When wooden chopsticks are not used, if they are not cleaned and stored properly, they will become moldy and harmful to health. Below are quick and simple ways to clean moldy wooden chopsticks that haven’t been used for a long time.
1. Use white vinegar
Vinegar is the nemesis of mold. Mix vinegar and a little honey in a bowl. Use a cloth to soak in this solution. Then, use this cloth to clean the moldy chopsticks. Repeat several times for the best result. Finally, just rinse and dry them, and you can confidently use these clean and fragrant chopsticks.
2. Use lemon juice
Lemon juice helps clean dirt and eliminates odors effectively. Squeeze fresh lemon juice and dilute it with water. Soak the moldy chopsticks in it for about 15-30 minutes. The mold will come off, and you just need to rinse them with water and let them dry to complete the process.
3. Use baking soda and lemon
The method of cleaning moldy wooden chopsticks with baking soda and lemon is also quite common. Baking soda is well-known for its cleaning and deodorizing abilities. When combined with lemon juice, it can eliminate all mold stains on the chopsticks.
Mix baking soda and lemon juice to make a paste, then apply it evenly to each pair of chopsticks. To save time, you can also use a dish sponge and scrub the mixture on each pair of chopsticks. Finally, soak the chopsticks in hot water, and let them dry under the hot sun. Now you have clean and fresh chopsticks.
4. Use salt
Salt is not only a common seasoning but also an effective stain remover. With its low cost and easy availability, salt is often preferred by many housewives for cleaning moldy chopsticks.
Put salt in a pot and boil it for about 5 – 7 minutes. Then put the moldy chopsticks in and soak them for 5 minutes. Finally, take out the chopsticks and let them dry.
5. Use hot water
It is not surprising to know that hot water can clean moldy wooden chopsticks. With this method, you just need to wash the chopsticks with hot water. Especially, if you maintain this method regularly, your family’s chopsticks will always be clean and free from food odors.
6. Use dishwashing liquid
In addition to the methods mentioned above, using dedicated dishwashing liquid is favored by many housewives. Dishwashing liquid helps solve mold stains quickly, efficiently, and saves time. The process is relatively simple – you apply dishwashing liquid on a wet sponge, rub the wooden chopsticks, then soak them in hot water and rinse as usual.
The hazards of using moldy wooden chopsticks
Wooden chopsticks are made from natural materials such as bamboo, coconut, and mun wood, so they are prone to moisture. If they are stored in a high-temperature environment, bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli can easily appear. Therefore, if the hygienic and storage of wooden chopsticks are not maintained during use, moldy chopsticks will release Aflatoxin B1, which can cause cancer and chronic poisoning in users.
According to scientific research, Aflatoxin B1 is one of the toxins that can cause liver cancer in humans. People who are poisoned by mold toxins in wooden chopsticks or cutting boards may experience symptoms such as vomiting, lung swelling, seizures, coma, and even death due to brain and heart edema.
Notes for safely using wooden chopsticks
+ Clean the wooden chopsticks immediately after use
+ Replace the chopsticks regularly, about 3-6 months
+ Regularly disinfect the chopsticks
Pay attention to cleanliness of chopsticks and other kitchen utensils to ensure the quality of meals and the health of the whole family.
Source: Xe và thể thao