A few years ago, bamboo cutting boards were hard to come by.  Nowadays, they’re part of the standard fare of cutting boards along with wood and plastic.  In truth, there are a lot of kitchen tools that are made of bamboo these days.  This is not surprising.

Bamboo boasts of rapid growth and regeneration.  Bamboo grows fast.  It can be harvested in three to five years.  It can even regrow without replanting it.  This makes them a highly sustainable resource.  

Bamboos are remarkably sturdy.  In fact, they are stronger than maple.  They are actually harder than most woods.  This makes it a lot better for your knives.  They are gentler on knives.  The cutting board holds up against all kinds of chopping duties.  It is sturdy though that it can resist deep gouges.  They don’t show cut lines like other wooden boards do.  This helps keep them looking new for longer.  You can also avoid sharpening your knives as often as you would if you’re using other type of cutting boards.

Bamboo does not absorb water or liquids, so it does not warp or bend as easily as traditional boards.  It doesn’t harbor bacteria.  It is incredibly easy to clean, and they do not absorb odors from foods.  When you clean it, it becomes bacteria-free for the next use.

These boards last longer because of their strength.  You can enjoy it for a few years before you would need to replace it.  It is considerably similar to wood, so you can have the feel and weight of wood without all the drawbacks of using wood boards.

These boards tend to keep their appearance with little maintenance.  You just need to add a little coating of oil to maintain it.  You also need to give it proper cleaning on a regular basis to keep it in tip-top shape.

For all its many advantages, it is not surprising that bamboo cutting boards are quite popular nowadays.  Bamboo cutting boards, however, are not indestructible.  They can split along the seams if they’re not properly maintained or cared for.  So, how do you keep your boards in tip-top shape?  How do you clean along your cutting boards?

How to Condition

Before you start using the cutting board, you need to condition it first.  Drizzle the board with mineral oil.  Using a soft cloth, rub the cloth all over the board.  Let the oil sit for 20 minutes and then remove excess oil.  Oil helps to moisture the wood.  It will prevent splitting and it gives the wood that burnished finish.  Make sure to do this every day for an entire week, and thereafter continue to condition your cutting board once a month.

How to Wash

After each use, make sure to wash your bamboo cutting board in warm water with mild dish detergent.  Wipe your board dry after washing.  Make sure that liquids won’t pool on your board for a long time, so avoid soaking your cutting board in water.  This will damage the wood over time.

How to Disinfect and Sanitize

You need to disinfect your boards every time you use it for cutting meats.  Dissolve vinegar in water and use a sponge to scrub down the board.  Wash and rinse the boards as usual.  Make sure to use one board for meats.  Do not use the same board to cut or chop vegetables.

You can also sanitize the board by rubbing a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water or a bleach dilution over the board.  Leave it alone for a few minutes, and then rinse the board thoroughly.

How to Remove Stains and Odors

Over time, your cutting board will have stains and odors.  Scrub coarse salt over the board with a sponge, and then wash, rinse and dry.  Your bamboo can also smell bad.  You can resolve the problem by rubbing a paste of baking soda and water over the board, and then wash, rinse and dry.

A bamboo cutting board is environmentally friendly.  It is a great alternative to wood and plastic cutting boards.  Bamboo boards have the natural ability to fight bacteria.  This makes this tool a terrific addition to your kitchen.

How to Maximize the Life

To maximize the life of your bamboo cutting board, make sure to apply mineral oil at least once a month for slight use.  For more usage, make sure to apply oil at least once a week.  Make sure to never wash your board in the dishwasher.  Do not soak it in any liquid.  Avoid pooling liquids as well.  Never put in your microwave.

Where Can I Find a High Quality Bamboo Cutting Board?

You can add one to your cart by going to our bamboo cutting board page here.