Revive Your Discolored Cutting Board with These Tips - No More Orange Stains!

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various methods for removing orange stains from cutting boards, particularly those that have been washed in a dishwasher. Participants share their experiences and suggestions for cleaning products and techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses urgency about their cutting board being orange after washing it, seeking immediate solutions.
  • Several participants suggest using bleach or a diluted bleach solution as a cleaning method.
  • Another participant mentions avoiding bleach and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers due to health concerns, proposing lemon juice or vinegar instead.
  • Some participants discuss the potential carcinogenic properties of certain cleaning products, including Mr. Clean Magic Erasers.
  • One participant shares that their cutting boards typically turn orange from washing items with tomato paste.
  • Another participant notes that using an orange rinse agent could cause discoloration on cutting boards.
  • Several users mention their cleaning preferences, including using peroxide as a safer alternative to bleach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness and safety of various cleaning methods, with no clear consensus on the best approach to remove the orange stains.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences with cleaning cutting boards, including the types of stains encountered and the products they prefer to use.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who encounter similar issues with cutting board maintenance or are interested in cleaning product alternatives may find this discussion relevant.

P
peichef
Messages
1,200
Help!! I have a show in a couple of hours & my cutting board w measuring cups is ORANGE. It came out of the dishwasher that way -- my other one (lg grooved) is fine.
I want to take my cutting brd w meas. cups tonight??

Baking powder hasn't worked

WHAT WILL MAKE MY CUTTING BOARD WHITE(R) AGAIN????
 
Do you have a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser? Those work well sometimes.If not, try bleach.
 
what about a daluted bleach mixture?
 
Try a weak bleach solution (a little bleach in water) or cleanser with bleach (like Soft Scrub). If you don't have bleach, use peroxide.
 
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Gee-- lookit all of us typing at once. :D
 
And, we all gave just about the same answer. Great minds . . .
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
2 problems -- i don't keep bleach in the house & I don't go near Mr Clean Magic erasers because they are carcinogenic:(Would lemon juice work?? Vinegar?? (my 2 favourite cleaning products)
 
The thing about Mr Clean being carcinogenic is an urban legend, although I wouldn't want to use one on a food prep surface anyway.

Lemon juice or vinegar might work. It's worth a shot. :)
 
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  • Thread starter
  • #9
Mr Clean Magic Erasers contain formaldehyde. There was a huge documentary on our Nat;'l broadcasting network (CBC) almost 2 yrs ago about hidden carcinogens & toxins in foods & household producs -- a show similar to 60 minutes. Very credible. All that is beside the point, though .... my cutting board looks icky:(
 
Do you have an automatic dishwasher? If so, do you use liquid dishwasher detergent? Soaking for a while in a strong solution of liquid dishwasher detergent and water might work.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
interesting-- I assume the tv show they mention is the one I saw. If it is so safe, though, why don't they list the "ingredients" on the packaging???
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
I do have a dishwasher -- it was orange when it emerged from it!?!? I have tried soaking it, scrubbing with baking powder paste. It is horrible looking. I guess I'll have to take my other cutting brd tonight :(
 
Generally, my cutting boards (and other things) only turn orange when I've washed them with something covered in tomato paste. Soaking it in a strong solution of dishwasher liquid and water is basically like bleaching it.
 
Based on what you've posted that you have and feel comfortrable using, try soaking it in some vinegar or lemon juice. What's it gonna hurt? It just might work, and then you can take your preferred board.

But I still wanna know what in the dishwasher made it turn orange. :yuck:
 
For those interested, here's the msds sheet for magic erasers: http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=16003386I don't use them cuz I find baking soda works wonders and is a lot cheaper and more practical (I can use to clean, bake and a whole lot more - I actually have book for ideas I never even considered. LOL)
 
I agree with Ann, I haven't had my turn orange but i use mr clean all through my house and my kids and i haven't gotten sick, I probably go through bleach like crazy i should own stock in it lol I have asmtha so i am constantly cleaning i never want the mold to dare have the chance to build up 409 works good it cleans up koolaide messy my kids make off our counter top try that one it might work i let it soak for a few mins then scrub it and make sure you just wash it really well with dish soap
 
I bleach my cutting boards every few weeks...
 
If you use orange rinse agent that could turn your white stuff an orange tint. My PC scraper handle from 2005 with the orange scraper part turned a tint of orange in my dishwasher. At the time I was using Jet Dry rinse agent and it was orange. That's the only thing I can think of that would have turned it orange.
 
Ooh- if you have asthma you should use peroxide instead of bleach. Peroxide isn't as dangerous as bleach.

Think about it for a second: bleach is chlorine. Chlorine gas was used in WWI as a weapon. It's poisonous. Even though you're using it in liquid form, you're still inhaling the fumes. Yuck. Peroxide also kills germs, but isn't as harmful to people.
 
Thanks ann, i haven't heard of using that before people always jokes about how my house is clean enough to eat off the floor lol my husband when we 1st got married thought my cleaning was out of controll and when we moved from our previous house to this one and it had a mold problem we didn't know about and i got horrid sick so now he is just as bad with cleaning now too, I think my kids are getting those habits too
 
I have found that carrots will color my cutting boards orange, if they are on it long enough.

As for cleaning them, my favorite product is Clorox Clean-up! It's basically a diluted bleach/water solution, but I love it! It is in a spray bottle, so I don't get bleach on my clothes...used to somehow to "splatter" it, no matter how careful I was!!

That being said, fresh lemon juice should also work! (may just take a little bit longer, that's all!)

Best wishes!
Paula
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes orange stains on cutting boards?

Orange stains on cutting boards are often caused by the natural pigments in certain foods, particularly carrots, tomatoes, and some spices. These pigments can seep into the porous surface of the cutting board, leading to discoloration over time.

How can I prevent orange stains on my cutting board?

To prevent orange stains, consider using a dedicated cutting board for staining foods, or apply a food-safe mineral oil to the board regularly. This creates a protective barrier that can help reduce staining and prolong the life of your cutting board.

What are some effective methods to remove orange stains?

Effective methods to remove orange stains include using a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste, which can be scrubbed onto the stained area. Alternatively, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice, both of which have natural bleaching properties, to help lift the stains.

Is it safe to use bleach on my cutting board to remove stains?

It is not recommended to use bleach on cutting boards, especially those made of wood or bamboo, as it can damage the material and leave harmful residues. Instead, opt for natural cleaning solutions like vinegar or baking soda for safer stain removal.

How often should I clean and maintain my cutting board?

It's best to clean your cutting board after each use, especially after cutting staining foods. Additionally, deep clean and condition your board with mineral oil every few weeks to maintain its appearance and prevent stains from setting in.

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