A good wooden chopping 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 chopping 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 at 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 Noah.
The rule applies to edge-grain and end-grain boards alike and bamboo, too.
Are any chopping boards dishwasher-safe?
Yes, you can put some wood-fibre composite chopping boards in the dishwasher. Some wood-fibre composite boards are specifically designed to be dishwasher-safe, says Noah. Check the manufacturer's care instructions to be sure.
How to wash a wooden chopping board
Hand-washing a wooden chopping board only takes about a minute. Noah recommends this routine:
- Wash with warm water and washing-up liquid. A sponge or brush works well.
- Don’t soak it. Lea...