Techniques
Prep
Tip
Beginner
under a minute

Stop a cutting board from sliding by placing a damp paper towel underneath

Put a damp (not dripping) paper towel under your cutting board to keep it from moving while you cut.

Wet a paper towel, wring it out so it’s just damp, lay it flat on the counter, then set the cutting board on top. This increases friction and stabilizes the board for safer, more controlled knife work.

The short version

  • Use damp, not soaking wet
  • Stability improves knife control

What you need

  • paper towelDampened and wrung out

What goes wrong

Using a dry towel that still lets the board skate

Dampen and wring out the towel so it grips

Why it works

The damp towel grips both the counter and board, reducing lateral movement that can cause slips.

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