Basic Cleaning
Follow these four basic steps to clean your chopsticks. Be sure to use warm water, not hot water.
- Lay flat in a bowl of soapy warm water for about 30 seconds.
- Use a sponge or gentle brush to clean with your soapy water. Do not put bamboo chopsticks in the dishwasher, this might make them wear out faster.
- Dry thoroughly with a soft cotton cloth.
- Lastly, allow your chopsticks to air dry the rest of the way. Store in a dry, dark, well-ventilated area and avoid letting your chopsticks catch sunlight – this might cause the color/finish to fade.
Note: Don’t soak chopsticks that have designs in warm water. Wood expands when submerged and can cause damage to your design.
Lightly oil using cooking oil every 3-6 months depending on how much use they get.
For Stains
A mixture of lime juice and baking soda can help get rid of stains on your chopsticks.
One part baking soda and one part lime juice with one cup of water. Use a cotton cloth to spread the mixture on the chopsticks. You can add some salt to the mixture to help get stains out as well. Move in the direction of the grain of the bamboo.
For Odors
If your chopsticks have some sort of odor from food, create a vinegar mixture to get rid of the bad smell.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water and treat the chopsticks with it.
A tablespoon of lemon juice can help get rid of the vinegar smell a bit sooner as well.
When to Replace Bamboo Chopsticks
If you notice any sort of split, crack, or paint chipping, it’s time to get a new pair. You don’t want to risk ingesting a splinter. See our options for chopsticks here:
Bamboo chopsticks are compostable and breakdown in the elements quite well.
Chopsticks come in a variety of sizes and designs. Many of the differences vary according to country. See our blog post on the different kinds of chopsticks here:
https://bamboomn.com/blogs/blog/explanation-of-chopsticks-and-the-difference
