A wooden board soaks up water in the dishwasher and then dries unevenly, which is what warps and cracks it. Older USDA guidance allows solid wood boards in a dishwasher, but extension services and board makers advise hand washing, especially for glued or laminated boards.
Wood is a natural material that swells when it is wet and shrinks as it dries. A dishwasher gives it a long, hot soak followed by heated drying, which is the worst treatment for a board. Plastic and some composite boards are different and are often fine, but check the maker.
| Short answer | Hand wash. Laminated and glued boards will split |
|---|---|
| Why | Swelling, warping, cracking and loosened glue |
| Plastic boards | Often top rack safe. Check the maker |
| Composite boards | Depends on the brand, so check the label |
| Better method | Hand wash, dry upright and oil it regularly |
How to clean a wooden board properly
- Scrape off food, then wash with hot soapy water and a brush.
- Rinse quickly and do not leave the board in the sink.
- Dry it with a towel and stand it on its edge so air reaches both faces.
- After raw meat, sanitize with a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid bleach per gallon of water, let it stand for a few minutes and rinse well.
- Rub a food-safe mineral oil into the surface when it looks dry.
What happens when you get it wrong
- It warps. One side swells more than the other, and the board rocks on the counter.
- It cracks or splits. The grain opens as it dries, and the cracks hold food and bacteria.
- The glue fails. Boards made of glued strips can separate at the joints.
A plastic board for raw meat, because it can go in the dishwasher on the top rack if the maker says so.
Hand washing and a regular oil for your wooden boards.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a bamboo cutting board in the dishwasher?
Generally no. Bamboo is made of glued strips and the heat and water can split them. Check the maker.
Can a wooden board go in the dishwasher once?
It may survive one wash, but the damage builds up and a warped board cannot be fixed.
How do you sanitize a wooden cutting board?
Wash it in hot soapy water, then sanitize with 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid bleach per gallon of water, let it stand for a few minutes and rinse. This is the method USDA food safety guidance describes.
Are plastic cutting boards dishwasher safe?
Most are, usually on the top rack. Check the maker, because very hot cycles can warp thin ones.