How To Remove Smells From Cutting Board

Keeping your cutting board clean and odor-free is essential for maintaining kitchen hygiene and ensuring your food remains safe and tasty. Cutting boards can develop unpleasant odors due to improper cleaning and food residue. This guide will explore the causes of cutting board odors and provide how to remove smells from cutting board.

How to Remove Smells from Cutting Board

How to Remove Smell from Plastic Cutting Boards

Plastic chopping boards are non-porous, making them easier to clean than wooden ones. However, they can still retain odors, especially if they have scratches or grooves from knife use.

1. Baking Soda and Water Paste

• Why it works: Baking soda neutralizes odors and helps remove food residue.
• Steps:
  1. Mix baking soda and water to form a thick paste.
  2. Spread the paste over the cutting board, focusing on areas with grooves or scratches.
  3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
  4. Scrub gently with a sponge, rinse with warm water, and dry.

2. White Vinegar

• Why it works: White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that removes odors and kills bacteria.
• Steps:
  1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
  2. Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe the entire cutting board with the solution.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

3. Lemon Juice

• Why it works: Lemon juice is acidic and has natural deodorizing properties.
• Steps:
  1. Rub a sliced lemon over the cutting board.
  2. Squeeze the juice as you scrub the surface.
  3. Let the lemon juice sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse and dry.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide (for Moldy Smells)

• Why it works: Hydrogen peroxide is highly effective at killing bacteria and removing mold odors.
• Steps:
  1. Pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the board.
  2. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely.

5. Dishwasher (If Safe)

• Many plastic cutting boards are dishwasher-safe. Run them through a dishwasher cycle to sanitize and remove odors.

How to Remove Smell from Wooden Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards are more porous than plastic ones, making them prone to absorbing odors. However, proper care can help eliminate these smells effectively.

1. Lemon and Coarse Salt

• Why it works: Salt acts as a natural scrubber, and lemon’s acidity neutralizes odors.
• Steps:
  1. Sprinkle coarse salt generously over the board.
  2. Cut a lemon in half and scrub the board with it, squeezing the juice out as you scrub.
  3. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
  4. Dry completely.

2. White Vinegar Spray

• Why it works: White vinegar penetrates the wood, removing odors and killing bacteria.
• Steps:
  1. Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray the solution onto the cutting board and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
  3. Wipe with a clean cloth, rinse, and air dry.

3. Baking Soda Paste

• Why it works: Baking soda removes trapped odors in the wood’s pores.
• Steps:
  1. Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
  2. Apply the paste to the cutting board, ensuring it covers smelly areas.
  3. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a sponge or brush.
  4. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

4. Sunlight (for Mold or Musty Smells)

• Why it works: Sunlight naturally kills bacteria and removes moldy odors.
• Steps:
  1. Place the wooden cutting board outside in direct sunlight for a few hours.
  2. Flip it over halfway through to ensure both sides are exposed.
  3. Wipe it clean and store in a dry, ventilated area.

5. Mineral Oil Treatment (Optional)

• Why it works: Regular oiling with food-grade mineral oil prevents wood from absorbing odors and moisture.
• Steps:
  1. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of food-safe mineral oil to the cutting board.
  2. Let the oil soak in overnight, then wipe off any excess.

How to Remove Specific Smells

How to Remove Garlic Smell From Plastic Cutting Board

• Use lemon and salt or baking soda paste to neutralize the sulfur compounds that cause the smell.

Cutting Board Smells Like Fish

• A solution of white vinegar and water works well. Alternatively, hydrogen peroxide can help remove stubborn fish odors.

Cutting Board Smells Like Mold/Musty

• Treat with hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. Sunlight exposure is particularly effective for removing mold smells.
• Use white vinegar or sunlight to kill bacteria causing the musty smell. Make sure the board is completely dry before storing it.

Cutting Board Tastes or Smells Like Soap

• Rinse the cutting board thoroughly with warm water. Scrub with baking soda to remove any soap residue, then rinse again.

How to Prevent Cutting Board Odors

Prevention is better than cure! Follow these tips to keep your cutting board clean and odor-free:

1. Clean Immediately After Use:

   • Always wash your cutting board right after use, especially if you’ve been working with strong-smelling foods.

2. Dry Completely:

   • Avoid storing a damp cutting board. Pat it dry with a towel and leave it upright in a ventilated area to air-dry completely.

3. Season Wooden Boards:

   • Wooden boards should be conditioned regularly with food-grade mineral oil. This creates a barrier that prevents the absorption of moisture and odors.

4. Use Separate Boards:

   • Dedicate separate boards for raw meats and other foods to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of odors.

5. Avoid Soaking Wooden Boards:

   • Prolonged soaking can weaken the board and lead to odor buildup. Wash wooden boards with warm, soapy water and rinse immediately.

Conclusion

Cutting boards are indispensable tools in the kitchen, but they require proper care and maintenance to stay clean, safe, and odor-free. Whether you use a wooden or plastic cutting board, the methods outlined above will help you remove stubborn smells and maintain a hygienic workspace. By combining regular cleaning with preventive measures, you can extend the life of your cutting board and ensure your meals remain fresh and flavorful.