A wooden cutting board is an essential and eco-friendly kitchen item found in almost every household. It’s safe to use, but if not cleaned properly, its surface can absorb water—creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

As the old saying goes, “Illness enters through the mouth.” Therefore, a clean, well-maintained cutting board is crucial for a healthy life. However, during wet or humid weather, wooden cutting boards can easily become moldy if you’re not careful. Don’t rush to scrub it with soap when it’s dirty or moldy. Try the simple tip below—your board will look as good as new in just 5 minutes and stay mold-free for a long time.

A good cutting board is just as important as the food you prepare on it. A poor-quality board can dull your knives faster and harbor more bacteria. Wooden boards are more eco-friendly and safer to use, but disinfecting them properly isn’t easy unless you know how. While hot soapy water can clean the surface, it can also dry out the wood or even cause it to warp. Instead, use simple, household ingredients that are safe and gentle.

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Clean your cutting board with vinegar, salt, toothpaste, and baking soda

You’ll need:
– White vinegar
– Salt
– Toothpaste
– An old toothbrush
– Cooking oil
– Baking soda

Steps:

Step 1: Disinfect with vinegar and salt
White vinegar helps soften stubborn stains, making them easier to remove. Pour a generous amount of white vinegar over the board so that it spreads evenly. Then, sprinkle salt over the surface. The coarse texture of salt not only provides friction for scrubbing but also has natural disinfecting and antibacterial properties.

Step 2: Scrub with toothpaste and a toothbrush
Apply some toothpaste to an old toothbrush and scrub the board thoroughly—just like brushing teeth. The combination of salt and toothpaste is excellent for cleaning, as both have mild abrasive qualities.

Toothpaste can remove surface stains and also reach into knife grooves, eliminating hidden dirt and bacteria. After scrubbing several times, rinse the board clean with water.

Step 3: Apply a layer of cooking oil
After cleaning, dry the board completely. Then apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the surface. The oil helps condition the wood and prevents mold and cracking.

Cover the board with plastic wrap and let it sit for 4–5 hours to allow the oil to soak in fully. Once the time is up, remove the wrap.

If there’s still excess oil on the surface, don’t use dish soap to remove it. Instead, sprinkle a little baking soda on the board and wipe it clean. Baking soda absorbs oil effectively and is a great kitchen ally for removing grease. After cleaning this way, your cutting board will stay mold-free for up to a year.

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Clean your cutting board with lemon, salt, and vinegar

Salt acts as a natural scrub to remove grime, while lemon helps disinfect and eliminate odors. To clean a 22 cm cutting board, use 1/3 of a lemon, 1.5 tablespoons of salt, and 5 tablespoons of vinegar.

First, rinse the board with water. Sprinkle salt generously on the surface, then scrub with half or one-third of a lemon until clean.

Let the board sit for a few minutes, then rinse it with cool water. Finally, you can use white vinegar as a finishing rinse to boost the antibacterial effect.