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What to do before using a new cutting board?

If you don't clean and treat it properly, a newly purchased wooden cutting board can easily become damp, moldy, and cracked, posing potential hygiene risks.

Administrator

12 February, 2024

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Wooden cutting boards are a common kitchen item in every household. When you first purchase a wooden cutting board, it will have a wood and paint smell. So how do you clean and disinfect the cutting board before using it?

How to treat a new cutting board before using it

Step 1: Place the newly purchased cutting board in a sink and rinse it with hot water to remove the wax on the new board. The new cutting board is coated with wax to prevent it from cracking and molding.

Step 2: Disinfect with lemon juice and salt

You can cut two lemons in half, then sprinkle some salt and apply it directly to both sides of the cutting board.

Processing a new cutting board with lemon juice and salt.

Step 3: Apply cooking oil evenly to the entire cutting board and wrap it in plastic wrap. Then place the cutting board in a cool place to dry and wait for a few hours for the oil to soak evenly into the board. Repeat the oil application 3-4 times.

Wiping the cutting board with cooking oil will protect the surface of the board.

Step 4: Soaking the cutting board

Soaking the cutting board after purchase not only cleans the wood surface, but also provides the right moisture level, preventing the board from absorbing too much water or becoming prone to cracks when used.

Soak the cutting board in a solution of saltwater, mixed at a ratio of 200g of salt to 1 liter of water, for 1 day. Then dry the cutting board thoroughly before use.

After completing the 3 steps of treating the cutting board as mentioned above, the board will no longer have a wood or paint smell, and you can use it to prepare food.

Notes when using a cutting board

Clean the cutting board after use

Cleaning the wooden cutting board after use is one of the ways to make the board more durable.

You can use hot water, salt, a combination of baking soda and vinegar, or lemon to clean the wooden cutting board after use. Keep the board in a cool place and avoid direct sunlight. Additionally, applying cooking oil once a week will smooth out scratches on the board surface and keep the color of the board longer.

Use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked food

Fresh raw food such as meat and fish may contain harmful bacteria. Therefore, using the same cutting board to handle both raw and cooked food will allow bacteria from the board to stick to the cooked food, compromising food safety.

Replace the cutting board when necessary

After using a wooden cutting board for a while, it will develop scratches from cutting and chopping food, which creates favorable conditions for bacteria to grow and multiply due to leftover food residue. It is recommended to replace the cutting board every 7 to 8 months or when there are too many cuts and scratches on the board.

Source: VTC.vn