Is it safe to wash wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher?
Skip the dishwasher for most wood boards. Wash by hand, dry upright, and replace boards with deep cracks.
Short answer
For most wooden cutting boards, skip the dishwasher. Use hot, soapy water, rinse well, and dry the board upright. The goal is a board that stays smooth and easy to clean.
What the research says
A 1997 Journal of Food Protection study tested wood and plastic boards after repeated hand and machine washing. The wood surface showed more wear, with cracks wide enough to trap bacteria. FDA guidance also says to replace worn wooden, plastic, and acrylic cutting boards because bacteria can grow in grooves and cracks.
What to do at home
Use one board for ready-to-eat foods and a separate board or plate for raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs. Wash the board after each food. Let it dry fully before storing it. Replace it when knife marks turn into deep grooves.
The research at a glance
What to use instead
For a board you can hand wash and dry well, shop wood kitchen boards.
Shop Non-Toxic Kitchen