Short answer: Clean a bamboo utensil holder by hand, with a damp cloth and mild soap, and dry it right away. Both bamboo makers we checked say hand wash only and no soaking or dishwasher. Whether to oil it depends on the finish: IKEA says its oil-finished bamboo should be treated with food-approved oil periodically, while its lacquered bamboo is wipe-clean only. Check the care label on your holder.
Picks
| Model | Who it is for | Key sourced spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Totally Bamboo Oval-Shaped Bamboo Kitchen Utensil Holder | A small countertop holder | Moso bamboo; 6 x 4 x 7 in; hand wash only; do not soak or put in the dishwasher | Check on Amazon |
| Totally Bamboo Baltique Mykonos Utensil Holder | A larger crock-style holder | 5-5/8 x 4-7/8 x 7 in; hand wash only; do not soak or put in the dishwasher | Check on Amazon |
What the makers say
- Totally Bamboo: “Hand wash only. Do not soak or wash in the dishwasher.” For its Baltique line it adds: hand wash in warm water after each use and let the piece air dry, and avoid soaking.
- IKEA, oil-finished bamboo (LÄMPLIG cutting board): wipe clean with a mild soapy solution, wipe dry, treat with food-approved oil periodically, hand wash only.
- IKEA, lacquered bamboo (DRAGAN toothbrush holder): the main parts are bamboo with clear acrylic lacquer. Care is to wipe clean with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner, then wipe dry. It does not mention oiling.
A routine that follows those instructions
- Take the utensils out and shake out crumbs.
- Wipe the inside and outside with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. Do not soak it or run it through the dishwasher.
- Wipe it dry, then let it air dry fully before putting utensils back.
- If your holder is oil-finished, oil it on the maker’s schedule, on dry, clean wood.
A note on odors
We did not find a maker instruction for removing odors from a bamboo holder, so this page does not recommend a baking soda paste, vinegar or bleach. If a smell, swelling or cracking persists after washing and complete drying, replacing the holder is the safer call.
How to choose a replacement
- Match the holder’s size to your tools: the two picks above list 6 x 4 x 7 inches and 5-5/8 x 4-7/8 x 7 inches.
- Read the care line before buying. Hand wash only means no dishwasher.
- Pick the finish you are willing to maintain: oil-finished bamboo needs periodic oiling, while lacquered bamboo is wipe-clean.
Sources
- Totally Bamboo, Oval-Shaped Bamboo Kitchen Utensil Holder (material, size, care), opened October 22, 2026: https://totallybamboo.com/products/oval-utensil-holder
- Totally Bamboo, Baltique Mykonos Collection Kitchen Utensil Holder (size, care), opened October 22, 2026: https://totallybamboo.com/products/baltique-mykonos-utensil-holder
- IKEA, LÄMPLIG cutting board, bamboo (oil and care), opened October 22, 2026: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/laemplig-cutting-board-bamboo-00309829/
- IKEA, DRAGAN toothbrush holder, bamboo (lacquer and care), opened October 22, 2026: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/dragan-toothbrush-holder-bamboo-30271491/
See Also
If you want to move from general advice into actual product choices, start with Why Your Kitchen Scrub Brush Smells After Use and How to Fix It, How to Clean a Sticky Kitchen Pantry Bin Lid without Residue, and How Often to Replace a Kitchen Sponge or Scrub Pad (and How to Tell).
For a wider picture after the basics, How to Clean a Smelly Kitchen Dish Sponge and Stop the Odor and Why the Bottom Seam of Your Bathroom Storage Bin Peels and How to Fix It are the next places to read.