on Jul 26, 2024 While wooden chopping boards are better than plastic ones as they don’t leech microplastics into your food, the cuts and scars on your wooden chopping board can actually be a major breeding ground for bacteria and mold. I know it sounds scary, but don’t worry because cleaning and maintaining your wooden chopping board is easier than you think! All it takes is 10 mins of maintenance per month and you’re good to go. Let’s get into it!
Wooden vs Plastic Cutting Board
My first chopping board was a plastic one and I can bet yours was, too! It has always seemed more approachable given how lightweight and easy to clean it is. But that’s where the catch is. While you can just chuck a plastic chopping board in the dishwasher and store it however you like, it will quickly begin to wear and will need to be replaced sooner than you’d think. There’s also the major risk of the board leeching microplastics into your food, which as a mom is a big NO for me! Wooden chopping boards, on the other hand, while heavier and require proper care – are more durable and sanitary. When maintained well, wooden chopping boards eliminate the risk of bacterial contamination, and can last for a lifetime. It’s an investment that’s worth it if you cook regularly.
Wooden Chopping Board Care
Clean 🧼: Wash your chopping board immediately after use with a regular dish wash and sponge. Never keep it dirty or let it stay in the sink where it can come in contact with water as that can cause the wood to warp and rot. Putting your chopping board in the dishwasher is a big NO NO for this very reason! Dry 🧽: Once clean, wipe the chopping board with a clean, dry cloth and allow it to dry completely. Disinfect 🦠 : Once a week, rub the chopping board with a mixture of salt + lemon (or vinegar) and wipe it clean. This helps to disinfect the surface and eliminate odors. Season 🛢️: Once a month, season your wooden chopping board with some oil. To do this, on a dried board, pour a little cooking oil on the board and spread it all over the surface using your hands. Wipe off any excess oil (the board should not feel damp or sticky), and allow it to rest overnight. This will give our board a nice shine while also protecting it from stains.
Note: Damp boards are a breeding ground for bacterial contamination, so whatever you do – let the board DRY!
How To Store Your Chopping Board
I know it can be tempting to stack other dishes on top of the chopping board when storing it but doing so will trap moisture, causing mold to grow. This also happens when we leave the board flat on a counter for a long period of time. The best way to store the board is upright in a cool, dry place. You can even hang it on a hook in your kitchen (this allows for air circulation which we want!)
When To Repair vs When To Say Goodbye
If you notice cuts, splits, and scratch marks on your board, you can repair them by buffing the board out with some sandpaper. But if the wood starts to warp, then it is best to get a new board. We don’t want to get sick from the bacteria that could build up in a cracked and distorted board! Don’t worry though, if you follow the tips and tricks in this article, it won’t have to come to that at all. And you can make your chopping board last FOREVER! If you’ve been thinking of making the switch to a wooden chopping board, or if you’ve got the maintenance of your existing chopping board on your mind, take this post as your sign! Investing in a wooden chopping board + its maintenance will last you years. Who doesn’t love a long-term kitchen tool? If you have further questions about how to care for your wooden chopping board, feel free to reach out to me on my Instagram @my_foodstory. This article was researched and written by Navya Khetarpal.
