential. For starters, you know it's clean. In addition to that, it's a way to ensure your counters are not in danger of being damaged by sharp knives.
Counters in many homes have been damaged in this way, time and again. The unfortunate thing is that they will continue to be damaged this way because people resist changing their own habits. So, replacement is the only solution because the damage is so evident.
Obviously, this is a very expensive renovation that could always be avoided if the use of a cutting board becomes a habit. But, how do you go about choosing the right kind? Is plastic good or should you choose a wooden one?
Ultimately, it's your choice. Certainly, if you are a professional chef, you would prefer the obvious wooden board. It is the optimum choice. But there is maintenance involved. It isn't cleaned thoroughly and sealed every so often, it will end up warping or splitting. On the other hand, you can always opt for a plastic which can help you get your job done quite well. Glass should really be avoided as it is too hard a surface.
The bottom line is, not only will you be protecting your counter, you will also be protecting your knives. You should know that any time you use a knife on a hard surface, you are damaging it to some extent. So, it won't be as sharp as the next time you want to use it.
Having said all that, you must ensure that your cutting board is disinfected otherwise cross-contamination can occur. Of course, you can use bleach but, there is a natural bleach that is available and probably in your kitchen cupboards: vinegar. Just mix vinegar with water and you know that your surface is germ free.
