How to Remove Onion Smell from Wood Cutting Boards ?

Are you struggling with the lingering smell of onions on your wood cutting board? In this guide, we’ll explore effective methods for how to remove onion smell from wood cutting board, leaving it clean and odour-free.

Why does onion smell linger on wood cutting boards

Wood is a porous material, which means it has tiny openings that can trap and absorb odors. When you cut onions on a wood cutting board, the compounds responsible for the strong smell can seep into the wood’s fibers. Unlike plastic or glass cutting boards, wood has a natural ability to hold onto these odors, making it more challenging to remove them through regular washing.

Additionally, the enzymes present in onions can further contribute to the lingering smell on wood cutting boards. These enzymes can penetrate the wood and continue to release their aroma long after the onions have been removed.

Is it OK to Cut Onions on a Wooden Cutting Board?

Wooden cutting boards are commonly used in kitchens, but some may wonder if it’s safe to cut onions on them. Yes, it’s perfectly fine to cut onions on a wooden cutting board. However, onions can leave behind a strong odour that may be difficult to remove if not cleaned properly.

How to Remove Onion Smell from Wood Cutting Board?

Eliminating onion odour from wood cutting boards is straightforward with these effective methods:

Method 1: Baking Soda Paste:

• Ingredients: Baking soda, water.
• Steps:
  1. Mix baking soda with an adequate amount of water to create a paste-like consistency.
  2. Apply the baking soda paste generously onto the surface of the cutting board.
  3. Scrub the board thoroughly using a sponge or brush to ensure the paste penetrates into the wood.
  4. Rinse the cutting board with water, ensuring all traces of the paste are removed.
  5. Dry the cutting board thoroughly with a clean towel to prevent any moisture retention.

Method 2: Lemon and Salt Scrub:

Harness the acidic properties of lemon combined with salt to create a potent solution for combating onion odours on your wood cutting board.

• Safety Precautions: Avoid using excessive force to prevent damage to the wood.
• Ingredients: Lemon, salt.
• Steps:
  1. Sprinkle salt generously over the entire surface of the cutting board.
  2. Take half a lemon and use it to scrub the salt into the wood, ensuring thorough coverage.
  3. Allow the lemon and salt mixture to sit on the cutting board for a few minutes to effectively neutralize odours.
  4. Rinse the cutting board with water, ensuring all remnants of the lemon and salt mixture are washed away.
  5. Dry the cutting board meticulously with a clean towel to prevent any moisture from lingering.

Method 3: Vinegar Soak:

Harness the odour-neutralizing power of vinegar with this simple soaking method to rid your wood cutting board of onion smells.

• Safety Precautions: Use vinegar in a well-ventilated area.
• Ingredients: White vinegar, water.
• Steps:
  1. Fill a basin with equal parts white vinegar and water.
  2. Submerge the wood cutting board completely into the vinegar-water solution.
  3. Allow the cutting board to soak for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the vinegar penetrates into the wood.
  4. Remove the cutting board from the solution and rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any vinegar residue.
  5. Dry the cutting board completely before using it again to prevent any moisture-related issues.

Proper cleaning and maintenance to prevent odors on wood cutting boards

Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding lingering onion smells on wood cutting boards. By implementing proper cleaning and maintenance practices, you can reduce the chances of odors developing in the first place.

Always wash your wood cutting board with hot, soapy water immediately after use. This will help remove any residual food particles and prevent them from becoming trapped in the wood. Use a brush or sponge to scrub the surface thoroughly, paying extra attention to any crevices or grooves.

Once clean, rinse the board with warm water to remove any soap residue, then dry it with a clean towel. Avoid leaving the board to air dry, as moisture can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold.

To further prevent odors, consider applying a food-safe oil or wax to the wood cutting board regularly. These products create a protective barrier that seals the wood and prevents odors from seeping in. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and reapplication frequency.

What Should You Not Put on a Wooden Cutting Board?

While wood is a durable material, there are some items you should avoid putting on a wooden cutting board to maintain its longevity. These include:

• Raw meat: Wooden cutting boards are porous and can harbor bacteria from raw meat, increasing the risk of contamination.
• Harsh chemicals: Avoid using bleach or other harsh cleaning agents, as they can damage the wood and leave behind harmful residues.