Last Updated on June 24, 2025 by Kathay Lee
Some cutting boards can go in the dishwasher. Others cannot. Plastic cutting boards are usually dishwasher safe. Wooden cutting boards should never go in the dishwasher. Bamboo cutting boards also need hand washing.
The key is knowing your cutting board material. This guide will help you make the right choice.
Why This Matters
Your cutting board sees daily use. It touches raw meat, fresh vegetables, and everything in between. Proper cleaning keeps your family safe from harmful bacteria.
But the wrong cleaning method can ruin your cutting board. A damaged board harbors germs and needs replacement.
Plastic Cutting Boards: Usually Dishwasher Safe
Most plastic cutting boards handle dishwasher cleaning well. They resist heat and moisture better than other materials.
What to Check First
Look for a “dishwasher safe” label on your plastic board. This marking means the manufacturer tested it for dishwasher use.
Check the plastic type too. High-density polyethylene works best. It stays strong under high temperatures.
Best Practices for Plastic Boards
Place plastic boards on the top dishwasher rack. The bottom rack gets too hot. High heat can warp even dishwasher-safe plastic.
Use normal wash cycles. Heavy-duty cycles create extra heat. This heat can damage your board over time.
Skip the heated dry setting. Air dry your plastic boards instead. Heat drying can cause warping.
When Plastic Boards Need Hand Washing
Deep cuts in plastic boards trap bacteria. Dishwashers cannot clean inside these grooves properly.
Replace heavily scratched plastic boards. They become unsafe for food prep.
Wooden Cutting Boards: Keep Them Out
Wooden cutting boards should never go in the dishwasher. The heat and moisture cause serious damage.
Why Wood and Dishwashers Don’t Mix
Wood absorbs water during dishwasher cycles. This absorption causes swelling and warping.
High heat opens wood pores. Water gets deeper into the wood grain. This leads to cracking and splitting.
Dishwasher detergent is too harsh for wood. It strips natural oils that protect the wood surface.
The Science Behind Wood Damage
Wood cutting boards expand when wet. They shrink when they dry. This cycle creates stress in the wood fibers.
Repeated stress leads to cracks. These cracks harbor bacteria and make boards unsafe.
Wooden chopping boards with glued joints face extra risk. Dishwasher heat can loosen the glue. The board may fall apart.
Proper Wood Board Care
Wash wooden boards by hand immediately after use. Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Dry completely with a clean towel.
Stand the board upright to air dry. This prevents moisture from getting trapped underneath.
Oil your wooden cutting board monthly. Use food-grade mineral oil or specialized cutting board oil.
Bamboo Cutting Boards: Hand Wash Only
Bamboo cutting boards need the same care as wooden boards. Never put them in the dishwasher.
Why Bamboo is Different
Bamboo grows as grass, not wood. But it still contains natural fibers that absorb water.
These fibers swell and shrink like wood fibers. Dishwasher cycles cause the same damage.
Bamboo Cutting Board Benefits
Bamboo naturally resists bacteria better than some woods. It also grows back quickly, making it eco-friendly.
But these benefits disappear if you damage the board in the dishwasher.
Caring for Your Bamboo Board
Follow the same hand-washing steps as wooden boards. Use gentle soap and warm water.
Bamboo cutting boards need less oil than wooden boards. Oil them every few months instead of monthly.
End Grain Cutting Boards: Extra Delicate
End grain cutting boards show the wood’s cut ends instead of the sides. This construction makes them extra vulnerable to dishwasher damage.
What Makes End Grain Special
End grain cutting boards have exposed wood fibers pointing up. These fibers act like tiny straws that suck up water.
This design is great for knife care. The fibers separate around the blade instead of fighting it.
But in a dishwasher, those same fibers absorb too much water. The board can swell dramatically and crack.
End Grain Board Care
Hand wash end grain cutting boards very carefully. Use minimal water and dry them quickly.
Apply cutting board oil more frequently. The exposed grain needs extra protection.
Store end grain boards in a dry place with good air circulation.
Butcher Block Cutting Boards: Size and Material Issues
Butcher block style boards face double trouble in dishwashers. They’re often too large to fit properly. And they’re usually made from wood.
Size Problems
Most butcher block boards won’t fit in standard dishwashers. Forcing them in can damage both the board and your dishwasher.
Large boards also block water spray. This prevents proper cleaning of other dishes.
Material Concerns
Butcher block boards use thick wood construction. More wood means more water absorption and warping risk.
The thick construction also takes longer to dry. Trapped moisture leads to mold and bacteria growth.
The Best Cutting Boards for Dishwasher Use
If you want dishwasher convenience, choose the right materials from the start.
Top Dishwasher Safe Options
Look for cutting boards labeled “dishwasher safe” by the manufacturer. These boards passed testing for dishwasher use.
High-quality plastic boards work well. Choose thick boards that resist warping.
Some composite boards blend plastic with other materials. These can be dishwasher safe too.
Features That Matter
Thick construction resists warping better than thin boards. Look for boards at least half an inch thick.
Smooth surfaces clean better than textured ones. Avoid boards with deep patterns or grooves.
Non-porous materials don’t absorb water or bacteria. This makes them safer and easier to clean.
Why Heat Damages Cutting Boards
Understanding heat damage helps you make better choices about dishwasher use.
Temperature Effects
Dishwashers reach temperatures up to 180°F (82°C). This heat softens many materials.
Wood fibers expand and contract with temperature changes. Repeated cycles weaken the wood structure.
Plastic can soften and warp at high temperatures. Even dishwasher safe plastics have limits.
Moisture Problems
Hot, humid dishwasher environments stress all materials. Steam penetrates cracks and seams.
Wood absorbs this moisture deeply. The combination of heat and moisture causes the most damage.
Hand Washing: The Safe Alternative
When in doubt, hand wash your cutting board. This method works for all materials.
Basic Hand Washing Steps
- Rinse the board with warm water immediately after use
- Apply dish soap to both sides
- Scrub gently with a soft sponge or brush
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Dry completely with a clean towel
- Air dry standing upright
Deep Cleaning Methods
For wooden chopping boards, use coarse salt as a scrubber. Sprinkle salt on the surface and scrub with half a lemon.
The salt removes stains and odors. The lemon’s acid kills bacteria naturally.
For plastic boards, a paste of baking soda and water removes tough stains.
Sanitizing Options
White vinegar kills most bacteria naturally. Spray it on clean boards and let sit for five minutes.
Hydrogen peroxide also works well. Use a 3% solution and rinse after application.
Signs Your Cutting Board Needs Replacement
Even with proper care, cutting boards don’t last forever. Watch for these warning signs.
Damage Indicators
Deep cuts that trap food and bacteria mean it’s time for a new board. These grooves can’t be cleaned properly.
Warping prevents proper contact with your counter. This makes cutting dangerous and less effective.
Cracks allow bacteria to hide deep in the material. No amount of cleaning can reach these spots.
Safety Red Flags
Strong odors that won’t wash away indicate bacterial growth. Replace the board immediately.
Stains that resist cleaning may harbor harmful bacteria. Dark spots are especially concerning.
Soft or spongy areas in wooden boards mean rot has started. This makes the board unsafe for food use.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Boards
Proper maintenance extends cutting board life and keeps them safe to use.
Daily Care
Clean boards immediately after each use. Don’t let food residue sit on the surface.
Use separate boards for raw meat and vegetables. This prevents cross-contamination.
Store boards in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid stacking wet boards together.
Weekly Maintenance
Deep clean boards once a week with your preferred sanitizing method.
Check for new cuts or damage. Address small problems before they become big ones.
Rotate between multiple boards if you have them. This gives each board time to dry completely.
Monthly Care
Oil wooden cutting boards and bamboo cutting boards monthly. This protects the surface and prevents cracking.
Inspect boards carefully for signs of wear. Plan replacements before boards become unsafe.
Sand lightly damaged wooden boards to remove surface scratches. Re-oil after sanding.
Common Mistakes That Damage Boards
Avoid these common errors to keep your cutting boards in good condition.
Dishwasher Mistakes
Never put wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher, even on gentle cycles. The damage is immediate and permanent.
Don’t overcrowd the dishwasher when washing plastic boards. They need space for proper water circulation.
Avoid using the heated dry setting on any cutting board. Air drying is always safer.
Cleaning Errors
Don’t soak wooden boards in water. This causes excessive swelling and cracking.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach on wooden boards. They damage the wood fibers permanently.
Don’t put wet boards away. Always dry completely before storage.
Storage Problems
Never store boards in damp areas like under the sink. Moisture encourages bacterial growth.
Don’t stack wet boards on top of each other. This traps moisture between them.
Avoid storing boards flat against walls. They need air circulation on all sides.
Choosing Your Best Cutting Board Strategy
The best cutting board choice depends on your priorities and cooking habits.
For Convenience Lovers
If you want dishwasher convenience, invest in high-quality dishwasher safe plastic boards. Buy several so you always have a clean one ready.
Choose thick, durable plastic that resists cuts and stains. Replace them when they become heavily scratched.
For Wood Lovers
If you prefer wooden cutting boards, commit to hand washing. The extra care is worth it for many cooks.
Buy quality boards that will last for years with proper care. End grain cutting boards are especially durable when maintained correctly.
For Bamboo Fans
Bamboo cutting boards offer a good middle ground. They’re more eco-friendly than plastic but easier to maintain than some hardwoods.
Follow wooden board care instructions for best results with bamboo boards.
The Bottom Line
The answer to “Can you put cutting boards in the dishwasher?” depends entirely on the material.
Plastic cutting boards marked “dishwasher safe” can go in the dishwasher. Use the top rack and avoid heated drying.
Wooden cutting boards, bamboo cutting boards, and end grain cutting boards should never go in the dishwasher. Hand wash these boards immediately after use.
Butcher block boards need hand washing too. Their size and wood construction make dishwashers unsuitable.
Making the Right Choice
Choose cutting boards based on your cleaning preferences. If you want dishwasher convenience, buy dishwasher safe plastic boards.
If you love the look and feel of wood, commit to hand washing. Proper care keeps wooden boards safe and beautiful for years.
Remember that your cutting board choice affects food safety. A clean, well-maintained board protects your family’s health.
Whatever type you choose, clean it properly after every use. This simple habit prevents foodborne illness and extends board life.
The best cutting board is the one you’ll clean properly every time. Choose the material and care method that fits your routine.