Before you rush to wash your moldy or dirty wooden cutting board with soap, try this simple tip. Your cutting board will be as clean as new in just 5 minutes and won’t develop mold again for a long time.

As the old saying goes, “illness often comes from the mouth,” so having a healthy cutting board is essential to ensure good quality food and a healthy lifestyle. However, during rainy or humid weather, wooden cutting boards tend to develop mold if you’re not careful. Instead of washing it immediately with soap, apply the method below for a thorough clean and long-lasting protection.

Why a Good Cutting Board Matters

A good cutting board is just as important as the quality of the food you chop on it. Using a poor-quality or poorly maintained cutting board can dull your knives faster and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Wooden cutting boards are generally more environmentally friendly and safer to use, but disinfecting them properly can be tricky if you don’t know how. Hot soapy water might clean the surface, but it can also dry out the wood excessively, causing it to crack or warp. Instead, you can use common household ingredients that are gentle and effective.

How to Clean Your Cutting Board with Vinegar, Salt, Toothpaste, and Baking Soda

You will need:

• White vinegar

• Salt

• Toothpaste

• An old toothbrush

• Cooking oil

• Baking soda

Step 1: Disinfect with White Vinegar and Salt

White vinegar is a strong natural cleaner that softens tough stains on the cutting board. Pour a moderate amount of vinegar evenly over the board’s surface. Then sprinkle an appropriate amount of salt on top. Salt’s coarse texture helps scrub away grime while also acting as a disinfectant.

Step 2: Clean with Toothpaste and a Toothbrush

Next, take an old toothbrush and apply a small amount of toothpaste. Scrub the cutting board thoroughly, similar to how you brush your teeth. The combination of salt and toothpaste offers excellent abrasive power that helps remove stains and bacteria lodged in knife grooves, leaving the surface spotless. After a few good scrubs, rinse the board with clean water.

Step 3: Apply a Layer of Cooking Oil

After drying the cutting board, apply a thin layer of cooking oil on its surface. This step helps nourish the wood and effectively prevents mold and cracks. Wrap the board in plastic wrap and leave it for 4 to 5 hours to allow the oil to soak in evenly. Once done, remove the wrap.

If there’s excess oil on the surface, avoid washing it off with dish soap. Instead, sprinkle some baking soda on the board and gently rub it. Baking soda is great at absorbing oil and grease, making it an excellent helper in the kitchen for removing oily residues. After this treatment, your cutting board can stay mold-free for up to a year.

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Alternative Cleaning Method: Lemon, Salt, and Vinegar

Salt acts like a natural scrub brush to remove dirt, while lemon juice provides antibacterial and deodorizing effects. For a cutting board about 22 cm in diameter, you’ll need 1/3 of a lemon, 1.5 tablespoons of salt, and 5 tablespoons of vinegar.

Start by rinsing the cutting board with water. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt on it, then use 1/3 or half a lemon to scrub the surface until it’s clean. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cool water. To enhance disinfecting power, you can finish by wiping the board with white vinegar solution.

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Additional Tips for Cutting Board Care

• Always dry your cutting board thoroughly after washing to prevent moisture buildup, which promotes mold growth.

• Avoid soaking the board in water for long periods.

• Regularly oil your board to maintain its durability and water resistance.

• If your cutting board starts to smell unpleasant, sprinkle baking soda, leave it for 15 minutes, then rinse and dry.

• Replace old or heavily damaged cutting boards to ensure food safety.

By following these simple steps, you can extend the life of your wooden cutting board, keep it hygienic, and enjoy safe food preparation every day.