Is it safe to wash wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher?
No. Heat and moisture crack wood and open up grooves that harbor bacteria.
What's actually in it
Wooden cutting boards are living fibers. A dishwasher hits them with high heat and saturation, which causes swelling, shrinking, and cracking. Cracks become hiding spots for bacteria that the dishwasher can't reach.
A well-cared-for wood board is naturally antimicrobial and can last years.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Sci Adv reinforced how much wear and tear on cutting surfaces matters for particle release. Wood doesn't shed microplastics, but cracked wood does harbor bacteria.
Hand wash wooden boards with soap and water, dry standing up, and oil monthly with food-grade mineral oil or beeswax conditioner. A well-oiled board resists moisture and lasts for decades.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Microplastics in bloodstream induce cerebral thrombosis. | Sci Adv | 2025 |
What to use instead
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