I tried Stanley Tucci’s unusual method for cleaning a chopping board – and it's actually brilliant
Simple yet effective, Tucci's surprising method restored my old wooden chopping board to near new


If there's a celebrity who really knows his food – it's Stanley Tucci.
The actor-turned-chef has become somewhat of an internet sensation for his quick cooking tips and tricks. This time, it was a recent video showcasing how Tucci cleans his chopping block with a knife that caught our eye, and I couldn't wait to put it to the test.
Taking cleaning tips from Tucci to restore my cutting board to near new, I grabbed my old chopping board, knife, and a bottle of olive oil and got to work – and the results seriously surprised me.
I tried Stanley Tucci's unusual method for cleaning a chopping board
I use wooden chopping boards daily in the kitchen, washing them thoroughly after use, but I'm still often left wondering just how clean they really are. Enter: Stanley Tucci's Monday morning ritual.
A post shared by Stanley Tucci (@stanleytucci)
A photo posted by on
Posted alongside the caption of 'What else would I be doing on a Monday morning?' Tucci explains, 'I'm scraping down the chopping block, because it gets kind of gross, so I do that and then oil it.' As bizarre as it might appear, this method works by smoothing the board, and removing any bacteria from the top layer of wood, leaving it clean and sanitary. As I've been looking for ways to care for my wooden cutting board, I decided to give his simple, two-step process a go.
You will need:
- A wooden chopping board/ block
- An old knife: I used one that was already blunt, but you can always re-sharpen knives using a sharpener, such as the 4-in-1 Knife Sharpener available at Amazon.
- A bottle of affordable olive oil: such as the Great Value Classic Olive Oil available at Walmart.
- Kitchen roll: such as the Scott Choose-a-Sheet Paper Towels available at Walmart.
Step 1. Scrape
I began by washing my cutting board and leaving it to dry, using dish soap and warm water. I recommend the Fairy Original Liquid available at Amazon, before wiping down with a cotton tea towel, such as the top-rated Coyuchi Organic Waffle Kitchen Towel available at Anthropologie, before leaving to completely dry on a rack.
Then, armed with my knife, I began scraping away at the top layer of my chopping board and was surprised at how easily the wood peeled away thinly.
Granted, the board I was cleaning was a lot smaller than Tucci's, but it worked in just the same way. I continued scraping until the board was an even color, before tipping the shavings into the trash.
Step 2. Oil
Next, it was time to oil my board, which is important when cleaning and caring for cutting boards as it prevents the wood from drying out and becoming porous to bacteria. So, forgetting to do so is a mistake to avoid when cleaning kitchenware.
I used a paper towel to do this, and simply poured the oil on, before spreading it in an even layer. This made the board look shiny and restored, and I was instantly impressed with the results. I then left it to dry overnight, and it was ready for use in the morning.
My verdict?
Stanley Tucci's method does really work, but it is time-consuming. I think I will incorporate it into my weekly achievable cleaning routine, to have my boards looking good as new, but I will stick to regular washing for daily use.
As Tucci says, 'I'm going to take a picture of it later and post it,' about his board, I'm not sure mine was quite Instagram-worthy, but it's clean, and most importantly hygienic.
FAQs
Can you put wooden chopping boards in the dishwasher?
As tempting as it might be, wooden chopping boards cannot be put in a dishwasher. This will cause them to crack, warp, and eventually break, and these cracks become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, particularly when using them to slice raw meat.
To avoid any dishwasher mistakes, always hand wash wooden boards, spoons, and serveware.
How do you disinfect a chopping board naturally?
Tucci's method is natural, but if your board requires more sanitization, you can use a spray bottle filled with white vinegar to clean it. This will neutralize odors and naturally disinfect it, and you can also rub it with half a lemon to further clean it.
After testing Tucci's method, I was keen to try some more cleaning hacks. This baking soda trick for a streak-free floor is next on my list, which is quick, easy, and super affordable to try, using only baking soda, vinegar, dish soap and hot water.
Next, learn why our head of Solved swapped her plastic chopping board for a glass one.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.

Ottilie joined Homes & Gardens last year, after finishing a Master's in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. With previous contributions in Livingetc and Motorsport Magazine, she produces content for the Solved section on the website, focusing on clever tips and tricks to keep your home beautiful, organized and clean. She also has a Master's degree in English Literature and History of Art from the University of Edinburgh, where she developed a love for inspiring interiors and architecture.
-
Martha Stewart's outdoor zoning method is the secret to seamless hosting for summer 2025 – it's changed how I arrange furniture on my patio
11 years ago, Martha shared an intelligent way to organize your outdoor space for hosting season – it's just as smart over a decade later
By Megan Slack
-
I've just discovered blue laundry detergent is toxic to humans and the environment – this is the safer, plant-based alternative laundry experts recommend
I’ve switched to Ecover dye-free liquid detergent to knock unnecessary toxins out of my laundry cycle for good
By Punteha van Terheyden
-
This is one of the worst things you can do to your vacuum cleaner – experts warn it will slash its lifespan by years and damage the motor
Overfilling your vacuum can cause real, long-term damage and is best avoided
By Dan Fauzi
-
This is the single best upright vacuum we've ever tested – and it's on offer with $130 off at Shark for a limited time only
You won't want to miss this one
By Dan Fauzi
-
I'm an expert vacuum tester, and no, you really don't need a mattress vacuum – here's what to use instead
Before investing in a new gadget, the tried-and-true methods still work
By Dan Fauzi
-
Should you dry your clothes outside if you have hayfever? Allergy specialists warn sufferers to steer clear of this 'major trigger'
Doing so can trigger asthma, coughing, itchy eyes and more
By Sophie Warren-Smith
-
'It's not something I'm willing to budge on' – shoes on vs. shoes off, what type of household are you?
Our professional cleaners are all in agreement on this one, but would you consider a switch?
By Ottilie Blackhall
-
Bissell Hard Floor Expert canister vacuum review – if your home has smooth floors, this is all you need
As the name suggests, this canister vacuum works wonders on hard floors, but even a low-pile rug is too much of a challenge
By Camryn Rabideau
-
I tried this one easy dishwasher trick and made the annoying need for manual drying a thing of the past
If you hate those little pools of water left on your cups and crockery, this towel trick is for you
By Punteha van Terheyden
-
5 freezer cleaning mistakes you must avoid – or risk compromising your food quality and shortening the lifespan of your appliance
Avoid these blunders for a safer kitchen
By Seraphina Di Mizzurati