Cutting Board smells
Why cutting board smells? Why does my cutting board smell…
..when I use it to chop food? Why do you believe this is the case, and what can we do to extend the life of our cutting boards? Let’s figure it out together! But first, let’s explore what our cutting board has to offer.
Cutting Board
Cutting boards are used in many different ways, but they all have the same goal: to keep your food safe from bacteria. Food is a very important part of our lives and it’s easy for us as humans to get carried away with what we eat. We cook everything from steaks to vegetables daily and sometimes even make desserts too! So if you want to be able to enjoy these foods without worrying about any health problems later on down the line, then having a good quality wooden cutting board is vital. There are so many options available that choosing one can seem like an impossible task
Why Cutting Board Smells
The main reason why a cutting board might start smelling is because the material itself isn’t really designed to absorb moisture. It doesn’t mean though that you should throw away your old cutting board just yet; instead, try washing it with warm water and soap solution before using it again. You may also consider leaving your cutting board outside during winter months to allow some air circulation around its edges, although this won’t necessarily eliminate smells completely.
What Else Can Damage a Cutting Board?
If you’ve ever noticed that your cutting board starts looking dull, worn-out, or stained over time, don’t worry it happens to everyone eventually. The best way to maintain a long lasting appearance is by keeping it clean at all times. Avoid putting anything sticky onto the surface, including butter, oils, sauces, etc., since those ingredients tend to attract dirt. Also avoid placing heavy objects directly above your cutting board, especially sharp knives, as they can scratch the top layer of the board.
How To Prolong The Lifespan of Your Cutting Board
While cleaning your cutting board regularly is essential, remember not to scrub it constantly. Instead, only wipe off excess debris once every few days.
How to Remove Smells From a Wooden Cutting Board
Wash With Hot Soapy Water
Wash after each use with hot soapy water and rinse. This will help prevent build up of residue which could cause odors or stains. If there are already scents or residues on the surface of the cutting board, wash again until no more odor remains.
Rub with salt and lime (or lemon)
Place a tiny amount of salt on the cutting board ( 1-2 Tablespoons per side). Cut a lemon or lime in half and squeeze out some juice until the salt dissolves and becomes spreadable. Scrub for a few minutes with the lime, then rinse. Then, on the opposite side, repeat.
The lime is effective in removing odors and has antimicrobial qualities that prevent bacteria from growing on the board. The salt acts as an abrasive scrape, drawing moisture out of the wood and avoiding bacteria buildup and foul odors. Lemon/lime juice and salt are insufficient to disinfect your chopping board. If you’re working with raw meats, you may sterilize them using a solution of 1 Tablespoon bleach to 1 gallon water. This is something I’d do soon after step 1.
Rub with baking soda to remove any lingering smell
If your board still smells good after the salt and lime, you’re done! If it still stinks, use 1-2 tablespoons baking soda with little water to form a paste. I rubbed the paste all over with my leftover lime half, let it soak for a minute, and then washed.
Dry your board completely
I lean mine upright to ensure that all sides dry thoroughly. You don’t want to try to oil a damp board.
Season your cutting board with coconut oil
My hardwood cutting boards hadn’t been oiled in around two years. They were so arid and unappealing. I’m going to attempt to oil them once a month to keep them looking nice and to keep water and odors from adhering to the wood. I just used around 1 tsp coconut oil each board, perhaps a bit more. One thing I did notice was that it was difficult to massage in at first, as if I had used too much. However, after allowing it to “soak in” for a few hours, it was completely absorbed! What kind of oil should I put on my cutting board?
- Mineral Oil of Food Grade
- Coconut Oil
- Carnauba (wax) or Beeswax combined with one of the oils listed above
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
