No more odors: how to clean wooden and plastic cutting boards

One of the main tools of any chef, professional or amateur, is a cutting board. We use it every day to cut vegetables, fruits, bread, and other foods.

Like any other kitchen tool, cutting boards need regular and proper care. Better Homes & Gardens has explained how to wash them properly so that they don't warp and accumulate bacteria.

Whether you use a plastic or wooden cutting board, it needs to be cleaned properly. Because of its porous structure, it can accumulate dirt and promote the growth of bacteria, such as E. coli.

However, you can't just put the board in the dishwasher. First, food particles may remain in the scratches. And secondly, hot water can deform both plastic and wooden boards.

How to clean a wooden cutting board

First, sprinkle 1/4 cup coarse salt on the board. Then take a lemon, squeeze the juice onto the salt, and start rubbing it on both sides of the board. Leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

Lemons are a great cleaning agent because of the antibacterial properties of their acidic juice. And the salt acts as an abrasive.

If you're dealing with stubborn dirt, sprinkle 1/4 cup of baking soda on the cutting board and scrub it with a brush. Not only is baking soda a gentle abrasive, but it also has brightening properties and is a natural deodorizer.

After the board is dry, be sure to oil it with a thin layer of oil to restore the fibers to their natural state.

How to clean a plastic cutting board

Plastic cutting boards are cheaper than wooden ones and easier to clean. Therefore, you can easily buy them in different colors and use them to cut different foods. If you don't cut vegetables and meat on the same board, you can minimize cross-contamination and make sure your cooking environment is as safe as possible.

To clean a plastic board, combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda, salt, and water. Stir the mixture until it forms a paste.

Apply the homemade cleaner to the board, scrub it with a brush, and rinse it off with lukewarm water.

What else can you use to clean your whiteboard

Bleach

Mix 2 teaspoons of bleach with 3.5-4 liters of water. Soak the board in this mixture for 2 minutes. Then rinse it under warm water.

Hydrogen peroxide

Dampen a paper towel with hydrogen peroxide and wipe the cutting board on both sides to get rid of bacteria. Let it soak for a few minutes and then rinse with warm water.

White vinegar

Apply distilled white vinegar to the cutting board and wipe it down. To get rid of the odor, sprinkle some baking soda on the board and then sprinkle with vinegar. Leave the chemical reaction to act for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse and dry the board.

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