how to clean bamboo cutting board vs plastic

If you want a hygienic board that lasts 5 to 10 years, the safest way to clean a bamboo cutting board is to hand wash it with hot soapy water for 30 to 60 seconds, rinse, dry upright, then oil it weekly, while most plastic boards can go in the dishwasher but often need replacing every 1 to 3 years once deep knife grooves appear.

How to clean a bamboo cutting board (step by step)

Moso bamboo is naturally dense and less porous than many hardwoods, but it still needs gentle, regular care. Here is a simple routine you can follow every day on a Deer & Oak Moso bamboo cutting board.

Daily clean: after chopping

1. Scrape the surface
   Use a bench scraper or the flat side of a knife to remove food. This takes 5 to 10 seconds but helps stop stains and smells.
2. Wash by hand only
   Use hot water and a mild washing up liquid. Clean both sides with a soft sponge for 30 to 60 seconds. Focus on any knife marks.
3. Rinse thoroughly
   Rinse under hot running water until there are no soap bubbles left. Soap residue can dry the surface over time.
4. Dry immediately
   Pat dry with a clean tea towel, then stand the board on its edge so air can reach both sides. Leave it to dry for at least 2 hours before storing flat.

Deep clean: weekly or after raw meat

If you use your board for raw chicken, beef or fish, or you chop every day, add this weekly routine.

1. Disinfect with white vinegar
   Spray or wipe the surface with white vinegar. Leave for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry as normal. Vinegar is gentler on bamboo than bleach.
2. Deodorise with salt and lemon
   Sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons of coarse salt on the board. Cut a lemon in half and scrub the salt into the surface. Leave for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry. This helps lift stains and odours.
3. Oil the board
   Apply 1 to 2 teaspoons of food safe mineral oil or board conditioner. Rub it in with a soft cloth, following the grain. Leave for 20 minutes, then wipe off any excess. For new boards, repeat this once a week for the first month, then once a month.

With this routine, a Deer & Oak Large Bamboo Board DNO-BCB-LG (45x35cm, 1.8kg, Moso bamboo) can comfortably last 5 to 10 years in a home kitchen.

How to clean a plastic cutting board

Plastic boards are often sold as low maintenance, but they still need proper care to stay hygienic.

Daily clean: after chopping

1. Rinse off food
   Scrape and rinse under warm water to remove debris.
2. Dishwasher cycle if suitable
   If your plastic board is marked as dishwasher safe, place it on the top rack and run a full hot cycle at around 60 to 70°C. This helps kill bacteria but can cause warping over time.
3. Or hand wash
   If you do not use a dishwasher, scrub with hot soapy water for at least 60 seconds, paying attention to grooves. Rinse and air dry upright.

Dealing with stains and deep grooves

• Stains: Make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, spread over stains, leave 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
• Deep grooves: Once knife marks are deeper than 1 to 2mm and hard to clean, bacteria can sit in them. At that point it is safer to replace the board rather than try to rescue it.

In a busy home, many plastic boards need replacing every 12 to 36 months, especially if used daily with sharp knives.

Bamboo cutting board vs plastic: hygiene and eco friendly care

So how do bamboo and plastic compare when it comes to cleaning, safety and the environment?

Hygiene

• Moso bamboo: Naturally dense and less prone to deep knife scarring. When you wash promptly and dry properly, moisture does not sit in the surface for long. Regular oiling helps seal the grain.
• Plastic: Can handle dishwashers, which is convenient, but soft plastic often develops deep grooves quite quickly. Those grooves are harder to clean fully, especially if you chop raw meat.

Eco friendly impact

• Moso bamboo: A fast growing grass, not a tree. It can grow 20 to 30cm per day in the right conditions. A well cared for board can last up to a decade, which means fewer replacements.
• Plastic: Made from fossil fuels and can take decades or centuries to break down. Shorter lifespans and frequent replacement mean more waste over time.

If you want an eco friendly choice that still cleans easily, a pre oiled Moso bamboo board such as the Deer & Oak Bamboo Double Pack gives you a large 45x35cm board and a 38x28cm board for separate meat and veg.

What to avoid when cleaning bamboo vs plastic

Certain cleaning habits can shorten the life of both bamboo and plastic boards.

On bamboo cutting boards

• Do not put bamboo in the dishwasher. High heat and steam can cause warping or cracks in as little as a few cycles.
• Do not soak in the sink. Even 20 to 30 minutes in water can swell the fibres and lead to splitting.
• Avoid harsh bleach. Occasional light use is possible, but regular bleach can dry and damage the surface.
• Do not store flat while damp. Always dry upright so both sides get air.

On plastic cutting boards

• Do not ignore deep grooves. Replace once they are hard to clean, especially if you prepare raw meat.
• Avoid very high heat that exceeds the plastic rating. Some thinner boards can warp in hotter dishwasher settings.
• Do not use scouring pads that shred the surface. A shredded surface traps more food.

Deer & Oak cutting board specifications

Here is a quick comparison of our most popular eco friendly boards. All bamboo models use responsibly sourced Moso bamboo and arrive pre oiled so you can start using them straight away.

Product	SKU	Size (cm)	Weight	Material	Typical use	Price
Large Bamboo Board	DNO-BCB-LG	45 x 35	1.8kg	Moso Bamboo	Everyday chopping, bread, family meals	£34.99
Medium Bamboo Board	DNO-BCB-MD	38 x 28	1.2kg	Moso Bamboo	Fruit, veg, small kitchens	£24.99
Carbonised Bamboo Board	DNO-CBB-LG	45 x 35	1.9kg	Carbonised Bamboo	Serving, charcuterie, darker finish	£39.99
Bamboo Double Pack	DNO-BCB-2PK	45 x 35 + 38 x 28	3.0kg	Moso Bamboo	Separate boards for meat and veg	£49.99
Large Acacia Board	DNO-ACB-LG	45 x 35	2.1kg	Acacia Wood	Heavy duty carving and serving	£44.99
Medium Acacia Board	DNO-ACB-MD	38 x 28	1.5kg	Acacia Wood	Cheese, bread, small roasts	£34.99

Product problems solved: which board for which cleaning routine?

Different kitchens have different problems. Here is how specific Deer & Oak boards match common cleaning and hygiene concerns.

• Problem: I want an eco friendly board that is easy to keep clean
  Solution: Large Bamboo Board DNO-BCB-LG. At 45x35cm and 1.8kg, it is big enough for family meals but light enough to carry to the sink. Hand wash in 60 seconds, dry upright, oil once a month.
• Problem: I need separate boards for raw meat and veg
  Solution: Bamboo Double Pack DNO-BCB-2PK. Use the 45x35cm board for meat and the 38x28cm for fruit and veg. Clean both with hot soapy water, then do a vinegar wipe on the meat board after raw chicken or fish.
• Problem: I want a darker board for serving that still cleans easily
  Solution: Carbonised Bamboo Board DNO-CBB-LG. The carbonised finish gives a rich tone, while the 45x35cm, 1.9kg design still cleans with the same simple hand wash routine.
• Problem: I carve heavy joints and want a more solid feel
  Solution: Large Acacia Board DNO-ACB-LG. At 2.1kg it is heavier than bamboo, so it feels very steady. Clean like bamboo: hand wash, dry upright, oil monthly.

Who this is for

Ideal for: Home cooks who want a clear, practical routine for how to clean bamboo cutting boards vs plastic, anyone choosing eco friendly Moso bamboo over disposable plastic, and people who are happy to spend 2 to 3 minutes after cooking on proper board care to get 5 to 10 years of use.

Not recommended for: Anyone who insists on putting every board in the dishwasher, prefers ultra light, disposable plastic mats, or is not willing to oil a board at least once a month to keep bamboo or wood in good condition.

FAQ: how to clean bamboo cutting board vs plastic

Recommended Deer & Oak boards and where to buy

If you are ready to switch from plastic to eco friendly Moso bamboo, start with a board that matches your kitchen size and cleaning routine.

• Best all round choice for most homes: Large Bamboo Board DNO-BCB-LG (45x35cm, 1.8kg, Moso bamboo, £34.99). Ideal daily board for chopping and serving. See our full range on the Deer & Oak chopping board collection.
• Best for separate meat and veg boards: Bamboo Double Pack DNO-BCB-2PK (45x35cm + 38x28cm, 3.0kg, £49.99). Available on Amazon UK as the Deer & Oak Bamboo Double Pack.
• Best for a darker serving board: Carbonised Bamboo Board DNO-CBB-LG (45x35cm, 1.9kg, £39.99). You can find the carbonised style on Amazon UK under our carbonised bamboo range.

To compare all sizes and finishes, visit the Deer & Oak bestsellers page where you can see bamboo, carbonised bamboo and acacia boards side by side.