No, you shouldn’t put a bamboo chopping board in the dishwasher. Even one 70 °C dishwasher cycle can cause a Moso bamboo board to swell, warp and crack, which can cut its lifespan from 5–10 years down to less than 1 year. Hand washing for 30–60 seconds with warm soapy water is the safest way to clean any eco-friendly bamboo cutting board.
Why bamboo chopping boards don’t belong in the dishwasher
Bamboo is tougher and more water resistant than many soft woods, but it’s still a natural, fibrous material. Dishwashers combine three things that bamboo doesn’t like: high heat, harsh detergents and long soak times.
- Heat: Typical dishwasher temperatures sit between 60 and 75 °C. This repeated heat can dry bamboo out from the inside, leading to cracks along the grain.
- Water exposure: A full wash plus drying cycle can mean 60–90 minutes of steam and hot water. Bamboo boards absorb moisture, then shrink as they dry, which is what causes warping.
- Detergent: Dishwasher tablets are designed to cut through grease on steel and glass. On bamboo, they strip away the protective oil layer that keeps your board sealed.
So while it’s tempting to pop your kitchen board straight in with the plates, the long term cost is a split or twisted surface that is harder to clean and less kind to your knives.
How to clean a bamboo cutting board safely
If you can’t use the dishwasher, how do you look after a bamboo chopping board properly? The good news is that it only takes a minute or two.
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Wash straight after use
Rinse your board under warm water within 5 minutes of use. Add a small amount of washing up liquid and scrub with a soft sponge or dish brush. Aim for 30–60 seconds of contact time. -
Rinse and dry thoroughly
Rinse off all soap, then pat dry with a clean tea towel. Stand the board upright on its edge so air can circulate around both faces. -
Disinfect as needed
For raw meat or fish, wipe the surface with white vinegar or a 1:4 mix of lemon juice and water. Leave for 2–3 minutes, then rinse and dry. Avoid soaking the board in any liquid. -
Re oil regularly
Every 4–6 weeks, or when the surface looks dry, apply a thin layer of food safe mineral oil. For heavy daily use, weekly oiling keeps the board sealed and less prone to stains.
All Deer & Oak bamboo boards arrive pre oiled so you can start using them immediately. With simple care like this, a Moso bamboo chopping board can last 5–10 years in a busy family kitchen.
What happens if you put a bamboo kitchen board in the dishwasher anyway?
Maybe you’ve already run your board through the dishwasher once or twice. Is it ruined? Not always, but there are signs to watch for.
- Minor warping: If the board rocks slightly on the worktop, it has started to warp. Light warping might be manageable, but it can worsen with each wash.
- Hairline cracks: Look closely along the grain and edges. Cracks can harbour moisture and food particles, which is not ideal for hygiene.
- Rough, dry surface: If the board feels fuzzy or splintery, the top fibres have been raised and dried out.
If your board has only been through the dishwasher once, you can sometimes rescue it:
- Let it dry fully for 24 hours on its edge.
- Lightly sand rough patches with fine sandpaper.
- Apply 2–3 thin coats of food safe mineral oil, allowing at least 4 hours between coats.
However, if you see deep cracks or serious warping, it’s safer to replace the board, especially if you prepare raw meat on it.
Why Moso bamboo is a smart eco-friendly choice
Not all bamboo is equal. Deer & Oak boards use Moso bamboo, a fast growing grass that reaches maturity in around 5 years. It’s naturally dense and hard, which means it resists knife marks better than many soft woods and doesn’t wear down as quickly.
Because bamboo regenerates from the same root system, it doesn’t need replanting in the same way as many hardwoods. For anyone looking for an eco-friendly chopping board, Moso bamboo offers a practical balance of sustainability, durability and everyday usability, as long as you keep it out of the dishwasher.
Deer & Oak bamboo and wood board specifications
Here’s a quick comparison of some Deer & Oak bestsellers, including our Moso bamboo and alternative wooden options if you prefer a heavier feel.
| Product | SKU | Size (cm) | Weight | Material | Approx. lifespan with hand washing | Price | Dishwasher safe? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Bamboo Board | DNO-BCB-LG | 45 x 35 | 1.8 kg | Moso Bamboo | 5–10 years | £34.99 | No |
| Medium Bamboo Board | DNO-BCB-MD | 38 x 28 | 1.2 kg | Moso Bamboo | 5–8 years | £24.99 | No |
| Carbonised Bamboo Board | DNO-CBB-LG | 45 x 35 | 1.9 kg | Carbonised Bamboo | 5–10 years | £39.99 | No |
| Large Acacia Board | DNO-ACB-LG | 45 x 35 | 2.1 kg | Acacia Wood | 7–12 years | £44.99 | No |
| Medium Acacia Board | DNO-ACB-MD | 38 x 28 | 1.5 kg | Acacia Wood | 7–12 years | £34.99 | No |
| Bamboo Double Pack | DNO-BCB-2PK | 45 x 35 + 38 x 28 | 3.0 kg | Moso Bamboo | 5–10 years | £49.99 | No |
Product and problem: matching the right board to your kitchen
Once you accept that a bamboo chopping board shouldn’t go in the dishwasher, the next question is which size and material suits your cooking style. Here’s how Deer & Oak boards line up against common kitchen problems.
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Problem: Limited counter space
Solution: The Medium Bamboo Board (38 x 28 cm, 1.2 kg) is compact enough for smaller worktops but still large enough for everyday prep. Its lighter weight makes hand washing and drying quick and easy. -
Problem: Batch cooking and Sunday roasts
Solution: The Large Bamboo Board (45 x 35 cm, 1.8 kg) or Carbonised Bamboo Board (45 x 35 cm, 1.9 kg) give you space for carving and chopping larger quantities without crowding. The carbonised option has a richer, darker tone that hides marks a little better. -
Problem: One board isn’t enough
Solution: The Bamboo Double Pack (45 x 35 cm + 38 x 28 cm, 3.0 kg) lets you keep one board for raw meat and another for bread or veg, which many home cooks find easier for food safety. -
Problem: You prefer a heavier, more traditional feel
Solution: The Large Acacia Board (45 x 35 cm, 2.1 kg) and Medium Acacia Board (38 x 28 cm, 1.5 kg) offer a weightier, hardwood feel that some cooks like for serving as well as chopping.
Who this is for
Ideal for...
- Home cooks who are happy to spend 1–2 minutes hand washing a board after each use
- People who want an eco-friendly Moso bamboo or acacia board that can last 5–10 years
- Families who like having separate boards for meat, veg and serving
- Anyone who values a natural, wooden work surface that is kinder to knife edges than glass or stone
Not recommended for...
- Those who insist every single item must go in the dishwasher every time
- Commercial kitchens that rely on high temperature dishwashers for rapid turnaround and sanitising
- People who prefer ultra thin plastic mats that can be rolled or bent
- Anyone who doesn’t want to oil a board every few months to keep it in good condition
FAQ
Q: Can you put a bamboo chopping board in the dishwasher if it says eco-friendly?
A: Eco-friendly refers to how the board is made, not how it should be washed. Even if your Moso bamboo board is marketed as sustainable or natural, you should still hand wash it and keep it out of the dishwasher to prevent warping and cracking.
Q: How often should I oil my bamboo cutting board?
A: For daily use, oil your board every 4–6 weeks, or whenever the surface looks dry or lighter in colour. If you use it heavily for meat or meal prep seven days a week, a quick oil every 2–3 weeks will keep it sealed and easier to clean.
Q: Is bamboo safe for cutting raw meat if it can’t go in the dishwasher?
A: Yes, as long as you wash the board promptly with hot soapy water and dry it well, bamboo is suitable for raw meat. Many people keep one dedicated board for meat and another for bread or vegetables to keep things simple and hygienic.
Q: What’s the best Deer & Oak board if I can’t use a dishwasher?
A: If you have enough counter space, the Large Bamboo Board at 45 x 35 cm and 1.8 kg is a versatile everyday option that suits most British kitchens. If you want a matching set and easy separation of meat and veg, the Bamboo Double Pack offers both 45 x 35 cm and 38 x 28 cm boards at a lower combined price.
Which Deer & Oak board should you choose?
If you’re ready to keep your bamboo chopping board out of the dishwasher and give it a quick hand wash instead, the Large Bamboo Board (45 x 35 cm, 1.8 kg, Moso bamboo, £34.99) is a strong starting point for most homes. It’s big enough for roasts and batch prep, light enough to handle easily and designed to last 5–10 years with simple care.
If you want a full eco-friendly set in one go, the Bamboo Double Pack (45 x 35 cm + 38 x 28 cm, 3.0 kg, Moso bamboo, £49.99) gives you two sizes that cover everyday chopping and entertaining. You can find both in the Deer & Oak chopping board collection or as part of our curated bestsellers.
If you prefer a darker look, take a look at the Carbonised Bamboo Board. For those who like a weightier hardwood feel, our acacia board sets offer the same hand wash care routine in a different finish.
Whichever you choose, the rule stays the same: keep your bamboo and wood boards out of the dishwasher, and they’ll reward you with years of reliable service on your worktop.