Bamboo cutting board is not only durable and long lasting but also can add aesthetic appearance to your kitchen décor. It is much more solid than the maple wood plus also it is a renewable resource which is good for the environment. Based on reports made by the American Bamboo Society (ABS), in technical terms the bamboo is considered as a grass due to its fast growth. It is a more eco-friendly material suitable for making cutting boards. The bamboo board does not absorb odors as well as stain unlike the way plastic boards do. It is normally made of laminated strips of bamboo; it also does not absorb water thus making it less prone to warping issue. In order to care for your bamboo cutting boards, you only need to follow a few simple steps in order to maintain its look just like a new board.
To care and maintain your bamboo cutting boards, you need:
- Mild dish detergent
- Mineral oil
- Cotton cloths
- White vinegar
- Bleach
Care and Maintain Bamboo Cutting Board
Care and Maintaining your Bamboo Cutting Boards
- The first thing that you need to do is to wash the bamboo boards every time you finished using it.
- Make sure that you wash it using a solution of mild dish detergent together with warm water.
- You can use a sponge to apply the above solution and once finished and the surface is clean, make sure that you rinse the board thoroughly.
- You need to dry it gently with your dish towel instead of leaving it air-dries.
- Do not allow water to sit on the bamboo board for long period because this will reduce the lifespan of the board.
- Make sure that you wash it using a solution of mild dish detergent together with warm water.
Always remember bamboo cutting boards are not suitable to be used inside the dishwasher because it will damage the bamboo’s finish beyond repair.
- For first time usage of your bamboo board, you need to apply food-grade mineral oil (or use oil designed specifically for bamboo cutting boards) over it and at least once a month in order to prolong its life time, prevent it from drying out and cracking or splintering. It will also help preserve the natural look of the bamboo.
- You must firstly heat the mineral oil using gentle low heat.
- Then, apply the mineral oil onto its surface by using a cotton cloth. Make sure that you rub it thoroughly to enable the mixture to soak. Let it soak for at least 20 minutes or for better absorption leave it for 2 to 3 hours. Once done, you clean the board of any excess mineral oil using a dry and clean cloth.
- You must firstly heat the mineral oil using gentle low heat.
- Remember not to place any hot pans baking sheets on your bamboo cutting boards. The heat might not damage the board right away but over time you will end up having a dry out bamboo board which will also making it to crack easily.
- Apart from that, you need to also wipe the bamboo’s surface using camellia oil occasionally because it will help you preserve the luster and at the same time brings out the nice look of bamboo’s grain.
- Whenever you are using the bamboo cutting board for cutting raw meat, you have to sanitize the board once you have done using it by applying a solution of hydrogen peroxide with a mixture of water.
- You can also make use of white vinegar for removing stains away from your bamboo board. You need to apply a small amount of white vinegar onto the board and then rinse it thoroughly using running water. Make sure to dry the board with a dry and clean cloth.
- If you do not have the above solution, you can also use a mixture of 1 tea spoon of bleach along with 1 quart of water. Rinse the cutting board completely with water once you have finished using the solution and dry the board immediately.
- You can also make use of white vinegar for removing stains away from your bamboo board. You need to apply a small amount of white vinegar onto the board and then rinse it thoroughly using running water. Make sure to dry the board with a dry and clean cloth.
Whenever you notice any tiny cracks on your bamboo cutting board, it is recommended that you replace it with a new one or you have to sanitize the board regularly. The cracks in the boards are the most suitable breeding grounds for bacteria which are not good especially if you are preparing your meal.
Always remember that whenever you want to care and maintain bamboo cutting board,
- You can simply use mineral oil that you can purchase from your nearby drugstores or even order it through the internet. In addition, you can also look for some of the specialty oils made especially for oiling bamboo cutting boards.
- It is not advisable for you to apply vinegar as well as undiluted bleach to the bamboo boards.
- Applying vegetable oils such as olive and safflower onto your boards can result to the oil going rancid thus ruining the cutting board. That is why the most suitable solution to use is the mineral oil which does not get spoiled.
