Wooden cutting boards are a staple in most kitchens, prized for their durability and aesthetic appeal. However, over time, they can become stained and appear worn, mainly because of their porous nature which can absorb colors and odors from foods. You might notice reddish hues from beets, orange tints from carrot juice, or a general dulling from various foodstuffs.
Rather than resigning yourself to a cutting board that looks far from inviting, it’s entirely possible to restore it back to looking like new. With a few household items and some elbow grease, you can remove those deep food stains and enjoy a fresh-looking cutting board without much effort.
Cleaning Your Wooden Cutting Board Step-by-Step:
Follow these steps to remove stains and restore your wooden cutting board’s natural beauty:
1. Begin by giving your cutting board a thorough wash with warm soapy water. Scrub the surface with a sponge or brush to remove any loose debris and surface stains. Rinse the cutting board thoroughly and dry it with a towel.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of coarse salt over the entire stained surface of the cutting board. You can use either sea salt or kosher salt; the texture works effectively to lift out deeper stains.
3. Cut a lemon in half and use one half to rub the salt into the board. The acidity of the lemon juice combined with the abrasiveness of the salt creates a natural scrub that can lighten and lift stains. Make sure to cover the entire stained area and add more salt if necessary as you go.
4. Let the mixture of salt and lemon juice sit on the wood for about 5 minutes. This will give the cleaning solution sufficient time to do its magic.
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