Your engraved bamboo board is made to be used, day after day. With a few simple habits, it will stay beautiful, clean and pleasant to use for years. Here is how to take care of it.
The 3 golden rules
- Wash it by hand in warm soapy water, then wipe it and let it dry standing up.
- Never in the dishwasher, never soak it: the bamboo could swell or crack.
- Oil it about once a month with food-grade mineral oil, or as soon as the wood looks dry or paler.
Oiling your board, step by step
- Make sure the board is clean and completely dry.
- Pour a thin stream of food-grade mineral oil onto the surface.
- Spread the oil with a clean cloth or paper towel, following the grain, on both faces and the sides.
- Let it soak in for a few hours, ideally overnight.
- Wipe off the excess with a dry cloth: your board is ready.
Always use food-grade mineral oil: it protects the wood without going rancid.
Avoid
- The dishwasher and prolonged soaking in the sink.
- Vegetable oils (olive, canola, sunflower…): they go rancid over time and can leave an unpleasant smell.
- Drying it flat on a wet surface or near a heat source.
- Bleach and abrasive cleaners.
Tip: to keep the engraving intact longer, cut on the back of the board when possible and keep the engraved side for serving.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I oil my board?
About once a month, or as soon as the wood looks dry or paler. If you use it every day, feel free to oil it a little more often.
Why not olive oil?
Vegetable oils go rancid over time. Food-grade mineral oil does not go rancid and protects the wood without any smell.
Will the engraving fade?
No. The laser engraving is part of the wood itself. To keep it crisp longer, cut on the back and keep the engraved side for serving.
My board is new: should I oil it before using it?
No. It has already been treated with food-grade mineral oil and is ready to use.