How to Clean a Bamboo Cutting Board: Bamboo Board Care

A bamboo cutting board is a durable, eco-friendly cutting surface you can use to protect your countertops from cutting utensils. Bamboo has a similar texture to wood, but it is actually a fast-growing grass that retains less water than natural wood.

Manufacturers process bamboo poles into slats that they then boil, pressurize, dry, and compress into bamboo boards. After selecting extra cutoff material for cutting boards, manufacturers glue together the cutoffs. Then they compress them to increase the board’s strength before shaping and sanding the board to a smooth finish. Bamboo cutting boards are more durable and water-resistant than traditional wood options. They are also more sustainable than plastic cutting boards since they use a natural material, especially one that is abundant, due to the fast-growing nature of bamboo.

Use these simple steps to keep your bamboo cutting board clean and sanitary.

1. 1. Skip the dishwasher. Although bamboo is more durable than wooden cutting boards, it is susceptible to problems resulting from heat and exposure to moisture for extended periods of time. The heat from the dishwasher can ruin the oil finish of the cutting board and can cause the bamboo to warp.
2. 2. Remove food debris with a clean cloth and soapy water. An abrasive scrubber can damage the finish of the board, so use a soft cloth under running water to wipe off debris or liquids. Mix a mild dish soap with hot water in your sink. Let your cutting board soak for a couple minutes and then scrub it with a soapy wet cloth to remove minor stains.
3. 3. Use a dishcloth to dry off the cutting board. Bamboo is less porous than other wooden boards, but it can collect germs and bacteria over time if you don’t keep the board dry. For this reason, always wipe down bamboo cutting boards and place them in a vertical position to air-dry.

Try these techniques to remove stains from your cutting board and disinfect it at the same time:

1. 1. Deodorize your bamboo board with lemon juice. A bamboo cutting board can absorb residues from your veggies and raw meat. After some time these residues can begin to smell. Since lemon juice has natural deodorizing and antibacterial properties, you can use it to clean and disinfect your cutting board. The acid from lemon juice also breaks down minor stains in bamboo and natural wood.
2. 2. Scrub the stained area of your board with coarse salt. After you wash your bamboo cutting board, place some coarse sea salt on the stained areas of the board. Scrub salt on the stain in a circular motion with your hand or a paper towel. Salt will not scratch the board’s finish, but it will soak up excess moisture to keep your board dry and functional.
3. 3. Make a stain-fighting paste with baking soda and white vinegar. Baking soda and white vinegar are both excellent natural cleaners on their own, but you can mix them to knock out tough stains in bamboo. Cover the stained area in a light coat of baking soda. Then apply a tablespoon of white vinegar on top of the baking soda. Mix the ingredients together and let the mixture sit for a few minutes before you rinse off the paste with warm water.
4. 4. Use hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach. If all other natural remedies fail to remove stains from your bamboo cutting board, dab some hydrogen peroxide on the stained area with a paper towel. Let it sit for five to ten minutes before you wash it off with water. If the stain remains, you can use diluted bleach as a last resort. Mix one tablespoon of bleach with three cups of water to dilute the bleach before applying it. The bleach will disinfect the area white working to remove even the most stubborn stains.

Like any other kitchen tool or cookware, a bamboo wood cutting board requires maintenance. Follow these steps to protect and preserve the functionality of your bamboo cutting board:

1. 1. Flatten your board if it becomes warped. If your board becomes warped, soak it in hot water for a few hours. The board will become pliant and easier to manipulate back into shape. Remove the board from the sink and place another large cutting board on top of it. Place a heavy weight, such as a heavy skillet or Dutch oven, on the top cutting board to flatten the warped cutting board below.
2. 2. Restore your cutting board’s finish with food-grade mineral oil. After a month of use you might notice your bamboo cutting board has lost its oily, soft finish. Cutting board oil increases bamboo’s natural resistance to moisture and stains. If you don’t have mineral oil in your home, you can apply coconut oil or olive oil to the board’s surface with a paper towel. Allow the thin layer of oil to soak into the bamboo overnight and wipe off any excess oil in the morning.
3. 3. Store your bamboo board in a cool, dark place. Bamboo is resilient to heat, but consistent high temperatures can cause a bamboo board to dry out and crack. Keep your cutting board in a kitchen cabinet or on a dish rack location away from direct sunlight to avoid any major fissures.

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