Having a dishwasher in your home is a convenient luxury. It takes care of everyday dishes, glassware and silverware as well as delicate items and big pots and pans after a party (Be sure to use the correct settings!). You may have cleaned up after a meal, stacking things in the dishwasher, so you can fast-forward to more fun activities, only to find yourself holding a wooden spoon and wondering "Can this go in the dishwasher?" We can help clear up this and other questions about wooden kitchenware and dishwashers.
So, can you put wood in the dishwasher at all? Are wooden utensils, platters, bowls and wood cutting boards dishwasher safe? The general rule is that wooden items should only be washed by hand, but if you’re unsure, you can check for a dishwasher safe symbol on your wooden kitchen items before placing them in your machine. If you still aren't sure, you could try to contact the manufacturer, however we recommend erring on the side of caution and leaving them out of the dishwasher.
Can you put wood cutting boards in the dishwasher?
It's tempting to slot your wooden cutting boards in with the rest of your dishes, but it’s probably not a good idea. Wood that is exposed to high heat and moisture is very likely to warp, splinter and break over time. The water, high temperatures and length of a dishwasher cycle can seriously damage your wood cutting boards.
In order to avoid ruining your wooden cutting boards, we recommend handwashing them instead of putting them in the dishwasher. For best results, wipe the cutting board down with a solution made from 1–2 teaspoons of bleach per liter of water. Then wash it by hand using hot, soapy water in the kitchen sink. After your cutting board has dried, consider slicking it with a food-safe oil to further nourish and protect the wood.
Learn how to avoid cloudy stains on your wine glasses and remove baked-on grime from glass baking dishes with our tips on how to get the best dishwashing results on your glassware.
