Cleaning a wooden chopping board to eliminate bacteria: Steps for a germ-free surface.
Crafting a Fresher Approach to Cleaning Your Wooden Chopping Board
A wooden chopping board, that constant companion in your kitchen, is a hiding place for those vile bacteria, thanks to frequent use. Failure to clean it adequately, during your daily cleaning routines and deeper cleanings, is a warning issued by professional chefs - a warning easily heeded.
Fortunately, cleaning a wooden board delicately, as the experts explain in this guide, is easier than you might think.
A speedy and effective way to clean your entire kitchen
Time is precious, so knowing how to clean your kitchen swiftly yet thoroughly is invaluable. However, certain spots in your kitchen might need a little more attention, such as your trusty chopping board.
"First, clear away any food crumbs using a spatula or your hand," suggests cleaning expert Catherine Green from Smol. Then, liberally sprinkle coarse salt over the board, serving as a mild abrasive.
Next, grab half a lemon and scrub its juicy side across the surface of the board. This smart duo will scrub away grime, eliminate stains, and freshen up your chopping board in a snap.
After a thorough scrub and allowing the juice to soak in, Catherine recommends rinsing the board with warm water, wiping it dry with a cloth, and letting it sit upright until it's completely dry.
Our best secret cleaning hack for a bacteria-free chopping board
Chopping boards are bacteria hotspots, impacting your kitchen's sanitation and aroma. Fortunately, preventing bacterial growth is easy.
"Clean it right after each use," advises Catherine. "Using warm water and dish soap is fine. Every once in a while, spritz white vinegar or a 1:1 mix of water and hydrogen peroxide onto the board, wait a few minutes, and rinse it off."
Catherine emphasizes the importance of ensuring the board is completely dry before putting it away after each clean.
"Applying food-grade mineral oil occasionally will also prevent moisture absorption and hinder bacteria," Catherine adds.
Premium Food-grade Mineral Oil (RRP: £9.99)
This premium food-grade mineral oil is an Amazon Choice recommendation, thanks to high customer reviews. Ideal for protecting and restoring wooden chopping boards, butcher blocks, and countertops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the chefs' secret to cleaning chopping boards?
If you're in search of essential kitchen cleaning tips from professional chefs, you've come to the right place. "Chefs keep it swift and efficient," explains Catherine.
"A quick rinse under hot water, a squirt of dish soap, a scrub, and a thorough dry are all they need. Some go the extra mile and wipe it down with white vinegar or a mild hydrogen peroxide solution, especially if it's been used with raw meat."
Catherine highlights that the crucial rule is to never let the board stay damp. Professional cooks also ensure they use separate boards for meat and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination.
What's a natural disinfectant for a wooden chopping board?
When it comes to keeping things clean while preparing food, it's better to use as few chemicals as possible and opt for natural alternatives, even when cleaning your kitchen cabinets.
"White vinegar effortlessly eliminates grease, odors, and kills most bacteria. Apply it to your chopping board, wait a few minutes, wipe, rinse, and dry. No need for anything stronger!" says Catherine.
Kathryn Farrell, Cooking Buyer at Lakeland, also suggests using a food-safe mineral oil or beeswax on the board with a clean cloth. Doing so will fight bacteria as you use the board and help keep it out of the wood's crevices.
Does white vinegar clean chopping boards effectively?
There's no denying that cleaning with vinegar takes care of many household chores. Your chopping board can greatly benefit from it as well.
"Absolutely! White vinegar cuts through grease, eliminates odors, and kills most bacteria. Apply it to your chopping board, wait a few minutes, wipe, rinse, and dry. No other stronger solution is needed!" says Catherine.
Natural Chopping Board Cleaning Essentials
Naturally Abrasive (RRP: £1.77)While you can easily pick up table salt for under 70p at your local supermarket, this branded version is just as effective for cleaning your wooden chopping board.
Vinegar for Cleaning (RRP: £5.99)White vinegar is a fantastic, gentle cleaner that makes short work of breaking down dirt and bacteria on various surfaces.
Everyday Dish Soap (RRP: £8.95 for 3 x 320ml)Dish soap is a wonder product when it comes to cleaning, especially in places where you want to steer clear of harsh chemicals, like your kitchen.
- Incorporating the beauty of a well-maintained home into your lifestyle, a regular part of home-and-garden care involves cleaning your kitchen, giving special attention to your home, such as your wooden chopping board, to preserve its beauty and promote health and wellness.
- To ensure the longevity of your wooden chopping board, as a home cleaning and wellness tip, consider using food-grade mineral oil periodically to prevent moisture absorption and hinder bacteria growth, maintaining the charm of your home and prioritizing hygiene in your home-and-garden.
- A simple secret to cleaning your wooden chopping board naturally, fostering a fresh aroma in your home and contributing to safer food preparation in your home-and-garden, is to apply white vinegar or a mix of water and hydrogen peroxide, followed by a thorough rinse and drying, always ensuring the board is completely dry to prevent bacterial growth.
