Cleaning a cutting board, especially the wooden one with just tap water and soap isn’t enough.
Our cutting boards become the house of common bacteria like E. coli and salmonella once we chop fish and meat on it. This means that if the are not properly cleaned and treated, it can really have unfortunate results.
In this article, you will know all the best ways to properly treat your cutting board. Let’s begin:
Wash it with Detergent and Warm Water
The first step is to clean it thoroughly. Once you have wiped it with a sponge to get rid of all the particles of food, you have to wash it.
Let it Dry
Once you have washed it, tap it dry with a towel. Of course, the towel will not dry it completely as the water has already reached in the gaps of wood. So, leave it on a dish rack for some time for drying completely.
Apply the Oil
When the board is dried, treat it with oil. Pour some oil on the cutting board and spread it all over with a towel or a brush. Don’t do it with the sponge, it will soak the oil.
It also lubricates the board so that it won’t become brittle and cracked. It is best to use coconut oil for the lubrication of the board.
Then Comes the Butcher’s Cream
Let the board absorb the oil completely. When it’s done, apply a layer of butcher cream with a disposable towel or cloth. The cream acts as a barrier. It keeps the oil in and water out of the board.
It also helps in protecting the board from absorbing the fluids and liquids often released during cutting meats and vegetables.
You Can Also Consider Other Methods
The treatment and methods given above are necessary for your boards. You can’t skip them. However, there are a few other methods you can try.
These are the easily available home remedies that will make the life of your board longer and make it look like a new one:
Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most used ingredients that we use for many cleaning purposes. Pour the vinegar after washing the board and spread it all over. Applying vinegar on the board after every use or once in a day will disinfect the board and also will get rid of the unnecessary odors and smells.
Salt
Salt is a really good abrasive. It polishes cleans the cutting board and removes all stains and dirt from it.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the natural cleaners and unlike many other it contains no toxins. It is a mild alkali that can dissolve all the dirt and grease without damaging the board.
Lemons
Lemon works the same as the vinegar does. It disinfects the board and overcomes any unpleasant odors. Treating the cutting board with lemon is the easiest way than any other.
Check More: Clean End Grain Cutting Board
Conclusion
Cleaning and treating cutting boards after every use is really important.
Moreover, the tiny cuts made by cutting ingredients with kitchen knives can also provide a natural habitat to germs. So, it’s better not to forget cleaning the board after every use.
A thing to be noted is that if you are using end grain cutting board, they require extra care than the regular boards. You can also look out the best carving knives and best boning knives that do not damage the cutting boards.
Just for perfection, you can also check out the best wood cutting boards that are easy to maintain.
Hi, I’m a clinical psychologist and inclined towards best buying practices for home and kitchen things. Critical towards choosing the best product and honest with my feedback. I’m a seasoned writer having more than 4 years of experience in multiple niches as well.
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