Dirty wooden cutting boards for a long time, potential risks in the kitchen
Wooden cutting boards are familiar items in every household, but they pose a risk of unsanitary conditions if not cleaned properly. The wood surface has many small cracks, easily retaining food waste, moisture and bacteria after a long period of use.
According to Dr. Donald Schaffner, a food safety expert working at Rutgers University (USA), "uncleaned cutting boards can become a source of cross-infection bacteria, especially when used for both raw and cooked foods.
To clean wooden cutting boards that have been stained for a long time, housewives can apply many simple methods. Lightly acidic vinegar helps to deodorize and effectively kill bacteria. After washing with dish soap, apply vinegar to the surface, leave for a few minutes and then dry.
Salted rice water helps remove fishy odors, while lemon combined with salt can scrub away stubborn stains. For long-lasting stains, hydrogen peroxide or hot-water soap will help deep cleansing.
In necessary cases, diluted bleach can be used to strongly disinfect, but must wash thoroughly with hot water to avoid harmful chemical residues.
In addition, applying olive oil periodically also helps protect the wood surface, limit cracking and extend the shelf life.
How to clean new cutting boards and maintain long-lasting durability
Many people have a habit of using cutting boards immediately after purchase but skip the initial cleaning step, increasing the risk of infection.
Experts recommend rinsing the cutting board with boiling water to remove bacteria, then soaking it in salt water for about two hours to deodorize and disinfect. When the cutting board dries, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to protect the surface.
Professor Ben Chapman, a food safety expert at North Carolina State University (USA), emphasized: "proper hygiene and storage significantly reduce the risk of bacterial contamination from food processing tools.
To ensure safety, the cutting board should be cleaned after each use, dried in a ventilated place and replaced when cracks or mold appear. This is a simple habit but plays an important role in protecting family health.
