A glass, marble, or ceramic cutting board may look aesthetically pleasing, but these are not the best options for cutting because they can damage your knives by dulling and chipping the blades. It is well-known that wooden cutting boards are best for utility.
The wooden cutting and chopping board are found in almost every house. Since they come in contact with food daily, your wood-cutting board requires proper maintenance to protect it from cracking, warping, mold, and naturally occurring bacteria that can seep into the material and make you ill.
People often don’t know the right way to maintain their wood-cutting boards. Here are a few tips and tricks on preparing, maintaining, and keeping your wooden cutting board in top condition for many years.
1. Prepare your Wooden Cutting Board
Your wooden cutting board absorbs juice and the odor of food. Therefore, to prevent it from staining and absorbing food odors and bacteria, a proper surface treatment using food-grade mineral oil is crucial for new and older boards. Apply slightly warm oil to a wood cutting board with a soft cloth in the grain direction and soak in for a few minutes. Make sure to avoid using vegetable or olive oils.
2. Wash your cutting board in the right way
Make sure to wash your cutting board after every use. This is because the wood cutting board’s surface is porous, and if left dirty, it might get stained. If it needs a thorough cleaning, use hot water and dishwashing soap. Remember, your board’s life will get shortened if you submerge it in a water sink or wash it in a dishwasher.
3. Disinfect your cutting board
• Sometimes, your board needs extra cleaning to remove the lingering smell of garlic or other strong odor. For this, you can sprinkle salt on the board and rub it with lemon.
• Another option to disinfect your cutting board is using full-strength white vinegar. The acetic acid in vinegar is a good disinfectant found in every kitchen.
• If the strong odor of garlic, onion, or fish persists, you can rub the wooden surface with coarse salt or baking soda. Leave it for a few minutes, then rinse and dry.
4. Re-oil wood cutting board
Wooden chopping board, with time, becomes dry and starts cracking. Therefore, to seal the grain against bacteria and prevent the wood from cracking, it is necessary to apply mineral oil after two weeks or once a month. Rub mineral oil all over the board using a paper towel and leave it overnight or upright for a few hours. Now rinse, and your board will look like a new one.
A little care and proper maintenance of your wood-cutting board will keep it going for many years. In addition to the tips mentioned above, it is important to keep your wooden cutting board dry when not in use. Also, after washing, dry your board vertically and never leave it flat to dry. If your cutting board has become overly scratched or carved, it’s time to say goodbye to your old friend.
