Expert consulted: 
A good wooden cutting board can last for decades. One trip through the dishwasher, though, can start the countdown on its lifespan. Here's why it belongs at the sink instead.
First, here’s what happens when you put a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher.
"The combination of prolonged water exposure, high temperatures and dishwasher detergent can cause wood to swell, warp or crack," says Noah Pinsonnault, Reviews Analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care & Cleaning Lab. Many boards are made from several pieces of wood glued together. In those cases, repeated cycles can also weaken the glue joints, adds Pinsonnault
The rule applies to edge-grain and end-grain boards alike, and bamboo, too.
Are any cutting boards dishwasher-safe?
Yes, you can put some wood-fiber composite cutting boards in the dishwasher. Some wood-fiber composite boards (e.g., Epicurean cutting boards) are specifically designed to be dishwasher-safe, says Pinsonnault. Check the manufacturer's care instructions to be sure.
How to wash a wooden cutting board
Hand-washing a wooden cutting board only takes about a minute. Pinsonnault recommends this routine:
- Wash with warm water and dish soap. A sponge or brush works well.
- Don't soak it. Leaving a board in standing water exposes it to the same moisture that does damage in the dishwasher.
- Dry it promptly. Ideally, stand it upright so air can circulate around both sides.
How to sanitize a wooden cutting board after raw meat
After cutting raw meat, wash the board thoroughly. Then sanitize it with a food-contact-safe sanitizer, following the product's directions.
You can also make your own cleaning solution. The USDA recommends mixing one tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Finally, rinse the board thoroughly, then let it dry completely.
Noah Cortez is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor writing about
travel, culture, food, and lifestyle. Prior to this, he was a social media
editor at GQ Magazine, Complex, and Conde Nast Traveler, and his writing
has been featured in Tripadvisor, Hotels Above Par, Conde Nast Traveler,
and more. Find out more at noahcortez.com.
Noah works as a product reviews analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab where he helps design and perform tests on various product categories. He draws on scientific expertise garnered during his time as an environmental researcher, where he managed environmental monitoring equipment, analyzed water samples in a lab and developed protocols for restoration projects. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
