How to Care for Wooden & Bamboo Utensils & Boards (So They Last for Years)

Wooden and bamboo utensils, chopping boards, and serving platters are kitchen must-haves for chefs and home cooks alike. They’re durable, naturally antibacterial, and bring a warm, earthy charm to your kitchen. But like all natural materials, they need a little TLC to stay looking beautiful and performing at their best.

At Chef’s Complements, we stock a wide variety of high-quality wooden and bamboo kitchenware – here’s how to care for it properly to extend its life and keep it in top condition.

Wood and bamboo are alive in their own way – they react to moisture, heat, and use. Without good maintenance, they can:

• Warp, crack, or split
• Absorb unwanted flavours or odours
• Stain or lose their natural sheen

A few simple habits will keep them hygienic, sturdy, and ready for everyday cooking.

1. Hand Wash Only

Dishwashers are a no-go. The heat and water exposure can cause warping, splitting, and dryness. Even if a wooden item suggests it is dishwasher safe, we still recommend handwashing. Instead:

• Use warm water and mild dish soap
• Clean with a soft sponge or cloth

2. Dry Quickly

To prevent swelling or cracking:

• Never soak wooden boards or utensils
• Dry immediately with a clean towel
• Let them air dry upright whenever possible

Chef’s Complements Picks:

• Soft Cleaning Sponges – gentle on wood while still effective
• Drying Racks – encourage airflow for safe, thorough drying

Pair your favourite machine-washable MÜkitchen Scrub Sponge with a White Magic Drying Rack & Cutlery Drainer for the ideal cleaning and drying setup.

1. Oil Regularly

Keep your boards and utensils nourished with food-safe mineral oil or a beeswax blend.

How to do it:

• Apply a thin, even layer
• Let it soak in for a few hours or overnight
• Wipe off any excess

2. How Often?

• Daily/regular use: once a month
• Occasional use: every 2–3 months
• Bamboo: needs less oil, but a light coat every few months works wonders

Chef’s Complements Picks:

• Food-Safe Board Oil & Beeswax Kits
• Microfibre Cloths for smooth, streak-free application

💡 Pro Tip: If your board starts to look dull or feel dry, it’s signalling that it needs a fresh coat of oil. Try the Jean Neron Laguiole France Serving Board Oil (200ml) or Scanpan Wood & Bamboo Oil (150ml). The E-Cloth General Purpose Cloth Set of 4 is a great option for effortless, even application. You can also browse our full range of microfibre cloths to find your ideal match.

1. Lemon & Salt Scrub

Perfect for freshening up:

• Sprinkle coarse salt over the board
• Scrub with half a lemon
• Rinse and dry

Great for neutralising lingering garlic or onion smells.

2. Baking Soda Paste

For stubborn stains:

• Mix baking soda with water
• Scrub gently
• Rinse and dry thoroughly

Chef’s Complements Picks:

• Small Scrubbing Brushes – great for textured grain, grooves, and board edges.

For an easy, effective clean, the right brush makes all the difference. We recommend the OXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set – durable, multi-purpose, and designed to reach tricky spots where residue tends to build up, or the Full Circle Laid Back 2.0 Dish Brush – an ergonomic, best-selling design with a replaceable triangular head that gets into tight corners while helping reduce waste.

Where and how you store your wooden tools makes a big difference to their longevity.

• Store boards upright or hanging to promote airflow
• Keep them away from damp spots, sinks, and stovetops
• Avoid stacking them flat in moisture-prone areas

Chef’s Complements Picks:

• Board Storage Stands & Wall Hooks for tidy, breathable organisation

Our Chopping Board Storage Rack (available in 3 sizes) keeps boards tidy and hygienic. We also love hahn’s collection of kitchen wall and ceiling racks – beautifully made, sturdy, and ideal for showcasing your cookware, utensils, and anything else you can dream up. Great for boards with handle cutouts or hanging hooks.

• For reversible boards, rotate regularly to prevent uneven wear
• Avoid using the same board for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods unless thoroughly cleaned
• Lightly re-sand if they become scratched or rough, then re-oil

With a little routine care, your wooden and bamboo kitchenware will stay stunning and perform beautifully for years to come. They’re not just practical – they add character, warmth, and natural style to your kitchen.

At Chef’s Complements, we stock everything you need to maintain them, from boards and utensils to oils, cloths, and storage solutions. Give your natural kitchenware the love it deserves, and it will reward you meal after meal.