How do you get the odors out of a wood cutting board?

Question

It seems like every time I cut onions, my wood cutting board smells like onions and makes the whole kitchen smell too, even after I clean it. Is there something else I can do to safely take out the odors without damaging the cutting board?

Answer 1

Wooden cutting boards require a little extra care to ensure they will last a long time and keep you safe from any food borne bacteria.

Clean both sides of the board with a damp cloth or sponge and a mild antibacterial soap.

Rinse with hot water, wipe with a clean cloth, and allow it to dry in an upright position.
Note: Do not immerse or soak your wooden cutting board. It will warp and damage the board for future use.


Every few weeks, you will want to give it a little extra maintenance; generously sprinkle coarse salt over the surface of the board, and rub it with a sliced lemon. This will help remove stains and odors.

If your cutting board is made from butcher block, you will also need to oil it once a month with a small amount of mineral oil.

Good luck to you!

Answer 2

Cut a lemon in half and rub the board with it. Let this set untill almost dry then rinse off with hot water and wipe dry.Do Not let the cutting board air dry without wiping it this causes bacteria to grow on it. You can also use lemon juice or even an orange. Both will clean and clean bacteria.
Do not use salt on a wooden board. It will rough up the board so to speak causing bacteria to seep into the rough areas. Some people are not aware of this. However salt is good for taking out the onion smell of your hands as long as you have no open wounds.

Invest in a tempered glass cutting board about $10.00-$15.00 they do not hold odor or bacteria. Don't worry they don't break I know I have dropped mine more than once.

Answer 3

It's so easy! Pour boiling water all over your board, 2-3 times, don't worry about the sizzle sound, it's doing the job.. It will take out onion, garlic, hot peppers, etc., tastes and smells plus you don't have to worry about germs anymore. The only thing that you may have to take into consideration is how the board was put together. All my wooden cutting boards have come out perfect, except one, not sure what happened there. But it definitely works, been doing it for years, have 15 years on the one I'm using now. Best wishes. K.

Answer 4

Dampen the cutting board with water, sprinkle salt over the surface. Cut a lemon in half and use the cut side down to scrub the area. Rinse well

Answer 5

Make a paste with salt and a little water and use a sponge to scrub the board with the salt. Salt works to get the onion smell off of your hands too.

Answer 6

I used to use diluted bleach which also sanitized the board, then rinsed thoroughly and dried. But now I use a flexible, thin plastic cutting mat (which you can buy very cheaply at many stores) and then run it through the dishwasher.

Answer 7

Lemons

Answer 8

Use half a lemon to clean board. It will take rhe smell out as well as kill germs.

Answer 9

Soak in lemon juice. Don't use chemicals because it'll go into your food.

Worse comes worse, buy another cutting board.

Answer 10

Maybe try wrapping it is some newspaper and putting it in a sealed bag overnight. You would be amazed what newspaper can take the smell out of.