Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Shari Mason
One of the drawbacks of cutting onions in your kitchen is the lingering smell that tends to permeate the air and cling to your cutting board.
If you’re looking for a way to get the onion smell out of your wooden cutting board without harsh chemicals, this guide is for you.
We’ll review a few natural methods for removing the smell to get your cutting board back to its original odor-free state.
How Do You Get The Onion Smell Out Of Cutting Board?
When removing the smell of onion from cutting boards, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your board is clean and odor free.
The first step is to scrub the board with warm soapy water. This will help to remove any food particles and residue that may be lingering on the board.
After scrubbing, rinse the board thoroughly under warm running water. Once the board is clean, you can use vinegar and baking soda to help remove the smell.
Mix equal vinegar and baking soda in a bowl and spread it onto the cutting board. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes before wiping it off and rinsing it with warm water. This process should help to remove any remaining smell of onion.
Finally, you can finish the job by spritzing the board with a mixture of lemon juice and water and letting it dry in a well-ventilated area.
Read: Different Types Of Wooden Spoons And Their Uses
What Is The Best Cutting Board For Onions?
The best cutting board for onions is one that is made of hardwood. Hardwood provides a solid surface that won’t dull your knives, and the wood’s natural oil helps keep your knives sharp.
A hardwood cutting board also stands up to the acidity of onions better than other materials, like plastic. Hardwood is more sanitary than other materials and is less likely to harbor bacteria, making it an ideal choice for cutting onions.
Read: Can You Cut Meat On A Wooden Cutting Board?
How To Get Fruit Stains Out Of Wood Cutting Board?
To get fruit stains out of a wood cutting board after chopping onion [1], add some baking soda to the board and scrub it with a damp cloth. Then, mix equal parts of water and vinegar and use the mixture to scrub the board.
“Life is like an onion: you peel off layer after layer, and then you find nothing in it. “
– James Huneker, American Music Critic
You can also use a lemon juice and salt mixture to scrub the board. Once you have scrubbed the board with one of these mixtures, rinse it with warm water and dry it thoroughly.
To finish it off, apply a coat of mineral oil to the board to help prevent future staining.
Read: How To Store Cut Onions In The Refrigerator Without Smell?
How Do Chefs Clean Their Wooden Cutting Boards?
Chefs clean their wooden cutting boards to ensure that their food preparation areas are sanitary and safe.
The most important thing to remember when cleaning a wooden cutting board is to avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive scrubbing pads.
Chefs should use food-safe cleaners and hot water to wash the board with a soft cloth.
After washing, they should use a food-safe mineral oil to keep the board properly conditioned and prevent it from cracking.
Read: How To Make Your Eyes Stop Burning From Onions?
Can You Soak Cutting Board In Vinegar?
Soaking a cutting board in vinegar is an effective way to clean and disinfect it. The acidity of vinegar [2] helps to break down bacteria, mold, and other food-based contaminants.
It is important to ensure the board is completely submerged in vinegar and that it is left to soak for at least 30 minutes.
After it has been soaked, the board should be thoroughly rinsed and dried before use.
For best results, it is recommended to soak the cutting board in vinegar once a week.
Read: Are Caramelized Onions Healthy?
FAQs
u003cstrongu003eHow do you stop plastic chopping boards from smelling?u003c/strongu003e
Wash and dry the chopping board after each use with 1 part vinegar and two parts water. Once a month, mix baking soda and water to scrub the board and rinse thoroughly with hot water.
u003cstrongu003eHow long until the onion smell goes away?u003c/strongu003e
The onion smell can linger on hands and other surfaces for several hours, so it is best to rinse hands and surfaces with soap and water as soon as possible. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIf the smell persists, you may need a stronger cleaning agent, such as vinegar or lemon juice.
u003cstrongu003eWhat neutralizes raw onion?u003c/strongu003e
Raw onion can be neutralized with something acidic, such as lemon juice or vinegar. Another way to do this is to cook the onion, as this will reduce its pungency.
Final Thoughts
The best way to get the onion smell out of a wood cutting board is to rinse it with warm soapy water and then let it dry.
You can also use a combination of lemon and salt to scrub the odor or even baking soda and vinegar.
If the smell persists, try soaking the board in white vinegar and water overnight and then scrubbing it with baking soda.
Finally, make sure to oil the board regularly to keep it well-conditioned and free of odors.
References:
- https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_chop_an_onion/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vinegar-acid-or-base
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This is a great and informative blog post! I appreciate the natural methods suggested for removing the onion smell from a wooden cutting board. My question is, can I use these same methods to get rid of other food smells, such as garlic or fish, from my cutting board?