DIY Wooden Cutting Board Cleaning Spray – Make them at home to increase your board’s life

Wooden cutting boards are prone to a common problem which affects not only the looks and the beauty of the board but also the hygiene of the cutting board. Mold, fungus, or black spots. These are very common in wood that is not dense and usually light. These wooden boards that are not dense require extra love and care and that’s why it’s important to oil them regularly, spray them with natural disinfectants and keep them clean at all times.

Wooden chopping board sprays are not usually available over the shelf. You will have to make them. Getting the ingredients right ensures a cleaner board which is free from germs. Getting the wrong ingredients often means no results or worse, increasing the infection. We put together the perfect mix for your wooden chopping board cleaning spray. The ingredients are tried, tested and proven to get better, long-lasting results.

Vinegar Spray
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant which also helps remove odour. To prepare a vinegar spray, you will need the following:

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 20–25 drops of lemon essential oils
• 5 drops of tea tree oil
• Spray bottle

While you can prepare a simple vinegar solution with equal parts water alone, the addition of lemon essential oils adds a scent to the board and is naturally antibacterial. Tea tree oil is a strong antifungal oil with antibacterial properties. Both these ingredients are optional but adding them will leave a fungal-free board which will also smell good.

Vinegar Coconut Oil Spray
Vinegar combined with coconut oil helps moisten the board and also protects the board. It gives the board a natural shine and you will not be required to oil your board once you spray this solution.

You will require the following items for creating a vinegar coconut oil spray:

• 3/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, food grade, preferably organic
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil

The oil will not combine with the vinegar solution so you will need to shake the bottle thoroughly before use. If you still think the board is dry, oil the board after the board dries post spraying.

Lemon Juice Baking Soda Spray
This is the perfect solution to get rid of foul smell caused by food. Especially after cutting garlic or onion, fish, etc. The smell lingers on the board for too long, passing it on to other food. This solution helps remove the smell thoroughly from your board.

Required ingredients:

• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup water, warm
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 5 drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil (which is optional)

Ensure to shake the bottle thoroughly before spraying. Wipe off particles of baking soda after the board is thoroughly dry. Oil the board if required.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Rosemary Spray for an Antibacterial Effect
This is for those who like to keep their boards smelling good. The mix is antibacterial and gives an earthy smell. This is the perfect solution for everyday spritzing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• A sprig of fresh rosemary

Mix all the ingredients and leave it overnight for it to infuse well. You can store this mix in a refrigerator and use it daily for a fresh chopping board which smells earthy.

Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen peroxide is the strongest cleanser in the list and is perfect for boards that are used to cut meat and fish. They ensure a clean, bacteria-free board.

Ingredients

• 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
• 1 part distilled water
• 5 drops of tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil (optional)

This is not a spray to use daily. Use it only to deep sanitise your board after cutting meat or poultry. Store it in a dark bottle to maintain its potency and preferably refrigerate it. This solution may leave your board a bit too dry and you may want to oil your board after it dries thoroughly.