Viral Hacks Checked

Lemon & Salt on Cutting Boards: Myth or Handy Hack? (Video)

1:37 minWatch on YouTube

Read the full written guide: Clean a Chopping Board with Lemon and Salt? Verdict →

We test the viral lemon-salt trick for cleaning cutting boards and explain what it actually does. You’ll learn the real steps to keep your board safe after raw meat and a simple colour-code system that stops cross-contamination.

The video breaks down the science, shows the proper cleaning routine, and tells you when it’s time to replace a board. It’s practical kitchen advice, not medical guidance.

Show the full transcript

Transcript

Half a lemon and salt to kill germs? Let's find out.

Half a lemon and salt to kill germs? Let's find out.

Lemon & Salt Hack

We'll put the lemon-salt combo to the test and see if it really cleans your board, then share the one simple habit that actually keeps it safe.

Verdict

The verdict? Lemon and salt are great at masking odors and lifting surface stains, but they don’t eliminate the microscopic germs that cause food poisoning. So they’re a nice deodoriser, not a reliable sanitizer.

What lemon & salt do

Salt works as a mild abrasive, scrubbing away stuck bits and oil, while lemon juice’s acidity helps break down pigments and neutralise fishy or onion smells. Together they freshen the board, but they don’t kill bacteria.

After raw chicken

After handling raw chicken, first scrape any meat bits into the trash, not the sink. Then wash the board with hot, soapy water using a brush, rinse thoroughly, and stand it upright to dry completely. This removes residue and prevents moisture buildup.

Two-board colour code

A simple colour-code system works wonders. Reserve a board, ideally a bright colour or marked on the back, for raw meat and fish only. Use a second board for vegetables, fruit, bread, and anything you’ll eat raw. This stops cross-contamination before it starts.

Wood, plastic or other

Wood boards need hand-washing with hot, soapy water and should be dried upright, never soaked, because water can cause cracks and splitting. Plastic boards can go in the dishwasher if the maker says it’s safe, but deep grooves still trap food. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for bamboo or composite boards.

Lemon amount

The recipe calls for just half a lemon, enough acidity to lift stains without overwhelming the board.

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Read the full guide

The full guide is on thecareonline.com. General information only, so check with your doctor for your own case.

Nothing on The Care Online is medical advice. Traditional practices are described as tradition, not as fact. Take a persistent or serious concern to a qualified professional. See how videos and posts are made on our methodology page.