Bamboo and other wood materials are great for cutting boards and other kitchen utensils. However, due to their unique material wood items need extra care for cleaning and maintaining them. Otherwise they will wear quickly and can become dry and brittle. Here are some easy maintenance steps.

To disinfect wood utensils in a safe manner you need  a lemon and coarse salt. Apply a layer of lemon juice from a fresh lemon onto the wood surface. Apply a layer of coarse salt to the surface and gently use it to scrub the wood. This will remove stuck on food and sanitize the wood utensil as well. Rinse off the wood utensil and allow it to dry.

Next apply olive oil to the wood utensil surface. Use your hands or paper towel to rub in the oil to help it get absorbed. This step keeps the wood from drying out and warping. This also protects it from cracking and chipping. The process should be done when you notice that the wood looks dull. Oiled utensil can be placed in a cup while the oil is absorbing. Other food oils such as vegetable and sesame oil can be used as well.