Where To Store Cutting Boards In Your Kitchen

After cooking, it is hard to look for spots to store your equipment. More specifically, cutting boards are a pain to store. Should they be near the sink, in the cabinet, or on a countertop? If you are wondering where to keep your cutting boards, we are here to help.

Looking for a spot to keep your cutting boards is not an easy task. The amount of space in the kitchen can limit where you can place it. So, here are some ideas on where to store your cutting boards:

• Kitchen cabinet
• Pull-our drawer
• Bar blocks
• Wire organizer
• Towel rods installed under shelves
• Dedicated cutting board basket

While these ideas sound interesting, you may be wondering what these spots may require you to do. Some will need you to install towel rods. Others will not require anything at all! Whatever way you choose to store the cutting board, each will have its specific advantage over the other. Keep reading ahead to find out more!

Out Of Sight & Out Of Mind

Chances are you have more than one cutting board that you need to store away. Of course, some may prefer keeping them out of sight. Is such a thing possible? It is! But, some additional steps are required.

Hide It In The Kitchen Cabinet

The first option you have is hiding it in the kitchen cabinet. While you can do that already, you can buy or build your own dedicated cutting board cabinet. These types of shelves can hold a cutting board and cutlery. For a visual example, here is a YouTube video showcasing the steps to install it:

Pull Out Drawer

If you have extra space on the lower cabinet, you can consider transforming it into a pull-out cabinet. Manufacturers like Rev-A-Shelf offer great storage alternatives. So, not only can you store a cutting board, you can store baking sheets and more! This way, you can maximize the usage of your space.

Click here to see this product on Amazon.

Add Bar Blocks

Of course, some of us do not have the option to use the drawers we already have. That space might already have tools inside. So, what can you do? You can add an extension!

Instead of renovating a spot for storage, you can avoid the hassle by adding a bar block. Manufacturers like HenryBuilt make small cubicles that hold cutting boards and other utensils. This method utilizes unused space that may be present on the counter. This solution is perfect for kitchen islands. 

Creative Storage

Wire Organizer & Alternative

The next option you might consider is to install a wire organizer on the interior of a cabinet door. You only need screws and a wire organizer to get this storage method going. It keeps the cutting board out of sight and easily accessible. 

If you do not like the idea of using a wire organizer, you can switch it out for a magazine holder! The idea of using a wire organizer might seem wrong because they look like they would not hold a cutting board well. However, magazine holders have just the right amount of height and space to store your boards appropriately. 

Towel Rods

If you do not mind messing with your shelves/cabinets, you can get creative with storing your cutting boards. The first option is to use a towel hanger. Instead of installing it on a wall, opt to place it under a shelf. You will have to use two towel hangers to give the boards enough support. 

Use A Basket

If you have plenty of floor space, you place a basket and dedicate it to holding cutting boards. It may or may not look the best. However, it serves its purpose well.

How Do You Store Wooden Cutting Boards?

The cleaning of a cutting board receives is usually an afterthought to most. However, it is at this point where you can make or break it. In other words, how you store your cutting board after using it will determine its lifespan. Wood expands and shrinks, depending on the humidity and temperature. During this process, cracks can form and will welcome deposits of bacteria. 

For this reason, it is essential to know how to store a wooden cutting board. So, how can you preserve the cutting board to your best ability? The first step is properly washing it. Some suggest you rinse the board and wipe it with a cloth after use. If you were handling raw ingredients, you should rinse the board with dishwashing soap. 

Additionally, store the board after you have dried it. It is essential to let it dry. If you are wondering, yes, that means you should not keep wooden cutting boards in a dishwasher. It is the least ideal place for it to be. 

Lastly, you have to establish a maintenance routine to preserve your cutting board. Before oiling it, you should rub lemon juice or white vinegar on the surface. After this process, you add salt and continue rubbing. Leave the board to soak up the juice/vinegar and salt. 

After 15 minutes, rinse the board and completely dry it. You can oil it afterward. If you would like to know the best oil for cutting boards, check out our post here.

Where Should Kitchen Cutting Boards Be Placed?

Ideally, you can place a cutting board anywhere. However, we can not pinpoint how you use one. If you use a cutting board to handle raw meat, there are some concerns you might want to know. More specifically, the issue of cross-contamination. 

If you do not clean your boards well, bacteria will be present. And, if you use the same board to cut fruits or vegetables, you risk cross-contamination. Thus, you should keep the boards away from areas where you will handle food. It is better to be on the safe side. 

How Do You Keep A Wooden Cutting Board Sanitary?

As mentioned above, you must establish a maintenance routine to keep your wooden cutting board sanitary. For some time, many have thought that wooden cutting boards are more unsanitary than plastic ones. However, research shows they generate the same results. When you cut on the board, you leave grooves where bacteria can deposit. They found that plastic boards are easier to sanitize. 

Does that mean the reverse for wooden cutting boards? Not really. You will need to scrub and sanitize it with lemon juice or vinegar along with salt. However, if you see that your board has deep grooves, it might be time to replace it. For more information on how long a cutting board should last, check out our post here.

How Do You Store A Cutting Board On A Countertop?

If you wish to keep your cutting board on the countertop, there are a few things to consider. First, you will have to make sure it sits in a spot that does not suffer from high dust accumulation. This concern is not that big of a problem since you will likely be using the cutting board daily or regularly. 

Additionally, if you have a wooden cutting board, you do not want to leave it in an area with a lot of moisture. Letting your cutting board get drenched in water is not ideal. Some suggest you use the cutting board as decor! It can act as a tray and hold some of your kitchen essentials. 

How Do You Display A Cutting Board On A Kitchen Counter?

As mentioned above, there are many ways you can store a cutting board. However, it can also double as decor. Use it to hold kitchen essentials. If that is not enough for your taste, dedicate a spot to showcase your cutting board. As some suggest, you can showcase jars and add a houseplant to accentuate the look! 

Final Takeaway

Finding spots to store cutting boards is not an easy task. Space is usually limited. Additionally, sometimes we need help sparking that creativity that we all have! We hope you found the information above informative and insightful. Go out and get those cutting boards stored however you would like!