Most plastic, composite, or acrylic cutting boards are dishwasher-safe. This allows for their perfect sanitization, especially the ones used with raw meat. This is pivotal for the prevention of cross-contamination!
Dishwashers are awesome for the sanitization and cleaning of plastic cutting boards. Some models feature an antibacterial cycle option which makes the cleaning process even easier.
If the machine doesn’t have this cycle, washing the board with water that’s at least 165 degrees F is ideal for sanitization.
But, despite the claims that they’re suitable for the dishwasher, there are those who advise against it.
Some experts claim that we shouldn’t wash any cutting board in the dishwasher, especially the thinner and extra-thin plastic cutting boards. They claim that exposure to heat and water may increase the risk of warps and cracks.
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Can Plastic Cutting Boards Go in the Dishwasher?
Generally speaking, to know if it’s safe to wash a certain plastic item in the dishwasher, you need to know the type of plastic.
Some plastic items like plastic cutting boards are designed to withstand heat and chemical exposure. These are usually labeled as “dishwasher-safe”.
Although they can be washed in the dishwasher, this doesn’t mean that this is the best and safest option to clean your plastic cutting boards. Don’t put the ultra-thin plastic cutting boards in the dishwasher because their risk of melting on the lower racks where it’s the hottest is higher!
Whenever you’re unsure if the plastic cutting board can go in the dishwasher, opt for hand cleaning and sanitizing.
A dishwasher is a good option for thicker plastic cutting boats because of the drying feature that comes after the washing cycle.
A cutting board needs to be entirely dry before you store them. Since bacteria die several hours after they’re deprived of moisture, it’s pivotal for any food prep surface to be entirely dry.
When dishwashers don’t have this feature, you can try an easy trick to dry your cutting boards. Place them diagonally against something to air them out.
Avoid placing the boards flat on towels. And, always store your plastic cutting boards, and any other cutting boards, vertically with the wider part down.
What Is the Best Way to Wash Plastic Cutting Boards?
If you have thick plastic cutting boards labeled as dishwasher-safe, they usually do well in the dishwasher.
Always follow the instructions to maximize the safety of cleaning your plastic cutting boards in this way.
In case of plastic cutting boards that aren’t dishwasher-safe or if they’re too thin, keep them away from the dishwasher. Instead, use warm and soapy water and scrub them well.
If you’re using the plastic boards with raw meat and want to sanitize them, soak the board in a 1-part vinegar and 4 parts solution prior to cleaning.
For hard-to-wash cutting boards, composite ones, a combo made of synthetic and natural material, are a great option. They’re made to withstand dishwasher, knife, and heat use.
Can Plastics Go in the Dishwasher?
Before placing plastic items in your dishwasher, check the labels.
Some plastic items can withstand detergents and heat and are usually “dishwasher safe”.
If you’re not entirely sure, here are the most common plastic types and their dishwasher readiness:
- Reusable containers
If they’re labeled as reusable, these plastic containers are usually dishwasher-safe.
However, always put them on the upper rack so that they’re far away from the bottom where the heating is the highest. Avoid the cycles of deep cleaning or sanitizing.
- Cutlery & tableware
Bottles for babies, plates, and cutlery for outdoors, plastic cutting boards, and acrylic glass are generally made of dishwasher-safe plastic; but, take the needed safety measures before cleaning them.
Avoid high-temperature cycles because this can have a negative effect and cause warps and cracks.
- Disposable plastic containers and bottles
These plastics aren’t safe for the dishwasher. They’re made with plastics that can’t withstand heat. The dishwasher will cause them to turn unusable or distorted.
And, these products often contain BPA or BPA alternatives that may be harmful.
BPA affects foods and drinks inside. Evidence points out that this can have a negative effect on humans when consumed.
The dishwasher’s heat may trigger the BPA to leach from the container so their place isn’t in the dishwasher.
Plastic vs. Wooden Cutting Board for Raw Meat Prep
Plastic cutting boards are the go-to for raw meat prep due to them being dishwasher-safe, as well as their non-porous surface. The wooden ones are more challenging to sanitize and they’re not made for the dishwasher.
Another excellent option is composite cutting boards. They offer the best from both worlds. They’re constructed of heavy-duty resin material.
They’re long-lasting, don’t need a lot of conditioning, and are dishwasher-safe.
You get the looks of the wood without the need for high maintenance. But, these boards may be less gentle on your knives than natural wood.
Final Thoughts
Can plastic cutting boards go in the dishwasher?-Of course, they can!
But, they need to be labeled as dishwasher-safe so that you’re certain the high heat and chemicals won’t cause cracks and warps!
Thicker plastic cutting boards can do fine in a dishwasher, on the top rack. In fact, this method of cleaning is best for them because it sanitizes them optimally. This is crucial if you use the board with raw meat.
But, the thinner plastic cutting boards aren’t suitable for a dishwasher. They’re less capable of withstanding all the heat and chemicals.
Plastic cutting boards are versatile kitchen boards that you can use with different foods. It’s also a popular option for raw meat preparation.
It boasts a nonporous surface and as it’s dishwasher-safe, sanitizing it after every use is effortless.
