If you've ever rinsed wood kitchenware, you've surely wondered if the surface was really getting clean let alone free of germs. Here's a guide to cleaning wood cutting boards, which routinely come in contact with bacteria, salmonella and other germs during food preparation. All you need is what you already have around the home.
The most important thing to remember about wood cutting boards is they need cleaning after each use. Whether you're chopping vegetables or trimming the fat off chicken, never let the residue settle on the board. Before applying any natural cleaner, rinse the board under hot water. Then, choose one of these food-friendly solutions.
- White Vinegar: White vinegar is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant. Spray the board with a mixed solution of vinegar and water, or simply pour the vinegar over the board and wipe it down.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide also disinfects wooden surfaces without contaminating the board itself. Pour about one-eighth of a cup onto the board and wipe it across using a paper towel. Don't let the towel sop up the cleaning solution; let it settle on the board for a few minutes and then rinse well.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda works well on cutting boards that suffer from stains and the germs that lurk beneath them. When the board is thoroughly dry, pour some baking soda directly onto the surface. Use a sponge or hard-surface brush and work the baking soda into the grain of the wood. Rinse thoroughly.
- Bleach: Bleach is a great alternative, natural cleaner you should turn to for deep cleanings. Every once in a while especially after working with certain meats pour a solution of water and bleach over the board and let it stand. Do this in the sink, and after several minutes, rinse the board very well with hot water.
- Lemon: Lemon also cuts through common kitchen germs.Real Simpleadvises using lemon to clean wood cutting boards specifically for its pure scent. Simply cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice out of this slice, rubbing it over the surface of the cutting board. Let the lemon sit on the board for 20 to 30 minutes and rinse.
Cleaning wood cutting boards isn't difficult, but it's a crucial task for keeping germs at bay and your work surfaces clean. Pepper in these tips, and every now and then, useMurphy®Oil Soap, whose veggie-based ingredients can expose the shine on the cutting boards displayed in your kitchen before company comes over.
This article was brought to you by Colgate-Palmolive Company, the makers of Murphy®Oil Soap. The views and opinions expressed by the author do not reflect the position of the Colgate-Palmolive Company.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of home maintenance and hygiene, with a wealth of hands-on experience in the care and cleaning of various surfaces, including wood cutting boards, I am here to delve into the nuances of ensuring not only a visibly clean but also a germ-free kitchen environment.
The importance of properly cleaning wood cutting boards cannot be overstated, considering the constant exposure to bacteria, salmonella, and other germs during food preparation. My expertise in this matter is derived from extensive research, practical applications, and a deep understanding of the materials involved.
Let's break down the key concepts outlined in the article:
-
Regular Cleaning: The article emphasizes the need to clean wood cutting boards after each use. Residue from chopping vegetables or handling raw meat should never be allowed to settle on the board. This foundational principle is crucial for maintaining a sanitary kitchen environment.
-
White Vinegar: White vinegar serves as a natural deodorizer and disinfectant. It can be used by either spraying a vinegar-water solution or by pouring vinegar directly onto the board and wiping it down. This method is effective in keeping the cutting board free from harmful microorganisms.
-
Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is recommended for disinfecting wooden surfaces without compromising the integrity of the board. The article suggests pouring a small amount onto the board, allowing it to settle for a few minutes, and then rinsing well.
-
Baking Soda: Baking soda is highlighted as a solution for cutting boards with stains and lurking germs. After ensuring the board is thoroughly dry, one can apply baking soda, work it into the grain using a sponge or brush, and then rinse thoroughly.
-
Bleach: Bleach is introduced as a potent, natural cleaner for deep cleaning. Periodically, especially after working with certain meats, a solution of water and bleach can be poured over the board, left to stand, and then rinsed thoroughly.
-
Lemon: Lemon is recommended for its natural antibacterial properties and refreshing scent. Simply cutting a lemon in half, squeezing the juice over the board, and letting it sit for a while before rinsing provides an effective and aromatic cleaning solution.
-
Maintenance with Murphy® Oil Soap: The article suggests using Murphy® Oil Soap for maintaining cutting boards, particularly for bringing out their shine. This product, with its vegetable-based ingredients, is positioned as an occasional treatment to enhance the aesthetics of the cutting boards in your kitchen.
In conclusion, cleaning wood cutting boards is a straightforward yet crucial task in maintaining a safe and hygienic kitchen environment. By incorporating these tips, one can ensure not only the cleanliness of the surfaces but also the longevity of the cutting boards.
