Wooden chopping board smells bad even after washing? Simple kitchen tricks to get rid of the odour

Often wooden chopping boards when used for long time, especially if they are used regularly to chop onions, garlic, meat, fish or other strongly flavored ingredients, start to smell bad. Rinsing with water and dish soap alone may not always be enough, because food residue and moisture can remain in the surface of the board. The good news is you don’t need expensive cleaning products to freshen a wooden chopping board. With a few simple household ingredients and the right cleaning method, you can help get rid of odors, while keeping the board in good condition.

Why does a wooden chopping board smell?

Wood, being a porous material can absorb moisture, food juices and strong smells. Odors can also result from moisture, particularly if a chopping board is not dried properly after washing. Odor from onions, garlic, fish and raw meat can be particularly be stubborn. Further, regular use can also create scratches and grooves where small food particles can become trapped. Hence, cleaning it properly becomes extremely important to maintain hygiene levels.

How to clean a stinky wooden chopping board?

Wash with a little dish soap


Make sure to always wash it with warm water first. Using a sponge, add a dash of Use a sponge or brush and a small amount of mild dish soap to scrub the surface well. Note both sides and edges, especially if the board has visible cuts and/or grooves. Never leave a wooden chopping board in water for long periods of time. Too much moisture causes the wood to swell, warp or crack.

Baking soda for bad smells

Wash it again. If it still smells bad, just sprinkle a layer of baking soda on the surface of the wooden board. Then add a few drops of water to make a paste and then scrub the board with a clean sponge. Baking soda helps get rid of bad odours. Make sure to rinse the board properly.

Choose lemon for a fresher surface

If you still smell food, half a lemon and rub it over the board. The mild acidity of lemon can help deal with odors and food residue and add fresh scent to make the board smell cleaner. For extra cleaning power, you can sprinkle a little coarse salt over the board before rubbing it with the lemon. This also helps keep the wooden board clean.

Dry it completely

This step is easy to overlook but is one of the most important steps, if you own a wooden chopping board. Rinse the cutting board well and pat dry with a clean towel. Store it standing up or on its side to allow air to circulate. Let it dry out completely. Don’t lay a damp wooden board flat in a cabinet – moisture trapped in this way can add to bad smells and can encourage the growth of mold.

How to stop a wooden chopping board from smelling

Keeping the board clean is only part of the battle. To prevent odors from returning:

- Make sure to clean the board shortly after each and every use.

- Do not let any food to sit for long on the wooden surface.

- Never soak your wooden chopping board in a sink full of water.

- Always let it dry out completely and keep it in well-ventilated area.

- If possible, keep separate chopping boards to cut raw meat and veggies.

Apart from this, to make sure your wooden boards last long, add a food-safe oil and properly rub it on the wooden surface. This will prevent the wood from drying.

When should you replace a wooden chopping board?

A tiny scratch here, or a bit staining there does not mean you can no longer use your wooden board. You must discard it only when you notice that the gooves are deep, there are large cracks and its becoming difficult to clean these crevices properly.