Ayelet Stern from Pixabay"/>A wooden cutting board is a favorite piece of food preparation equipment for all cooks because it is durable and reliable. Wooden cutting boards look attractive, in addition to cutting, you can also use them for serving and they won't dull your knives, and they won't get contaminated or harbor harmful bacteria as easily.
Perhaps the biggest misconception about wooden cutting boards is that they are difficult to clean and maintain. Of course, you shouldn't put them in the dishwasher, but cleaning a wooden cutting board is not difficult at all. Learn how to clean a wooden cutting board and make it last as long as possible.
Wooden cutting board, daily cleaning
Wooden cutting boards must be hand washed and maintained. After use, wash them with a little detergent for hand washing dishes, rinse the board with hot water, wipe and leave it upright to dry. That's it - if we compare it to a plastic board - just imagine how long it takes to go through the washing cycle of the dishwasher.
If you're worried about bacteria lingering after cutting raw meat, don't despair. Wood, especially hardwood, naturally has antimicrobial properties. Veins in the wood structure absorb liquid into the board, trapping bacteria – which are destroyed as the board dries after washing.
Deep cleaning and disinfection
Every few weeks, it is recommended to deep clean and disinfect the wooden cutting board. There are several methods for deep cleaning.
Lemon and salt
This method is good at removing stains and cleaning the wood board properly. Sprinkle the board with coarse salt, such as kosher salt or coarse sea salt. Cut the lemon in half. Squeeze gently, then rub the fleshy side of the lemon on a board covered with salt. Let the salt and lemon solution sit for about five minutes. Rinse off the salt and lemon with hot water and leave the wooden board to dry upright.
Vinegar
White, alcohol-based vinegar will clean your wood board well. Mix one part white, alcoholic vinegar (9% strength) with four parts water and soak a wooden cutting board in the solution for a few minutes, then rinse well and leave upright to dry. Do not leave a wooden cutting board in the solution for more than a few minutes or even an hour or so to remove stubborn stains.
Baking soda
If there is any permanent stain on the wooden board, try sprinkling it with baking soda and then scrubbing gently. Rinse well and leave the board upright to dry.
How to maintain a wooden cutting board?
In order to avoid cracking, drying and warping of the wooden cutting board, it is necessary to use mineral oil. This is essential for preserving the antimicrobial properties of wood. Mineral oil is retained in the wood fibers. This prevents water from entering the wood, which can lead to cracks and splits. Also, bacteria like to hide and breed in those little cracks. Therefore, preventing small cracks on your wooden board is the best way to maintain the hygiene of the cutting board.
Lubricate the wooden cutting board with mineral oil once a month, after disinfection. Use only mineral oil that is declared for the maintenance of wooden objects (note: use only those oils that clearly indicate that they are intended for the maintenance of wooden products, i.e. wooden cutting boards, that they are approved for use in kitchens, that they are non-toxic!)
If you were to use any other type of oil or fat, such as olive oil or animal fats, it can cause your wooden board to smell bad and attract a lot of bacteria!
Apply a thin layer of wood plank maintenance mineral oil to the entire surface of the plank (front, back and sides). Use a soft cloth or paper towel to rub the oil into the board in a circular motion. Leave it for a few hours, without using it, for the oil to absorb.
With this proper cleaning and maintenance, your wooden cutting board should serve you for many years!
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