Dry wood is clean wood

Dry wood is clean wood.

The entire trick to keeping a wooden or bamboo lunch box mold-free is drying it immediately and completely after every wash. Most mold problems happen because it gets put away damp and closed.

Wash it with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Scrub gently, rinse fast, and dry with a towel. Then leave the lid open and let it air dry for a few hours before storing. Don’t soak it, don’t run it through the dishwasher, and never close it while it’s still wet.

If it develops a musty smell, scrub inside with a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit for ten minutes, then rinse. A vinegar wipe also works, but rinse well so you don’t trade one smell for another. Once a month, rub in food-safe mineral oil to keep the wood from drying out and cracking.

If you already see mold, scrub with vinegar, dry it in direct sunlight, and then remember: next time, let it breathe.