How to properly clean a wooden cutting board: these secrets will keep it looking good for years

A wooden cutting board is an important kitchen tool that looks more impressive than any plastic counterpart and is usually more convenient to use. But its main drawback is the porous texture of the wood. These micro-depressions collect food debris and bacteria that can multiply inside the wood. That's why a wooden board should not only be washed regularly, but also disinfected.

But how to do it so as not to damage such a sensitive material as wood? OBOZ.UA has collected the main tips and life hacks of cleaning experts.

Frequency of cleaning

There is no need to mention that the board needs to be washed after each use. If you cut something on it, wash and dry the tool. But if you've cut raw meat, fish, or poultry on it, it also needs to be disinfected, as these foods pose an additional risk of infection with harmful bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli. This can lead to digestive disorders and intestinal diseases. Regular cleaning and disinfection of the board should be done at least once a week.

What products to choose

In fact, it is not necessary to look for special chemicals that are delicate enough to care for wood. Warm soapy water, baking soda, white vinegar, or 3% hydrogen peroxide are excellent disinfectants that will work well with wood.

How to properly clean a wooden board

Start by removing all food particles from the board. To do this, rinse the board under running warm water. You can do a superficial cleaning with a regular dishwashing detergent. But do not use abrasive sponges or hard brushes - they can damage the wood.

To disinfect, sprinkle baking soda evenly over the wet board and wipe with half a lemon. The acid from lemon juice can kill some types of germs, and these products also remove food odors from the surface of the wood. In addition, you will lighten some stains and make the color of the wood brighter.

White vinegar also disinfects wood well. You can wipe the board on both sides or spray the liquid on the surface. If you don't like the smell of vinegar, you can replace it with pharmacy hydrogen peroxide. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

If you want to use the power of chlorine bleach to disinfect your cutting board, remember that it needs to be highly diluted to make it safe for wood. Use one tablespoon of bleach per three liters of water. This solution is also sprayed on the surface and left for several minutes, and then washed off. This helps kill almost all bacteria that remain on the board.

Be sure to dry the board after washing. Water destroys wood, and moisture can also cause mold to grow. Wipe the board with a towel or paper towel and leave it upright in the air until it is completely dry.

How to make your board last longer

Never put wooden utensils, including a board, in the dishwasher. The high temperature and prolonged exposure to water can warp, crack, and damage the wood. It also leaches protective oils from the material, making it more vulnerable to bacteria.

Once a month, apply oil, mineral oil, or beeswax to a cleaned wooden board. This will help protect the wood and restore its natural luster. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to rub the oil or wax into the material and wipe off any excess.

Store the cutting board in a cool, dry place, do not place other objects on it, and do not store it on a table. Ideally, it is better to hang the item on a hook.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA talked about a quick life hack for cleaning food containers, which will help to clean the plastic really deeply.

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