Wooden cutting boards are an investment, therefore it's important to maintain them so they endure a long time and serve their purpose. This is especially critical if you intend to use it in cooking. There are a few things you can do to prolong the life of your wooden cutting board. Some examples are as follows:
Cleaning
Wooden cutting boards are notorious for harboring germs due to their porous surface. You'll need to maintain them frequently due to their porous nature. They can be easily cleaned, which will reduce the risk of contamination spreading.
The FDA advises that all cutting boards be cleaned thoroughly after each use. They also suggest disinfecting them with a bleach solution. The ratio of water to unscented chlorine bleach in a gallon is around one tablespoon per gallon. About two to three minutes of use time is expected from this combination.
It's important to dry your cutting boards after using disinfectant on them. You may either let them dry in the air or put them on a rack above a fan to speed up the process. You might also try using a conditioner with oils and waxes to provide moisture to your hair.
Baking soda may be used to remove stains from your board. When you mix baking soda, salt, and water, you get a thick paste. Scrub the board in a circular motion once it is saturated. Remove the salt by rinsing with water.
Oiling
To keep a wooden cutting board in top shape, simply oil it once a year. A properly oiled board will appear as good as new.
Food-grade mineral oil is ideal for oiling cutting boards. These oils are widely available and don't cost much. Big-box retailers of home products also carry them. Check the labels to be sure the oil you pick is not made from petroleum, whether it's vegetable-based or not.
A hardwood cutting board that has been oiled will protect against mildew and discoloration. Every two to four weeks, you should oil your board. This serves to protect the inside from scrapes and bacteria. It will help protect the wood from liquid stains.
You may also keep your board from warping by oiling it. When a plank dries out, water drops stick to it and gradually work their way inside. Because of this, the board may break.
Bleach
Wooden cutting boards should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. This will contribute to the board's durability.
Tomatoes, strawberries, and raw meat are just a few of the foods that may discolor a wooden cutting board over time. It may be challenging to remove these stains. Vinegar can be used to assist in the removal of these stains. A bleach solution can be used as an alternative to vinegar. But you need to use caution while working with bleach.
It's important to dry your cutting board completely before washing it. Air dry it with a clean towel or a dish drain.
Household bleach can be used to sanitize a wooden cutting board that has come into contact with raw meat. The bacterium will be eradicated. A powerful disinfectant is bleach, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Limiting Its Capacity to Take in Moisture
Warping, cracking, or otherwise damaging wooden cutting boards is a common result of submerging them in water. Because wood is porous and may take in moisture from the air, this occurs. The fibers in the board can expand as it absorbs water. Because of this, the board may crack and deform.
Keeping your cutting board dry will prevent these issues. Your board should be washed and dried completely after each usage. Just mix some mild dish soap into some hot water and use that.
Beeswax may be used to further preserve your wooden cutting board. This will make it more durable, watertight, and shiny. Your board will stay in better shape for longer.
To preserve and season your wooden cutting board, you may also use mineral oil that is safe for human consumption. This oil has no discernible scent, is completely non-toxic, and protects against dryness and cracking. The addition of vitamin E extends its shelf life.
