Cleaning cutting boards can seem like a daunting task. Since the wood cannot go into the dishwasher, you know that you have to clean your wooden cutting board by hand.
But this can seem like a very daunting task when the cutting board has become stained or does not look as nice as it once did.
If you have been worrying about how to clean your wooden cutting board, there are actually some very easy methods that you can use to do so.
These cleaning methods will make sure that your wooden cutting board is not dirty and that it has not started to grow organisms that might lead to it being unusable.
One of the best ways to clean a wooden cutting board that has become dirty or sticky is to clean it with vinegar.
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What Causes Wooden Cutting Boards to Become Stained?
Wooden cutting boards are not like plastic or other synthetic cutting boards. The wood is porous and can absorb the substances that you have cut on its surface.
This means that juices from fruits and vegetables as well as liquids from meat products can actually get into the wood itself.
Wooden cutting boards can be more prone to contamination due to the porous nature of the surface as well as the grain of the wood.
Not all wooden cutting boards are hard to keep clean, but wooden cutting boards that are made of fine-grained wood like maple can be harder to keep clean.
You should always check to see that you are getting a wooden cutting board made of harder-grained wood that will be more likely to shed contamination and moisture.
If your cutting board is not cleaned and then stored properly, these contaminants can cause mold or bacterial growth to take up residence in the cutting board.
This is not only unsightly, but it is also unhealthy and you will not want to use the cutting board until you are sure that you have cleaned it thoroughly. Making sure that your wooden cutting board is not holding on to moisture and bacteria is essential.
Cleaning a Cutting Board with Vinegar
To clean your cutting board with vinegar, you will just need white vinegar, some water, and a towel.
This is a very easy way to clean and disinfect your cutting board and you will be able to avoid the use of harsh chemicals if you want to clean your cutting board naturally.
To make the cleaning solution, just mix 1 part white vinegar with four parts of water. Hydrogen peroxide can work if you do not have vinegar on hand. Mix the solution in a bowl. Dip a towel into the mixture and soak it thoroughly.
If you are using peroxide, use a white towel. Peroxide will lift color out of a towel that is not white and the dye can stain your cutting board.
Wipe the solution over your cutting board on both sides, scrubbing gently at stains or signs of mold or other contaminants. Rinse your cutting board under warm water.
Using a second towel, soak up excess water and then allow your cutting board to dry in a warm place and get a lot of light.
If your cutting board seems like it is dried out after the treatment, simply rub a little bit of mineral oil over the cutting board’s surface and let it sit for about an hour. Wipe off the excess mineral oil and store your cutting board properly.
How to Properly Clean a Wooden Cutting Board After Each Use
To prevent contamination and damage to your wooden cutting board, you will need to make sure to clean it properly after every use. This means that you will need to take the time to hand wash and clean it before contaminants have a chance to seep into the wood.
Make sure to do this right away if you are working with raw meats or fish.
- Clean cutting board under warm, not hot water
- Use a light amount of dish soap and use gentle circular motions with a sponge or rag
- Run under hot water
- Wipe clean
- Allow drying upright so that water can run out of the cutting board
- Make sure that you treat with oil if the wood looks dry
- Never store in a dark or moist location
If you feel that this process is not preventing issues with your cutting board’s cleanliness, you will need to consider a routine of vinegar treatments.
You can clean your wooden cutting board with vinegar solution as often as needed to keep it in tip-top shape for your next cooking project.
Keeping your cutting board from getting moist when it is stored and making sure that you do not leave it sitting flat with moisture on the surface can make a big difference in the longevity of your cutting board as well as its cleanliness.
There is nothing worse for wood than allowing moisture to sit on top of it and get into the pores of the material.
Prevent mold and mildew by keeping your cutting board clean and dry and free of bacteria and other contaminants.
Wooden Cutting Boards Are Easy to Keep Clean With the Right Tools
Using the right tools and processes to keep your cutting board from getting damaged or contaminated can make a big difference. You will enjoy using a wooden cutting board far more if you take good care of it.
Proper storage and proper cleaning processes can make a wooden cutting board a breeze to care for. There are not many cutting surfaces that are as enjoyable to work with like a wooden cutting board.
Contaminated and stained wooden cutting boards can be prevented by applying this at-home disinfection treatment with vinegar solution.
Prevention of the damage and contamination is a great rule of thumb to follow, but you can almost always salvage a contaminated cutting board with this vinegar cleaning solution.
Brianna is a self-published author with a passion for sharing her knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics with people who are looking to find the perfect items for their needs. She loves making sure that the right kind of informative content is available to people looking for quality products of all kinds. She is an avid horseback rider and reader when she is not writing.
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