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.
-
Gwyneth Paltrow uses LED lights to bring a gallery-like feeling to her kitchen cabinets – you can achieve the same, unique look for $24
Gwyneth's glass-front cabinets become more chic and accessible with their hidden lights, which create a subtle glow in the space
By Hannah Ziegler
-
The instinct-based Toddler Decluttering Method will reduce clutter by half in seconds – and it's not for children
It's a simple but effective method to cull clutter quickly in your home
By Ciéra Cree
-
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
-
If your home's facade is riddled with cobwebs, this $12 tool makes cleaning once-unreachable spots simple and speedy
Say goodbye to cobwebs and hello to a fresh and clean facade
By Rebecca Shepherd
-
I tried the Pomodoro Technique to blast through my spring cleaning to-do list – now I'll always rely on it to banish procrastination
25 minutes is more than enough to make a real difference
By Ottilie Blackhall
-
5 things people with clean mudrooms always do – it will consistently and easily keep dirt at bay
Say goodbye to muddy spring foot prints with these expert-approved tips
By Eve Smallman
-
Bissell CleanView XR Pet 300W Stick cordless vacuum review – it's a great budget vacuum, but by no means perfect
Low price point, but with the cleaning performance to match it
By Camryn Rabideau
-
'It's surprisingly effective' – How to clean with white bread, and why this pantry staple might be just what your cleaning routine is missing
Is this unusual cleaning hack the best thing since sliced bread?
By Ottilie Blackhall
-
I’m a professional cleaner, and I swear by these quick and easy tips to clean pet hair from wooden floors
Staying on top of the mess makes it 10 times easier
By Carolina Kazimierski
-
I tried this glycerin hack to stop the mirror in my bathroom from fogging up – and it worked like magic
It instantly fixed one of my biggest pet peeves
By Chiana Dickson