How to Clean a Bamboo Cutting Board
As a sustainable material, bamboo is fast becoming a popular material for use in cutting boards and butcher blocks. Unlike other woods, bamboo does not come from a tree; rather, it is a very fast-growing grass. As a result, no trees are used to produce bamboo cutting boards. According to EcoKitchen.com, bamboo surpasses the hardness of even maple and oak, making it a good choice for cutting boards. Cleaning your bamboo board is easy and requires only a few cleaning products. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dishwashing soap
- Sponge
- Dish towel
- Bleach
- Food-grade mineral oil
- Clean cloths
Instructions
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Rinse your bamboo cutting board with hot water immediately after use.
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Pour a small amount of liquid dishwashing liquid on a damp sponge and work into a lather. Scrub the cutting board--front and back--and rinse with hot water.
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Dry the board immediately with a clean dish towel.
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Sterilize your board after washing if you have used it to cut raw animal products. The FDA recommends using 1 tbsp. of bleach for every 1 gallon of water to sanitize your cutting board. Follow by rinsing with plain hot water.
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Condition your bamboo cutting board with food-grade mineral oil at least once a week, or every three days if you sterilize your board often. The oil will keep your board from drying out and cracking. Simply pour 2 to 3 tbsp. of food-grade mineral oil onto a clean cloth and apply to the surface of the board. Let the board sit overnight, and remove the excess oil with a clean cloth in the morning. Rinse with warm water before using.
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Tips & Warnings
Reserve separate cutting boards for different uses. Have one bamboo cutting board for cutting fruits and vegetables, and another for cutting raw animal products.
Do not wash your bamboo cutting board in the dishwasher. Never let your bamboo cutting board air-dry or sit in water for long periods of time, because it can warp or crack.
