How to Get Onion Smell Out of Wood Cutting Board

How to Get Onion Smell Out of Wood Cutting Board?: If you’ve ever chopped onions on a wooden cutting board, you know how persistent and unpleasant the onion odor can be. No one wants their delicious dishes tainted with that pungent smell. Wood cutting boards have become a popular staple in many kitchens due to their durability and natural aesthetics. However, a common problem with using a wood-cutting board is the lingering smell of onions. The pungent odor of onions can easily seep into the wood fibers, leaving behind an unwanted scent that can affect the taste of your future culinary creations. Luckily, there are effective ways to remove the onion smell from your wood-cutting board without much hassle. 

The Challenge of Onion Odor: Why Onion Odor Lingers?

Understanding why onion odor sticks around on wood cutting boards is essential. Wooden cutting boards, while visually appealing and naturally antimicrobial, can absorb strong odors such as those from onions and garlic. Onion juice contains sulfur compounds released when onions are sliced ​​or diced. These compounds can penetrate the porous surface of wood, embedding themselves deep within the board’s fibers. Over time, this can result in a persistent and unpleasant onion smell. Regular board washing may not be enough to remove the odor altogether. To conquer this problem, let’s delve into a few practical solutions.

Gather Your Materials: How to Get Onion Smell Out of Wood Cutting Board?

How to Get Onion Smell Out of Wood Cutting Board: Before we delve into the various techniques to remove the onion smell from your wooden cutting board, let’s gather the materials you’ll need:

Wooden Cutting Board: The main focus of our efforts.

Lemon: A natural deodorizer with a pleasant scent.

Coarse Salt: Helps scrub away odor-causing particles.

Baking Soda: Known for its odor-neutralizing properties.

White Vinegar: Another potent deodorizer and cleaning agent.

Dish Soap: Used for a thorough cleaning.

Mineral Oil: Restores the wood’s natural moisture and finish.

Clean Towels: For drying the cutting board.

8 Best Ways to Remove Onion Odor from a Wood Cutting Board

Method 1. Lemon and Salt Scrub

Step 1: Sprinkle Coarse Salt

start by sprinkling a generous amount of coarse salt over the cutting board surface. Salt is a natural abrasive, helping scrub the onion smell and any lingering residue.

Step 2: Scrub with Lemon

Cut a lemon and use half to scrub the salt on the cutting board. The citric acid in lemons will help break down odor-causing compounds easily, leaving behind a fresh scent.

Step 3: Let It Sit

Let the lemon and salt mixture sit on the board for about 15 minutes. This gives the lemon juice time to penetrate the wood and neutralize the onion smell.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

After 15 minutes, rinse the cutting board thoroughly with water. Dry it with a clean regular towel, and you should notice a significant reduction in the onion smell.

Method 2. Salt and White Vinegar

Step 1: Apply Salt

Sprinkle coarse salt over the board. Salt acts as an abrasive and helps remove the onion’s odor.

Step 2: Add Vinegar

Pour a minimal amount of white vinegar over the salted surface. The vinegar’s acidity helps neutralize odors.

Step 3: Scrub and Rinse

Scrub the board using a cloth or a soft-bristle brush, focusing on areas with onion odor. Wash the board thoroughly with water and clean it well.

Method 3. Baking Soda Paste

Step 1: Create a Paste

Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to make a simple thick paste. Baking soda is an excellent odor absorber and will significantly help remove onion odors from wood.

Step 2: Apply the Paste

Spread the baking soda paste evenly over the cutting board, focusing on areas with the most pungent smell. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Scrub and Rinse

Gently scrub the paste into the wood using a soft scrub brush or cloth. Rinse the cutting board thoroughly and dry it with a clean towel.

Method 4. White Vinegar Solution

Step 1: Mix Vinegar Solution

Make a solution by mixing an equal amount of white vinegar with similar water. Vinegar is a potent natural cleaner and deodorant.

Step 2: Wipe and Soak

Dip a clean towel in the vinegar solution and wipe the cutting board thoroughly.

Soak the board in the vinegar solution for a few minutes for a more stubborn odor.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the cutting board with water to remove the vinegar odor. Dry it thoroughly with a clean towel.

Method 5. Deep Cleaning with Dish Soap

Step 1: Create a Soapy Solution

Fill a sink with medium hot water and add a few drops of light dish soap. Altogether avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the wood-cutting board.

Step 2: Wash the Board

Submerge the cutting board in soapy water and gently scrub its surface with a sponge or cloth. Pay extra attention to the areas where the onion was chopped.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

Thoroughly rinse the cutting board to remove any soap residue. Dry it thoroughly with a clean towel before moving on to the next step.

Method 6. Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Step 1: Prepare the Solution

Mix equal parts water and equal parts hydrogen peroxide in a mixing bowl. Hydrogen peroxide has natural disinfecting and deodorizing properties.

2: Apply and Wait

Dampen a cloth with the hydrogen peroxide solution and wipe down the wood cutting board. Let the solution sit for several minutes.

3: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the board very well with water to remove the solution. Dry it with a clean cloth.

Method 7. Conditioning with Mineral Oil

Step 1: Apply Mineral Oil

To restore the wood’s natural moisture and finish, apply a small amount of food-safe mineral oil to the cutting board. Rub it in with a clean cloth, following the wood’s grain.

Step 2: Let It Sit

Allow the mineral oil to sit on the board for several hours or all night. This will help rejuvenate the wood and create a protective barrier against future odors.

Step 3: Wipe Off Excess Oil

Using a clean cloth, gently remove any excess mineral oil from the cutting board’s surface.

Method 8. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are not just for your morning brew – they can also help eliminate stubborn onion odors from your wooden cutting board.

Materials Needed: How to Get Onion Smell Out of Wood Cutting Board

Used coffee grounds

Water

Cloth

Steps 1:

Spread a layer of used coffee grounds on the cutting board.

Steps 2:

Moisten a cloth with water and scrub the coffee grounds across the board’s surface.

Steps3 :

Allow the coffee grounds to sit for approximately 15-20 minutes.

Steps 4:

Rinse the board with water and dry it thoroughly.

Coffee grounds are natural odor absorbers, and their pleasant aroma can mask the onion smell effectively.

Tips to Avoid Future Onion Smells: How to Get Onion Smell Out of Wood Cutting Board

Immediate Cleaning: 

After chopping onions, clean your wood cutting board promptly with warm water and mild dish soap to minimize odor absorption. Altogether avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the wood-cutting board.

Oil Application: 

Regularly apply a thin layer of food-safe mineral oil to your cutting board. This will create an excellent protective barrier that helps eliminate odors and moisture.

Designated Cutting Surfaces: Consider using separate cutting boards for more different types of food to prevent cross-contamination and flavor mixing.

Airing Out: 

Allow your cutting board to air out in a well-ventilated area when not in use. This helps prevent trapped odors from lingering.

Conclusion

How to Get Onion Smell Out of Wood Cutting Board?: The journey to eliminate onion smells from your wooden cutting board combines effective techniques and proper maintenance. Using natural ingredients such as lemon, baking soda, and vinegar, along with creating a protective barrier of mineral oil, you can bid farewell to stubborn odors and welcome a fresh start for your cutting board. Don’t let the onion smell ruin your culinary creations. “How to Get Onion Smell Out of Wood Cutting Board” With the proper techniques and care, your wood-cutting board can remain fresh and ready for all your chopping endeavors. So embrace the joy of cooking with an odor-free, beautifully maintained wooden cutting board.