Wooden boards can be real nests for bacteria which happily proliferate there. And in this matter, it must be admitted that plastic and glass are easier to maintain than wood. In fact, a vinegar sponge, dishwashing liquid or black soap or even a trip in the dishwasher is enough to clean them and they are less impregnated with odors and juices. Despite everything, wood remains a classic in all kitchens thanks to its strength, durability and beauty! In addition, the advantage of the wooden cutting board is that germs cling to it less even if it is more porous. It is therefore a more hygienic choice. To wipe, clean and sanitize your wooden board perfectly without damaging it, follow these few valuable tips.
1) Grandma’s wise advice
First of all, remember to maintain the board by coating it with a thin touch of olive oil once a month. Indeed, this will help protect its grooves from dirt. by blocking your pores and avoid cracks linked to humidity. In short, this will improve its lifespan! Another thing, we strongly advise you to invest in several boards and reserve them for a specific use. This will avoid risks of cross contamination because of these utensils! So, provide a board for meat (especially raw meat and fish) and another for vegetables. Otherwise, use the sides: each side has its use. Finally, always take time to dry it ! To dry, remove the largest part with a clean cloth and avoid laying the board flat. Instead, try vertically or placed against a wall.
2) White vinegar
In addition to being an excellent cleaner, its acetic acid gives it a strong antibacterial power ! So after a good rinse with water, spray it all over the wooden board and leave it to act for a few minutes. Then give it a good brush, soft cloth or sponge and rinse. The board will be impeccable.
3) Lemon
Sometimes the wooden board has stains from tightly stuck dried food. In short, cleaning is not always an easy task! For a thorough cleaning, pour a pile of fine or coarse salt in the center of the board and knead it using half a lemon as a sponge! You can also use half a lemon alone for gentler cleaning. In addition, it will chase away bad odors. Better yet, by pouring the juice of a lemon into it and letting it sit for a good quarter of an hour, you can disinfect the wooden board very effectively.
4) Baking soda
Cet mild abrasive allows you to clean while eliminating bad odors. Here, two methods are possible. First, you can sprinkle it on the wooden board and let it absorb the odors for a few minutes before rubbing it with a damp sponge. Otherwise, it is possible to make a paste by adding a little water. Use this paste and a sponge to scrub. If you feel like it, you can also prepare a jar of ready-to-use cleaner. To do this, mix 100 g of bicarbonate, 50 g of coarse salt, 50 g of soap flakes and 10 drops of lemon essential oil. Each time you use it, take a little and rub with a damp sponge or half a lemon.
5) How to disinfect your wooden board?
If you don’t have lemon, kill the bacteria… with your hydrogen peroxide! Indeed, it has good disinfecting power and can therefore prove useful on a daily basis. So, dilute a little in a spray bottle with water. Above all, do not mix too generously, because once in contact with air, hydrogen peroxide quickly loses its properties. Then, spray this liquid generously on the board and leave it to act for a few minutes before rinsing.
Good to know: Bleach should be banned in the kitchen, and even more so for wooden utensils. Additionally, an overly worn board with scratches and grooves will be more prone to bacteria. So think about changing it and giving it a well-deserved retirement!