If your wooden cutting board is moldy, don’t wash it with soap: Follow this simple method and in just 5 minutes, your cutting board will be as clean as new.

Wash the board with vinegar, salt, toothpaste, and baking soda.

Preparation:

• White vinegar, salt, toothpaste, a toothbrush, cooking oil, baking soda.

Instructions:

Step 1: Disinfect with white vinegar and saltWhite vinegar has strong softening properties, which can loosen tough stains on the cutting board. First, pour a suitable amount of white vinegar on the board, ensuring it covers the surface. Then, sprinkle an appropriate amount of salt over the board. The reason for using salt is that it has a grainy texture, which not only provides good friction but also has disinfecting and sterilizing properties.

Step 2: Use toothpaste and a toothbrush to clean

Next, take an old toothbrush and apply a small amount of toothpaste. Scrub the board thoroughly with the toothbrush, just like brushing your teeth. Both salt and toothpaste have excellent cleaning abilities, making them very effective for cleaning the cutting board. Their combination creates a strong abrasive action.

By brushing with toothpaste, the board not only gets its surface cleaned but it also eliminates any knife marks, leaving no place for bacteria or dirt to hide, leaving it spotless. After a few scrubs, rinse the board with water to clean.

Step 3: Apply a layer of cooking oil
After cleaning the board, dry it thoroughly. You can apply a layer of cooking oil to the surface. Cooking oil not only helps maintain the board but also effectively prevents mold and cracks.

Then, cover the board with plastic wrap and leave it for 4 to 5 hours for the oil to fully absorb. After the time is up, remove the wrap.

If there is still too much oil on the board, don’t use dishwashing soap to clean it. Instead, sprinkle a little baking soda on the board to clean it. Baking soda is great at absorbing oil, making it a powerful tool in the kitchen to remove excess oil. After this, your board will stay mold-free for up to a year.

Washing the board with lemon, salt, and vinegar
Salt acts as a scrubber to remove dirt, while lemon juice kills bacteria and eliminates odors. To clean a 22 cm cutting board, use 1/3 of a lemon, 1.5 tablespoons of salt, and 5 tablespoons of vinegar.

First, wash the board with water, sprinkle a generous amount of salt, and use 1/3 or half a lemon to scrub it clean.

Leave the board for a few minutes, then rinse it with cold water. You can also use white vinegar to enhance the antibacterial effect in the final step.