Lemon juice and salt work together as a natural cleaning agent to remove stains and grime from wooden cutting boards. Here's how they help:
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is acidic, containing citric acid, which acts as a mild bleaching agent and natural disinfectant. The acid helps break down stains, grease, and bacteria, making it effective for cleaning and deodorizing surfaces.
Salt: Salt is an abrasive material that acts as a gentle scrubbing agent. When combined with lemon juice, it forms a slightly abrasive paste that helps lift away stubborn stains, dried-on food particles, and grime without damaging the wooden surface.
Method for cleaning wooden cutting boards:
Materials you'll need:
- Lemon(s) (freshly squeezed juice)
- Coarse salt (kosher or sea salt works well)
- Clean sponge or soft brush
- Warm water
- Towel or paper towels
- Cutting board oil or mineral oil (optional)
Steps:
Prepare the lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice from one or more lemons, depending on the size of your cutting board and the severity of the stains. You can use a lemon squeezer or manually squeeze the juice. Strain out any seeds or pulp if necessary.
Apply the lemon juice and salt mixture:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of coarse salt over the stained or dirty areas of the wooden cutting board.
- Pour lemon juice directly over the salt, saturating it. The lemon juice will mix with the salt to create a cleaning paste.
Scrub the cutting board: Use a clean sponge or soft brush to gently scrub the surface of the cutting board. The salt will act as a mild abrasive, helping to loosen and lift the stains and grime.
Let it sit: After scrubbing, let the lemon juice and salt mixture sit on the cutting board for a few minutes. This allows the acid from the lemon juice to work on the stains and bacteria.
Rinse with warm water: Rinse the cutting board thoroughly with warm water to remove the lemon juice, salt, and loosened dirt. Use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe away any remaining residue.
Dry the cutting board: Pat the cutting board dry with a towel or paper towels. Make sure it is completely dry before storing it to prevent any moisture-related issues.
Optional: Apply cutting board oil: Once the cutting board is clean and dry, you can apply a small amount of cutting board oil or mineral oil to help condition the wood and maintain its appearance. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the oil.
Using lemon juice and salt is a natural and effective way to clean wooden cutting boards. It's important to clean cutting boards regularly, especially after cutting raw meat, to avoid cross-contamination and to keep the board in good condition.