Kitchen maintenance: Natural ways to clean sinks and wooden boards

Common kitchen items like sinks and wooden cutting boards require specific maintenance to remain clean and odor-free.

For kitchen sinks, whether made of granite or stainless steel, applying a small amount of cooking oil (such as rapeseed, sunflower, or olive oil) to a microfiber cloth after cleaning can create a protective film. This film helps repel water, slows limescale buildup, and prevents fingerprints.

Wooden cutting boards and utensils, which are porous and prone to absorbing odors from meat or onions, should not be cleaned with harsh detergents or dishwashers as this can cause cracking. Instead, a mixture of coarse sea salt and a halved lemon can be used to scrub the surface. The salt acts as a gentle exfoliant to remove debris, while the citric acid disinfects and neutralizes deep-seated smells.