Your culinary adventures likely begin at the wooden chopping board, and taking good care of it is naturally important.
That’s because wood is a porous, organic surface, which can absorb moisture, but also germs. These things can make it a health risk if you don’t regularly clean and disinfect it.
Below, we’ve gathered the best practices to do just that and ensure your wooden cutting board stays hygienic and in top condition.
It All Starts With Regular Maintenance
Making this part of your kitchen routine is what stops germs, stains and weird smells from ruining your wooden boards. Usually, you have to clean it well after each use and ensure it dries properly as well.
Every now and then, check for cracks. If you notice that the wooden board is cracked, that’s a clear sign it’s time to replace it, as even small crevices can gather up dirt and bacteria, making your boards unsafe.
But if you take care of it regularly, it will not just keep looking great, but it’ll also be clean and last for much longer.
Wash With Mild Soap and Warm Water
Let’s review the washing process.
First, it’s important to pick the right cleaners to ensure proper hygiene and protect the wood. Mild soap and warm water work best to keep your board clean without hurting it.
However, don’t soak it, as that can make the board warp or crack. Just use a soft sponge to give it a gentle scrub.
Lastly, you want to avoid strong chemicals, as they can damage the wood and leave behind nasty residues that aren’t good for your health. Just stick to mild soap and warm water, and your board will stay in great shape and safe for cooking.
Natural Disinfectants: Vinegar and Lemon Juice
If you’re into keeping it natural when cleaning your wooden chopping boards, vinegar and lemon juice are the 2 top picks. They kill germs, and the latter also makes your kitchen smell great.
That’s because of their acidity, which helps wipe out the nasty bacteria, making your board safe for preparing food again.
All you gotta do is grab a clean cloth, soak it in some white vinegar or lemon juice, and give the board a good wipe down. Let it sit for a bit to let the acid do its thing.
After that, rinse it well with warm water to remove any residues and dry it with paper towels, so it doesn’t soak up any moisture.
Simple, right?
Deep Cleaning with Baking Soda
When it comes time for a thorough clean-up, you can’t go wrong with sodium bicarbonate. That’s because baking soda is a mild abrasive, which means it’s perfect for scrubbing away stubborn stains without scratching up your wooden board.
Plus, it’s great at absorbing unwanted odours. Say your board reeks of garlic, and you want that scent not to transfer onto your next meal–you just use baking soda and the problem’s taken care of!
Start by sprinkling a tablespoon or a generous pinch of baking soda all over it. Then, grab a damp sponge and give it a good scrub in circles, focusing on the tricky spots. Aim for about 30 to 60 seconds of scrubbing.
After you’ve done that, just rinse the board with warm water while being careful not to soak it. Once rinsed, dry it well with a clean tea towel or let it stand on your kitchen worktop to air dry, making sure it doesn’t stay damp.
Alternatively, you could try using half a lemon for scrubbing. Not only does it help with the cleaning, but it also leaves a lovely fresh citrusy scent behind.
The Role of Proper Drying
Let’s get into the specifics of why your wooden board has to dry properly.
The first one is, of course, because you don’t want bacteria or mould to appear. Another reason is to avoid warping, which will make cutting on it harder than it has to be or even dangerous. The last reason is to prevent cracks from forming. As we discussed, cracked wooden boards need to be replaced immediately, as they’re the perfect breeding ground for mould and bacteria. And it’s even worse if you cut meat on it, as the juices will definitely seep into the cracks and make it completely unsanitary.
So, these are the reasons it’s important to dry your wooden cutting board properly so it lasts longer and stays clean.
Regular Oiling to Protect the Wooden Board
Keeping your wooden chopping board in good condition requires a bit of oiling now and then to prevent cracking or warping. This is simple and easy, so you should consider doing it from time to time.
For that purpose, get some food-grade mineral oil, which will act like a protective shield for the wood, keeping it safe from water and germs.
Step one is making sure your board is squeaky clean and bone dry. If that’s the case, you’re ready to proceed.
Take a soft cloth, pour about a tablespoon of mineral oil onto it, and gently rub the oil into the board, following the wood grain. A thin coat is all you need. Let it sit overnight so the oil has time to soak in. The next day, if there’s any remaining oil still sitting there, just wipe it off.
That’s it! Make it a habit to oil your cutting board every three to four weeks. Doing this not only keeps the board strong and looking lovely but will also extend its life.
A good sign your board’s in fine form is when water beads on the surface. It’s a simple routine that ensures your cutting board remains your trusty kitchen companion for years.
Conclusion
So, that’s how to clean a wooden cutting board. As you can see, keeping it in top shape is pretty simple if you know what to do.
Remember, regular care is the best way to prevent stains and odours from your cutting boards. And if you use these tips, your board will always look nice and help your kitchen stay clean and efficient.
