Bamboo cutting boards have attracted a lot of attention in the kitchen industry. Promoted as sustainable, eco-friendly, and tougher than a lot of cutting board woods on the market, this material’s turning a lot of heads. If you’re fortunate enough to have a high-quality bamboo cutting board at home, like wood, there’s some maintenance required. If you treat a cutting board right though, bamboo lasts longer than wood and won’t ever fail you.
Wash and dry after every use
It can be time-consuming to do, we know. Wash and dry a bamboo cutting board after every use. A bamboo board should never be soaked or put into the dishwasher. This will cause your bamboo cutting board to warp and eventually crack. Wash it with soap and water by hand, drying it completely afterwards. Stand the board on an open-air dish rack vertically so that the moisture rolls off.
Season the bamboo regularly
Put a half-cup of food-grade mineral oil in a saucepan. Warm it on the stove. Pour the oil onto your dry cutting board and rub it in using a circular motion with a clean cloth. Oil all sides of the bamboo kitchen board. The mineral oil is a hydrator and a barrier. It will keep unnecessary moisture out while retaining a small amount to keep it looking in tip top shape. Oiling it once a month is a good schedule to keep. This will maintain the shine and ensure it is kept waterproofed.
What do I do if my bamboo cutting board has a weird smell or stain?
If you notice your board has been stained or has a weird smell to it, you can use lemon juice or baking soda to cure it. Just put a little bit over the spot and scrub it with a warm damp cloth. Afterwards, your board should be in the free and clear from any stains or smells.
What products am I allowed to use on a bamboo cutting board?
A bamboo cutting board can tolerate mineral oil which will help moisturize your wood while keeping water out. Beeswax is another way to hydrate a cutting board and to leave it shining. Lemon juice and baking soda can also be tolerated in cleaning a bamboo cutting board.
What products am I not allowed to use on a bamboo board?
You shouldn’t be use any cooking oils – olive oil, vegetable oil, peanut oil, canola oil, palm oil, corn oil, or coconut oil. These will absorb into the wood and leave it with a rancid smell. Other products you shouldn’t use on a bamboo cutting board include undiluted bleach, cleaning products, and rubbing alcohol.
