Wood cutting boards are kitchen essentials—durable, reliable, and often beautiful. But they can also be a bit high-maintenance, especially when colorful sauces like ketchup find their way onto the surface. Don’t worry, though—removing ketchup stains from a wooden cutting board is easier than you think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your board looking fresh again.
Why Wood Can Stain Easily
Before we dive in, it’s good to know why wood stains so easily. Wood is porous, which means it can soak up liquids (and colors) like a sponge. Ketchup, with its tomato base and vibrant red hue, can leave behind a stubborn tint if not cleaned quickly.
Let’s fix that.
What You’ll Need:
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- White vinegar or lemon juice
- Coarse salt (like kosher salt)
- A scrub brush or sponge
- Clean cloth or paper towels
- Mineral oil or cutting board conditioner (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Act Fast (if possible)
If the ketchup spill is fresh, wipe it up with a paper towel right away. The quicker you catch it, the less chance it has to stain.
2. Initial Clean
Wash the board with warm water and dish soap. Scrub the stained area gently but thoroughly with a sponge or dish brush. Rinse and check the stain. If it’s still there, move to the next step.
3. Make a Baking Soda Paste
Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply it directly onto the stained area and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. This helps draw out the stain without damaging the wood.
4. Add Some Acid
For extra power, sprinkle the paste with a little white vinegar or lemon juice. It will fizz a bit—this is a good sign! Gently scrub the area with your sponge or brush.
5. Scrub with Salt (Optional but Effective)
If the stain is still lingering, try this: sprinkle some coarse salt over the stain and use half a lemon to scrub it in. This acts as a natural abrasive and deodorizer. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
6. Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Once the stain is gone (or mostly gone), rinse the board well with warm water. Wipe it dry with a clean cloth, then let it air-dry completely—standing up if possible to avoid trapping moisture underneath.
7. Condition the Board
If your board is looking a little dry after all that cleaning, give it some love with a bit of food-grade mineral oil. Rub it in, let it soak for a few hours or overnight, then wipe off the excess. This helps protect the wood and keep it looking its best.
Tips to Prevent Future Stains
- Oil your board regularly – this fills in the pores and makes it harder for liquids to soak in.
- Don’t let stains sit – clean up spills quickly.
- Avoid soaking the board – water can warp the wood and make it more prone to damage.
Ketchup might be delicious, but it doesn’t belong permanently on your cutting board. With a little know-how and some kitchen staples, you can lift even tough stains and keep your board in great shape for years to come.
