Woods and Wax

Are Wooden Cutting Boards More Hygienic?

By Jonathan Riedel

Founder of Woods and Wax with over a decade of business and marketing experience and several years building handcrafted hardwood cutting boards in Utah

It’s a common myth that plastic cutting boards are more hygienic—but science tells a different story.


What Research Shows

Wood cutting boards:

  • Absorb bacteria into fibers
  • Trap and neutralize microbes

Plastic boards:

  • Develop deep grooves
  • Harbor bacteria over time

Why Wood Works

Wood’s structure:

  • Pulls bacteria below the surface
  • Limits their ability to multiply

Hygiene Best Practices

For wooden boards:

  • Clean after each use
  • Dry thoroughly
  • Oil regularly

👉 Maintain hygiene with:
https://woodsandwax.com/product/cutting-board-care-kit/


When Wood Can Become Unsafe

Wood boards become less hygienic if:

  • Not cleaned properly
  • Allowed to crack
  • Left wet

Why Professionals Still Use Wood

Many chefs prefer wood because:

  • It protects knives
  • It performs consistently
  • It’s safer long-term with proper care

Final Thoughts

Wood cutting boards are not only safe—they’re often more hygienic over time when properly maintained.

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