A cutting board is an essential kitchen tool in every household. A healthy cutting board is vital for maintaining good quality of life. However, during rainy and humid weather, wooden cutting boards are prone to mold growth if not properly cared for. When your board gets moldy, don't rush to wash it with soap; instead, use this simple trick, and it will be as clean as new in just 5 minutes, with long-lasting protection against mold.

1. Clean the board with vinegar, salt, toothpaste, and baking soda

Materials needed:

White vinegar
Salt
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Cooking oil
Baking soda

Instructions:

Step 1: Use vinegar and salt for disinfection
White vinegar, with its acidic properties, can soften stubborn stains on the cutting board. To clean it effectively, pour a suitable amount of white vinegar onto the board, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Then, sprinkle a suitable amount of salt over the board. The reason for using salt is that it has a granular texture, providing good friction while also having disinfectant properties.

Step 2: Use toothpaste and a toothbrush for cleaning
Next, take an old toothbrush and apply some toothpaste to it. Scrub the cutting board repeatedly with the toothbrush, much like brushing your teeth. The salt and toothpaste work together to clean the board thoroughly, as both have strong cleaning properties. The combination of both creates an effective abrasive force.

Brushing with toothpaste not only cleans the board's surface but also removes any knife marks, leaving no place for bacteria and dirt to hide, leaving the board spotless. After brushing a few times, rinse the board with water to clean it.

Step 3: Apply a layer of cooking oil
After cleaning the board, dry it thoroughly and perform maintenance by applying a layer of cooking oil to the surface. Cooking oil not only helps condition the cutting board but also effectively prevents mold and cracking.

Next, cover the board with plastic wrap and leave it for 4 to 5 hours to allow the oil to absorb evenly into the wood. After the time has passed, remove the plastic wrap.

If there’s still too much oil left on the board, avoid using dish soap to clean it. Instead, sprinkle some baking soda on the board to absorb the excess oil. Baking soda is excellent at absorbing oils, making it a helpful kitchen tool for removing grease. After cleaning this way, the board will stay mold-free for up to a year.