How to Store Cutting Boards

The easiest way to put away cutting boards in a storage unit is to clean them thoroughly, dry them completely, and store them upright to prevent warping. With a little prep, you can declutter your kitchen while keeping your boards ready to use whenever you need them.

Wood and Bamboo

Wooden and bamboo boards are sturdy, long-lasting, and require similar care. Start by scrubbing them with warm, soapy water, then rinse and pat dry with a towel. Avoid soaking them, as too much water can cause cracks or warping. Once dry, apply a thin coat of food grade mineral oil to help restore moisture and keep the boards from drying out. Store these boards upright in a crate, divider, or on a shelf so air circulates around them. Keep heavy items off the top to maintain their shape and prevent damage.

Plastic

Plastic boards are easy to clean and forgiving. Wash them with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and let them air-dry completely. Unlike wood or bamboo, plastic can handle scrubbing a bit more aggressively. Plastic boards can be stored upright to save space and make individual boards easy to grab, or flat if preferred. For smaller boards, group them in a labeled box or bin so they don’t slide around.

Marble

Marble boards are heavy, durable, and visually striking, but they need careful handling. Clean them with warm water and mild dish soap, then dry thoroughly. Avoid soaking marble, as it can stain or develop water spots. Store marble boards flat on a padded surface, like a towel or foam sheet, to prevent chipping or cracking. If you have multiple boards, separate them with cloth or cardboard to avoid scratches. Avoid placing other items on top.

Glass or Composite

Glass and composite boards are also heavy and less flexible, so handle them carefully. Wash with warm water and dish soap, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Store flat with padding between boards to prevent scratches. If stacking multiple boards, ensure nothing heavy is placed on top.

Quick Tips for Any Board Type

• Make sure all boards are completely dry before storing.
• Use dividers, crates, or boxes to organize boards by size and type.
• Label boxes to save time when you need a particular board.
• Climate-controlled storage units can help wood and bamboo boards maintain shape and prevent warping.

By following these steps, storing cutting boards becomes a simple, stress-free task. Cleaned, dried, and organized—your boards are ready for storage in your self-storage unit and easy to retrieve whenever it’s time to cook.

Features and amenities vary by location, facility, and unit. “Climate-controlled” and related terms (such as air-conditioned, heated, or humidistat-equipped) describe storage spaces designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels compared to non-climate-controlled units. Public Storage does not guarantee temperature or humidity ranges. Availability, features, and unit types may differ by location, facility, and unit. Please confirm with your facility whether specific climate-controlled features are available on units at that location.