Wooden Cutting Boards and the Dishwasher: Experts Weigh the Risks
Why Dishwashers Can Damage Wood
Prolonged water exposure, high temperatures and dishwasher detergent can cause a wooden board to swell, warp or crack, says Noah Pinsonnault, a Reviews Analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care & Cleaning Lab. Many boards are assembled from multiple pieces of wood, and repeated dishwasher cycles can weaken the glue joints.
The guidance covers edge-grain and end-grain boards, as well as bamboo. Some wood-fiber composite boards, including Epicurean products, are made to be dishwasher-safe, Pinsonnault says; check the manufacturer's care instructions before washing one in the machine.
A Simple Hand-Washing Routine
Hand-washing takes about a minute, according to Pinsonnault. Use warm water and dish soap, working with a sponge or brush. Avoid leaving the board in standing water, which exposes it to damaging moisture. Dry it promptly; standing it upright can help air circulate on both sides.
Sanitizing After Raw Meat
After using a board for raw meat, wash it thoroughly and then apply a sanitizer that is safe for food-contact surfaces. Follow the product's directions.
Key points
- Dishwasher heat, water and detergent can damage wooden cutting boards.
- The hand-washing advice also applies to bamboo and edge-grain and end-grain boards.
- Some wood-fiber composite boards are dishwasher-safe; check their care instructions.
- After raw meat, wash the board, sanitize it, rinse thoroughly and dry completely.