How to care for a bamboo cutting board
Bamboo cutting boards are very strong and are more damage-proof in comparison with wooden boards. They are safe and more hygienic, as bamboo cutting boards don’t absorb liquids.
If you wish to use your bamboo cutting boards for a more extended period, you need to take care of them. Caring a bamboo cutting board includes washing, cleaning, and maintenance.
Here are a few practical steps for the proper care of your bamboo cutting boards:
Wash
Moisture, food particles, and bacteria can stick to the board and contaminate the food items you are cutting on the board. To stay away from any bacterial infection and get rid of food particles from the board, you should clean it after every use. Use dishwashing liquid/soap and warm water to wash your bamboo cutting board. While washing it, ensure you have removed all the food particles from it. Rinse it carefully and let it dry immediately.
Get rid of bad odors
You use your cutting board to cut a wide variety of food items before cooking. So, it might retain an unpleasant smell. You have to keep your cutting board odor-free. To address odors, sprinkle salt on your bamboo cutting board and rub a half piece of lemon on it. Leave the salt and lemon on the board for 15-20 minutes. After that, rinse your bamboo cutting board with warm soapy water. You can also apply a mix of vinegar and baking soda on the board.
Condition
You should condition your bamboo cutting board after washing it and getting rid of bad odors on a monthly basis. Conditioning will protect it from any further contamination as well as enhance its appearance. This is achieved by applying a layer of mineral oil on the surface. You can use a clean cloth to spread the oil all around the board. Rub the cloth in the grain direction and let the board sit unused for 4-6 hours so that it can absorb the oil. After that, you can use a dry cloth piece to remove any excess oil.
Store properly
Your bamboo cutting board can easily retain moisture, which can lead to faster deterioration. You must take the steps that can prevent moisture retention. To keep your bamboo cutting board from moisture and bacterial development, store it on your kitchen countertop. While storing it, ensure it is standing vertically. With this, there will be enough air circulation, which will keep your cutting board dry.
Sand it
With time and use, bamboo cutting boards get scratched or show cut marks from knives used to cut ingredients on the board. To keep your board looking new, you should sand the surface of your board. Before you start the sanding job, wear protective gear (such as glasses) to safeguard yourself from dust and particles. At first, use sandpaper with 40-60 grit and then gradually, use sandpaper with 120 grit for better sanding.
Conclusion
The methods mentioned above are effective enough for the care of your bamboo cutting boards. By applying these steps, you can extend the life and use of your bamboo cutting board while preserving its look and appearance while enjoying the benefits of preparing food on your bamboo cutting boards.