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I'm sure you have noticed all the things that are new organic, Eco safe products (like sheets, spoons, and, yes, my cutting board). I loved the bamboo pillow cases my daughter gave me as a gift. She said, "wash them like anything else."
I never took into consideration that my bamboo cutting board would be any different then the butcher block ones I had used previously - wrong. Yes, I noticed it was looking dry; in fact the color seemed to change. There were no instructions with it saying anything about special cleaning after use. I love the size, shape, and the fact that it is organic, but the board looked like I was doing something wrong. I bought mine in the back of TJMax, where things are discounted. They can be very expensive, so I knew I didn't want it to be ruined so soon.
I mainly use my bamboo cutting board for chopping my veggies, however the opposite side has been used for chicken so it has to be really clean. I decided after regular cleaning and drying, to put olive oil on it.Both sides and let it set. I just left it until next time I used it, which was a few days later.
I have spray olive oil and usual out of the bottle, it doesn't matter both seemed the same. Either spray it on than wipe or put some on a cloth wiping with the way the bamboo is placed. I'm sure if you use your bamboo spoons or bowls, after a while with regular use, you would need to do the same. I haven't put mine in a dishwasher, but I'm sure that is more drying. To clean my cutting board after chicken I use lemon and salt.
Bamboo is a great product - durable and safe. Remember, however, it does need to be taken care of if using as often as I do. I would recommend if you use it only for special things and that you clean and oil it before putting away. I have noticed some beautiful salad bowls made out of this material, along with many varieties of spoons and utensils.
Source: Olive oil is safe, organic and absorbs well in my furniture, floors, and now my bamboo.
By Luana M. from San Diego, CA
I suggest using mineral oil instead of olive oil. Over time, olive oil can go rancid on whatever you are treating. Mineral oil is found in the drug/medical sections of most stores. You use only a small amount and will last many years. I usually treat all my wooden kitchen wares once a year. I coat each piece with mineral oil, let it sit for about one half hour and then wipe.
I have wooden utensils that are over thirty years old that still look new. I do not wash any wood items in the dishwasher. I hand wash while not allowing the item to soak very long and then air dry.
Not all olive oil is organic. If the bottle does not say organic it isn't.
Thanks so much for your feedback! Yes I know since I only eat organic my olive oil is. So sorry if I didn't get that across. Great for others to read it.
Mineral oil is wonderful. Thirty, years and still have wooden spoons! Awesome.
I used mineral oil on wood floors, and have used it on other things. I just found olive oil works best for the bamboo material. I do not have dishwasher, yes it really would dry out if let standing in water.
I use my bamboo board very frequently so after I spray it and wipe down, it has been like new. I have never had problems since I started doing this.
If this board could last half as long as your wooden spoons, I'd be happy. When I asked about the bamboo, I was told the using of bamboo is different than other harder woods that was used before.
Thank you for the information. I will defiantly keep it in mind. I plan on using more of this organic material if possible.
I love my bamboo kitchen utensils. I use the flat one to scoop ice cream. It is so durable and they all look brand new even though I have had them for a few years. You just cannot go wrong with bamboo.
