A wooden cutting board is a common part of the kitchen. You probably have one at home too. It looks nice, it’s gentle on your knives and it’s made of natural material. However, cleaning it is quite a challenge. It is not ideal to put it in the dishwasher. But even ordinary tap water is not enough protection.

What are the dangers of cleaning the cutting board incorrectly? What happens if you put it in the dishwasher? And how should the cutting board be used, cleaned and cared for? These questions are answered in the following article.

Why shouldn’t a wooden cutting board go in the dishwasher?

The dishwasher is a very dangerous appliance for wood. High temperatures, steam, water pressure and chemicals can damage the material. According to the Finish website, cutting boards can warp, crack or start to disintegrate in the dishwasher. In addition, food debris can settle in the cracks and create a breeding ground for bacteria.

From an epidemiological point of view, however, wood is not necessarily less hygienic. Studies suggest that proper maintenance of wood countertops is important, and if it occurs, there is nothing to worry about. Research even reports that users of wooden cutting boards are less than half as likely to get salmonellosis as users of plastic cutting boards.

Just washing the wooden cutting board is not enough. You need to take better care of it. ━━ Just washing the wooden cutting board is not enough. You need to take better care of it. ( Source: fcafotodigital /  iStockphoto )

How to deep clean a wooden cutting board

There are several types of cleaning to focus on for wooden cutting boards.

  • Basic manual cleaning: after each use, wash the cutting board with warm soapy water, rinse immediately and dry thoroughly. Avoid over-soaking this piece of crockery.
  • Sanitizing and removing stains/oil residue: You can use a solution of 1-2 teaspoons of bleach per litre of water, then rinse the cutting board. Another method is to sprinkle coarse salt on the cutting board and rub this with half a lemon.
  • Deep cleaning: scrape the cutting board properly with a knife to get rid of the top layer, which can harbour bacteria.

Maintenance for longevity and hygiene

The cutting board should be maintained with waxes and oils. Wood is a natural material that absorbs moisture. Regular treatment with food-grade mineral oil or wax will create a protective layer and help prevent cracking.

It is important to take care to store the cutting board properly. After cleaning it, dry it and let it air dry. Do not expose it to direct sunlight or strong heat. If the cutting board is too wet or is stored in a damp enclosed space, it is at risk of deformation and also of bacterial growth.

A chopping board is not such an expensive item. If you use it for a long time and feel that it is damaged in some way or does not suit you, do not hesitate to replace it with a new one regularly.