My wooden cutting boards get more use that any other item in my kitchen. I love them because they’re practical and some are beautiful enough to leave out on display.
Without proper maintenance and care though, wooden cutting boards and other wood products can lose their shine, absorb stains, smells and bacteria. With time and general use, they can also dry out and crack. The cost to replace a good wooden cutting board is substantial, so I have implemented a regular maintenance schedule in the form of three simple steps to help prolong the life of my wood products.
- Wash each piece immediately after use with a mild detergent, rinse and dry completely. Never submerge or let water sit on wood products. No matter what others say, wood is not dishwasher safe! If there are any stains on the wood, sprinkle the area with salt and leave it for an hour or so. If the stains are deep, use half of a lemon as a scrub brush and rub the salt over the stain with the lemon. Lemon serves as a natural cleaner, deodorizer and bleach.
- After washing, sanitize cutting boards and salad bowls with white vinegar. Vinegar is another natural cleaning product that disinfects and deodorizes. Use a spray bottle, or wipe down the wood with white vinegar on a cloth to ensure there are no harmful bacteria left behind.
- Seal or treat the cutting board each month or two (depending on how it looks) with a food-safe oil product. Apply mineral oil or beeswax, using a clean cloth (or your hands). Work it in and then let it soak into the wood overnight. Your wood will look as good as new!
What are your natural cleaning tips or tricks?
Tagged under: kitchen tips and tricks,kitchen safety,cutting boards,wooden cutting boards,kitchen cleaning solutions
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