KOMPAS.com – A wooden cutting board is a kitchen utensil that is often used as a base for cutting various food ingredients, such as vegetables, meat and fish.
Even though they are known to be durable and versatile, wooden cutting boards require proper care so they don’t get damaged easily.
Because wooden cutting boards quickly become damaged
The following are the four main causes of wooden cutting boards breaking down quickly that you need to know:
1. Not caring for the cutting board before use
Many people often neglect pre-treatment of wooden cutting boards. In fact, wooden cutting boards should be coated before use to prevent cracking and damage.
Also read: 3 Ways to Clean Wooden Cutting Boards, You Can Use Soap
The method is quite easy, namely by applying sufficient mineral oil to the entire surface of the cutting board and letting it soak overnight.
This coating functions to keep the wood moist, prevent drying out, and reduce the risk of warping.
2. Soak the wooden cutting board
While it is important to keep cutting boards clean, soaking them in water for too long can damage the quality of the wood.
Wooden cutting boards have pores that absorb liquids easily, so if soaked for too long, the wood can warp, crack, or even rot.
After washing, immediately dry the cutting board thoroughly and apply a little mineral oil to maintain the condition of the wood.
3. Wash wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher
Using a dishwasher to clean wooden cutting boards is not recommended.
Also read: Wooden or plastic cutting boards, which is most appropriate for the home kitchen?
The washing process in these machines oversaturates cutting boards with water and exposes them to extreme heat, which can cause the wood to become brittle and easily damaged. It’s best to wash cutting boards manually by hand.
4. Not cleaning wooden cutting boards thoroughly
Wooden cutting boards are often used to cut raw foods such as meat, which can potentially leave bacteria behind.
Illustration of a wooden cutting board, cleaning a wooden cutting board.If cutting boards are not cleaned thoroughly, these bacteria can become a health threat and spread to other food items.
Therefore, it is important to clean cutting boards thoroughly on both sides after use.
Also read: Moldy wooden cutting boards, can they be cleaned and are they suitable for use?
How to clean a wooden cutting board properly
To keep wooden cutting boards durable and bacteria-free, here is the recommended washing method:
Use hot water
Wash the cutting board with hot water, dish soap and a soft sponge. Rinse the cutting board with hot water first, then scrub both sides until clean. This step is effective in killing bacteria attached to the surface of the wood.
Illustration of washing a wooden cutting board, cleaning a wooden cutting board.Sterilize with vinegar
For additional sterilization, use a solution of vinegar and water in a 1:4 ratio. Soak the cutting board for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry before storing. This alternative is safe and effective for eradicating bacteria.
By properly caring for your wooden cutting board, you can extend its lifespan and keep your kitchen clean.
Also read: 4 Ways to Get Rid of the Smell of Meat on a Wooden Cutting Board, You Can Use Coarse Salt
Don’t forget to always pay attention to these steps to keep your wooden cutting board in the best condition.
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