Bamboo utensils are certainly a great alternative to conventional flatware and cooking utensils. They are environment-friendly, lightweight, and more durable compared to most other utensils.
But in order to maintain good properties, it is imperative to use the right method to clean and care for them.
Can bamboo go in the dishwasher? Are they dishwasher safe?
Bamboo can not go in the dishwasher. Even though they are sturdy and quite durable, they are not dishwasher safe. Bamboo utensils are known for their great texture and environment-friendly nature. Harsh detergent and high heat of dishwasher damage these qualities.
Bamboo is nothing but sturdy grass hence it is closer to nature and an incredibly environment-friendly material. Bamboo utensils are not dishwasher safe, but they are not difficult to clean.
They are easier to clean than most other things in the kitchen only if you could pay a bit of attention.
Are there dishwasher-safe bamboo products?
Some websites or brands may offer you bamboo products with a label that says dishwater safe, but in reality, bamboo products are not meant for dishwashers. Even if they are not wood, their characteristics are not that different from woods.
As per the conventional concept of bamboo manufacturing, most bamboo products are made by gluing together pieces of flattened bamboo.
Even if a bamboo product does not contain any adhesive or lacquer coating, it is still wood-like and can damage if put in the dishwasher.
Just because it is not meant to be washed in a dishwasher doesn’t necessarily mean it is hard to clean bamboo products. All they require is instant attention.
If you can only manage to clean and wash your bamboo cookware, dinnerware, utensils, as well as chopping boards right after using them, you can maintain the quality and use them for a long time.
What happens if you put bamboo in the dishwasher?
Bamboo is not dishwasher safe. If you put your bamboo cookware or utensils in a dishwasher, you should know what to expect.
Can become weak:
A dishwasher uses pressured jets that combine with detergent and heat to function. This is not at all a good environment for bamboo utensils.
It is not that bamboo items are not durable, they are actually quite sturdy and durable, but they become weak when exposed to such an environment.
May warp or crack:
The heat and harsh detergent from a dishwasher remove moisture from bamboo products. They get too dried out and become quite rough. This can lead to warping and cracking of your favorite utensils.
May cause swelling:
If you keep your bamboo utensils soaked in water for long, it can cause them to swell up. Similarly, there’s a lot of pressure going on inside a dishwasher. When the pressure combines with water for a long time, it can damage due to swelling.
May lose the shine:
Bamboo products are famous for their natural shine. You can maintain this shine by regularly cleaning them with mild soap and water. A dishwasher’s harsh environment can be too harsh for the bamboo material making it lose its shine.
Are these Bamboo products dishwasher safe?
| Bamboo Products | Dishwasher Safe or Not |
|---|---|
| Bamboo cutting boards | Not dishwasher safe |
| Bamboo spoons and cutlery | Not dishwasher safe |
| Bamboo cooking utensils & spatula | Not dishwasher safe |
| Bamboo Coffee cups | Dishwasher safe |
| Bamboo travel mugs | Dishwasher safe |
| Bamboo dishes and plates | Not dishwasher safe |
| Bamboo bowls | Not dishwasher safe |
| Bamboo steamers | Not dishwasher safe |
| Bamboo straws | Dishwasher safe |
| Bamboo chopsticks | Not dishwasher safe |
| Bamboo bento boxes | Dishwasher safe |
| Bamboo Melamine | Dishwasher safe |
Are pampered chef bamboo products dishwasher safe?
The pampered chef came out with bamboo products that they claim to be dishwasher safe. The products are made of renewable bamboo that you can put in the dishwasher. Even though they are dishwasher safe, they are not to be used in microwaves.
How to clean and care for bamboo chopping boards?
Cleaning and caring for a bamboo chopping board do not require much if you keep the following tips in mind.
Wash immediately after use:
It can be a great practice to clean and wash your bamboo chopping board right after using it. It is not good to leave a bamboo chopping board to be washed later as this can be damaging.
Dry immediately after washing:
Dry the board right after cleaning it. Use s soft dishcloth to gently soak up all the water and let the board rest on a dish drying rack or stand. This way the board can air dry itself.
Avoid using harsh detergent:
Use no harsh detergent to wash your bamboo chopping board. Use a light pH dishwasher soap with hot water instead.
And if there are still stubborn food particles stuck to the board, you can always use a dull object like the toned downside of your knife to take them out.
Apply oil occasionally:
Since the chopping board is used and washed every day it can easily become dried out. So you can occasionally apply mineral oil or bamboo conditioning oil with a cloth to restore its moisture.
Sanitize if needed:
Try not to cut raw fish or meat on a bamboo chopping board but if you do, make sure to sanitize the board immediately after use. For this, you can use a bleaching solution by mixing in the ratio of 1tsp liquid bleach to 1ml water.
Alternatively, you can mix 3 tablespoons of white vinegar with one cup of water and use the solution.
How to clean bamboo steamers, browns, plates, and other products?
The following steps might help you to clean bamboo steamers, browns, plates, and other products –
Use hot water and mild soap:
Hot water and a mild soap is the best combination for cleaning bamboo products. A good pH balancing liquid soap works great for bamboo utensils.
Use a gentle sponge, cloth, or brush:
Don’t use an abrasive scrubber to clean them. Use a soft cloth or sponge instead. For steamers, you can start by steaming it first and then using a soft nylon brush to clean it off.
Use hot water and mild detergent to clean it thoroughly and rinse with cold water in the end.
Rinse with hot water:
For simple food that doesn’t leave any residues, it is enough to rinse the bamboo utensils with only hot water after using them.
Remove stuck food:
If some food particles remain on the utensils even after cleaning with soap and water, use the toned downside of a knife or other similar blunt objects to remove them. Don’t use any sharp items as they will damage the material.
Do bamboo utensils need to be oiled? How to wash bamboo utensils?
Bamboo utensils don’t require to be oiled frequently. But oiling them occasionally can prove to be beneficial. Bamboo utensils just like wooden utensils can become rough and look dull after long-term use. Oiling can reverse this.
By oiling the utensils, you will be rejuvenating the lost health and shine to them. For this process, you can use any food-grade mineral oil or you can get yourself a special conditioning oil for bamboo products.
To oil bamboo utensils, take a soft clean cloth and put a few drops of oil over it. Then rub the cloth all over the utensil and keep repeating until all the sides and corners are well covered.
The best way to keep your bamboo utensils clean and up to the mark is by cleaning right after using them. No need for strong detergent and harsh scrubber. Just hot water, mild dishwasher soap or liquid, and a sponge or soft cloth will do the job.
Are bamboo cooking utensils good and safe?
Bamboo is closer to nature than most other materials used in the making of cooking utensils. Bamboo is nothing but strong grass that comes with all the goodness of nature. It has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties that make it an incredibly safe option.
Also, bamboo is free of toxins as no harmful chemicals or pesticides are required to make it grow. Some may prefer plastic over bamboo since plastic is dishwasher safe. But, plastic forms scratches and cuts easily that later act as an abode to germs and bacteria.
On the contrary, bamboo keeps itself moisture-free and evaporates water fast. Since it dries easily, it gives no chance for germs and bacteria to grow on it.
Also, bamboo cooking utensils are environmentally friendly which makes them even better and safer for regular use.
Final thoughts
Bamboo utensils are not supposed to go in the dishwasher as they are not dishwasher safe. They can be a great addition to your kitchen or cookware, but to ensure longevity you must not put them in a dishwasher. The harsh detergent and high heat of a dishwasher will only cause them damage.