A wooden cutting board adds beauty and utility to any kitchen, but you must treat it correctly. Always wash it after each use and let it dry completely before storing it in either a cabinet or on your countertop. However, when the board reeks of garlic or is in need of a good scrubbing, try to keep its beauty intact.
Clean your wooden cutting board after each use using one of the following methods:
Scrub your wooden cutting board vigorously with your preferred dish soap and hot water.
Spray the board with undiluted vinegar and wipe it with a clean dish towel. Let it dry.
Treat the cutting board with mineral oil to protect it from mold growth.
Clean the board with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach added to 1 gallon of warm water. The solution also disinfects the board.
Pour the mixture over the board and let it sit for 3 minutes.
Solid wood boards may be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Wood boards that are laminated or not solid wood cannot be soaked in water or cleaned in the dishwasher. Non-solid wood is porous, which means it will absorb water and then crack when it's dry.
Remove the lingering odor of fish, onion, garlic and other yummy, but smelly, ingredients from your wooden cutting board with items from your pantry:
Liberally sprinkle coarse salt over the cutting board.
Cut a lemon in half and slightly squeeze the lemon to release its juice as you rub it against the board.
Let the salt and lemon sit for 5 minutes and then scrape the mixture off.
Maintain your wooden cutting board with a monthly oil application. Use a clean dish towel to gingerly rub beeswax or mineral oil on the board, following the direction of its wood grain. Allow the board to absorb the oil; then wipe off any excess and allow it to dry overnight.