How to Care for Bamboo Cutting Boards

Bamboo cutting boards are prized for their durability and beauty. Bamboo is 16 percent more solid than maple. It is also a renewable resource, making it a great choice for the environmentally conscious. Using simple daily maintenance, combined with regular oil treatments and sanitization, you can preserve their elegance and charm for many years. Try these simple techniques to care for your bamboo cutting boards properly.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Mild dish detergent
• Mineral oil
• Cotton cloths
• Camellia oil
• Peroxide or bleach

1. 

   Wash bamboo cutting boards after each use with a solution of mild dish detergent and warm water. Apply liberally with a sponge, and rinse thoroughly after the surface is clean.

2. Think Bamboo Cutting Board Oil

   Apply mineral oil to bamboo cutting boards before using for the first time, and at least once per month thereafter. This will preserve the beauty of the wood. Heat mineral oil gently on low heat, and then apply oil to the surface of the bamboo cutting board with a cotton cloth. Rub in thoroughly and allow the mixture to soak for 20 minutes before wiping excess away with a dry cloth.

3. Wipe the surface of bamboo cutting boards with camellia oil periodically. This oil will preserve the luster, and bring out the attractive grain of the wood. This is not necessary for performance, but will enhance aesthetic appeal.

4. 

   Sanitize bamboo cutting boards after they have come in contact with raw meat by applying a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Bleach may also be used, but make sure to dilute it thoroughly. Rinse the cutting board well.

Tips & Warnings

• Mineral oil can be found in local drugstores, or ordered online. There are also many specialty oils created specifically for oiling bamboo cutting boards.

• Never put bamboo cutting boards in the dishwasher, as this will cause damage to the finish that cannot be repaired. In addition, never apply vinegar or undiluted bleach to bamboo cutting boards.

• Do not use vegetable oils such as olive and safflower to oil your bamboo cutting boards. These oils can go rancid, which will ruin your cutting board. Mineral oil will never spoil, which is why it is favored for this purpose.

Resources

• Kona Groove Bamboo Cutting Board from Amazon
• Think Bamboo Orange Scented Maintenance Cutting Board Wood Oil from Amazon