How to Treat a Bamboo Cutting Board

Bamboo cutting boards are very durable.

Bamboo is a great material for cutting boards because it is durable and absorbs very little moisture. Once you properly treat a bamboo cutting board, the surface becomes less porous, helping to inhibit bacterial growth. When treating a cutting board made of bamboo, you should take care to use products that are ingestible and non-toxic. You will be using the cutting board to prepare food and if you treat the surface with toxic chemicals, some of those chemicals can seep into the food you are preparing.

Things You'll Need

• Mineral oil
• Cleaning cloth
• Spray bottle
• Vinegar
• Clean drying cloth

Instructions

1. Rub on mineral oil. Mineral oil absorbs into the pores of the bamboo, helping to make it more moisture repellent. Pour mineral oil on a dry cleaning cloth and rub in a circular motion until you coat the entire cutting board, including the end and side surfaces.

2. Mix a sanitizing solution. Just like wood cutting boards, those made of bamboo get nicks and scratches, which can harbor bacteria. Mix a non-toxic sanitizing solution of 1 tbsp. of white distilled vinegar with 1/3 cup of warm water. Pour into a clean spray bottle.

3. Sanitize the surface. To sanitize the bamboo cutting board, lightly mist the entire surface, including the ends and sides, with the vinegar and water solution. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Wipe clean. Wipe the cutting board with a clean drying cloth to prevent the surface from swelling and becoming damaged.

Tips & Warnings

• Always allow your bamboo cutting board to sit for at least 24 hours after applying mineral oil. This allows the oil to seep deep into the pores of the bamboo, offering further protection from moisture.

• Consider using multiple cutting boards. In order to prevent cross-contamination, consider using one bamboo cutting board for vegetables and fruits, and a different one for meats, poultry and fish.

• Never allow moisture to sit on the surface of the cutting board. Though bamboo is less porous than traditional wood cutting boards, moisture does seep in. Prolonged contact with moisture damages the bamboo by causing it to swell and become soft.

References

• Easy Salad Recipes: Cutting Board Care