How can I put a waterproof/dishwasher-proof finish, that is safe for food, on a bamboo cutting board?

Question

I have a bamboo cutting board that recently got a mold (I live in a very hot and humid climate and the board gets wet quite a bit). I killed the mold but am looking for a solution that will let me clean it properly with little to no effort, and will also allow it to stay wet without consequence. I don't want this to have a bad effect on my kitchen knives or the food being prepared on/eaten off it. I was thinking along the lines of soaking it in linseed/mineral oil mix, epoxying some marble on one side, paint on the other, and polyurathane seal the whole thing. I don't honestly know if that is a sound theory or not, and I don't know if that will dishwasher-proof the cutting board. Any ideas?

Answer 1

You should never "soak" a wooden cutting board. I've used one for years and I use mineral oil that is food safe. Allowing your cutting board to become soaked in water or putting it in the dishwasher will cause it to crack. Soaking the wood was probably what caused the mold in the first place.

Answer 2

Cutting boards should never be soaked in water. Especially a dishwasher. Any "permanent" coating will come off while using the board and could be toxic. Cutting boards can be rubbed with mineral oil as it will not go rancid. This also make for easy cleanup by wiping off, unless it is raw meat or poultry you are preparing. Sorry, you cannot have all that you want unless you get a plastic board.

Answer 3

Plus, studies in the last few years have shown ( to my satisfaction) that there is something about the wood that kills microbes. Since I've used the same board for over 30 years for everything you can think of-- I believe the studies. SO, I use my wooden boards, wash them and prop them over the sink to drip dry.
I have never had a mold problem, but I'm thinking that the previous person has the right answer-- wood is not for soaking.
good luck