Cleaning Food Chopper - Rude Customer?

[cindykl2009]

I have been going fast and furious with cooking shows lately. When I'm doing a show, I love to demo the food chopper for chopping onions. I find that everyone can relate to the terrible task...lol Now of course I always wash my tools (by hand) before I leave the show. Many times I just leave all my product in my car since I will be having another show in a day or two. When I am at home and use my food chopper, I also wash it well, again by hand. I don't have a dishwasher but do try to use as hot and soapy water as I can stand. Unfortunately, many times there is still an onion odor on my food chopper. Last weekend at a cooking show one of the guests picked up the food chopper and said, "Ew...it smells like onion!" I can't even remember what my response was but her comment didn't turn into a big deal. Ok, after all that my question is this. Should I soak my food chopper in a hot water with a little added bleach? Has anyone else experienced this issue?

 

[my3angels]

I always wash my in the dishwasher. I would soak it for a little while if I were washing it by hand. Once you've washed it and rinse/dry it, do not put it all back together. Leave all the pieces out for some "fresh" air. Then put it back together before you leave for your shows.

HTH,

 

[Lorna May]

I too do not have a dishwasher, but I buy gel dishwasher soap because it has bleach in it. When I come home from a show I wash all my tools, except stones of course with dishwasher soap, then as stated in previous post I lay all my tools out to air dry. I have never experienced an odor problem.

 

[cindykl2009]

Thanks all!

 

[chefsteph07]

Maybe chop a few other things w/ it like peppers and such, and also soak it in hot water and air dry...maybe a little vinegar too? I've had my original chopper for 6 yrs and have never noticed a smell to it.
Do YOU notice an onion smell or do you think the customer was a little more sensitive to it?

 

[pampermejolene]

I've never had a problem with mine and I usually wash it by hand too.

 

[Chef Gilles]

I think the problem is not the chopper itself it's the rubber lid. I leave mine to air but once in a while I spray it with a natural solution with a thyme base no chemicals. It usually works. the older chopper's lid did not smell like the new one. Let it breathe I guess when it's not in use...

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Lemon juice is great for that! I cut lemons up and leave it on for a few minutes. Then I wash in hot water. Never have an onion smell.

Debbie

 

[pampchefrhondab]

Mine has smelled like onions before too. I'm glad you started this thread - these are some great ideas.

I don't think the customer was rude to mention it. She was probably just surprised. I probably would say something too!

 

[flemings99]

I had a problem with mine smelling before and mentioned it to my director. They told me it shouldn't smell of food and if it did that it was bateria. That freaked me out. I do have a dishwasher and am sure to wash it in there now & seems to have taken care of the problem. Aslo washing it right away after use if by hand and not letting it sit for a few hours seems to help. Love the ideas given.