"Wayne Boatwright" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon 22 Aug 2005 11:37:50p, Cape Cod Bob wrote in rec.food.equipment:
>
>> On Tue, 23 Aug 2005 10:33:50 +0800, "Raelene"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>Hi all,
>>>
>>>Just wondering how to go about cleaning a dirty bread/cutting board.
>>> It's been left on the sink & the end touching the stainless steel has
>>>(in parts) gone dark brown & there are spots of mould growing on it.
>>>
>>>Also, I have bought a good quality one (round) & was wondering about
>>>'preparing' the board & keeping it in good condition.
>>
>> Wood is porous. I would give up on the moldy piece, but if you want
>> to try to salvage it, a swipe with very diluted bleach (1:100) would
>> be the minimum I would go. Vinegar can be used but it's not as sure
>> as bleach to kill molds.
>>
>> As for your new board, wipe with Mineral Oil (available in drugstores
>> as a laxative), rewipe any areas that become dry within a few minutes.
>> Let set for 24 hours and wipe thoroughly. Cooking oils are not
>> recommended as they can turn rancid. Mineral oil is recommended by
>> all woodworking groups. Here is a situation that you should trust
>> wood people rather than cooks. ;-) Reapply the mineral oil only when
>> you see the board start to dry out.
>> ------------
>
> Yes, bleach and mineral oil is definitely the way to go, and it will work.
> But I would add another couple of steps, as well.
>
> The wood can tolerate more moisture than a mere swipe, as well as more
> bleach for this cleaning process, and rather than give up on the moldy
> piece, it's worth the risk.
>
> First, scrub the board well with plain water and a soft bristle brush.
> Then soak the board in a stronger bleach solution, at least 1:10, for 5
> minutes. Rinse well, and then soak the board in plain water for 10
> minutes. Dry with a towel.
>
> Finally, thoroughly wet all surfaces of the board with hydrogen peroxide
> and allow to air dry thoroughly.
>
> It's possible that there may still be some traces of the stains, but the
> mold will definitely be gone.
>
> Last of all, apply mineral oil generously, then place on a rack in a 225
> degree oven for half an hour. Repeat.
>
> --
> Wayne Boatwright *¿*
> ____________________________________________
>

I would not heat the board in the oven. Why bother? It may cause warping or
splitting.

If it is a treasured or expensive board you might find a local woodworker
with a power planer who can take 1/8 inch off to give you a nice new
surface. Then treat with mineral oil as others have described.


--
Peter Aitken