Wooden cutting boards do not damage the knives and do not harm the environment, but over time they get dirty and wear out mechanically. Although everyday use brings about such changes naturally, the resulting stains or odors complicate the hygienic preparation of other raw materials. Fortunately, you can easily restore your board to its original shine with a few tried-and-true home methods. Boiling water and coarse salt will serve you very well.

Why does a wooden board require special care?

Unlike plastic, wood is a natural material that has a porous structure. Wood easily absorbs liquids and odors, and if you do not regularly clean and maintain the board, it can become an environment for bacteria to multiply. See how you should clean a wooden board every day.

Step 1: Cleaning and disinfection with boiling water

When refreshing a wooden board, start by thoroughly cleaning its surface. Before moving on to the next steps, remove any food residue using a soft sponge and warm water. Then pour boiling water on the plate. Why is this important? Hot water acts as a natural disinfectant that kills most bacteria and viruses on the surface of the wood.

  1. Place the plate in the sink or on the counter above the drain.
  2. Pour boiling water over it slowly, making sure the entire surface is covered.
  3. Let the board dry for a few minutes.

Remember that boiling water not only cleans, but also helps loosen dirt and stains, making it easier to remove them in the next step.

Step 2: Natural coarse salt scrub

After cleaning the board and letting it dry, start with a more thorough cleaning. For this purpose, use coarse salt, which acts as gentle peeling and removes all stains, grease and other impurities that have accumulated in the pores of the wood.

  1. Sprinkle the plate liberally with coarse salt. You can use sea salt or rock salt – the important thing is that the crystals are large and abrasive.
  2. Take half a lemon and use it as a “sponge”. Rub the salt over the surface of the board in a circular motion. In addition, lemon will help eliminate odors thanks to its natural essential oils and disinfectant properties.
  3. After you have thoroughly scrubbed the board, leave it on for a few minutes to allow the salt and lemon juice to work.
  4. Finally, rinse the board with lukewarm water and dry with a paper towel or cloth.

Thanks to this method, your board will not only be cleaner, but it will also smell fresh and pleasant.

Step 3: Oiling for protection and beauty

Oiling is an important step that will ensure the durability and resistance of the board to moisture. This process makes the wood less prone to cracking, liquid absorption and staining. The oil creates a protective layer on the surface that prevents water from penetrating deep into the material.

  1. The best choice is mineral oil intended for contact with food. Alternatively, you can use coconut oil, which has antibacterial properties, or linseed oil if you prefer natural remedies.
  2. Pour a small amount of oil on the surface of the plate (about a teaspoon is enough). use a soft cloth or paper towel to spread the oil evenly and rub it into the wood.
  3. Allow the board to absorb oil for several hours or overnight.
  4. If the wood absorbs all the oil, you can repeat the process until the surface is smooth and slightly shiny.

Regular oiling (once a month or more often, if the board is used intensively) will ensure that the board is not only functional, but also aesthetic.

This is how you take care of your board every day – good practice

  • Avoid soaking in water – the wooden board should not be immersed in water for a long time, as this can lead to its deformation or cracking. Instead, use a damp cloth to clean it.
  • Do not put in the dishwasher – hot water and detergents in the dishwasher can damage the structure of the wood, which will shorten its life.
  • Remove stains quickly – after cutting vegetables with an intense color, such as beetroot or carrots, it is a good idea to clean the board immediately to prevent permanent staining.
  • Disinfect regularly – once in a while you can wipe the board with vinegar or a solution of water and lemon juice to prevent bacteria from multiplying.

Do not forget to dry the board very thoroughly before storing it in the cabinet. Do not alternate cutting meat with vegetables on it – it is better to have a separate board for raw meat and fish, e.g. plastic.

What is the hole in the cutting board for? “I always thought it was a handle. It also has other uses