Are plastic kitchen boards better than wooden ones?

Food safety experts used to warn against using wooden cutting boards, saying they were more likely to harbor bacteria than plastic boards. But more recent research shows that both types can be safe if you follow a few simple steps.

Use at least two tables. “Have a different chart for ready-to-eat foods like bread, fruits, and vegetables.” This helps prevent cross contamination; for example, you don’t run the risk of transferring salmonella or other bacteria from chicken to your vegetables if you cut them on different surfaces.

Clean them well. Even if you are only cutting a loaf of bread, it is good to get used to washing your cutting board, wooden or plastic, with hot, soapy water after each use. Plastic boards can also go in the dishwasher. Periodically sanitize both types of boards by washing the surface with a diluted bleach solution (1 gallon of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of bleach). Then rinse with water. Always dry cutting boards thoroughly before storing, so moisture-loving bacteria have less chance to spread.

Take care of your wooden planks. After sanitizing, rub with food grade mineral oil and then a beeswax based cream on the wood with a paper towel. This creates a barrier on the surface to prevent the absorption of liquids, so your board can last longer. Smells such as garlic or onions can stick to even clean wooden boards. You can rub it with lemon and salt to get rid of them. Cut the lemon in half, cover one or both halves with coarse salt, and scrub vigorously, then rinse the board in cold water and pat dry.

When to change it. Over time, any cutting board (plastic or wood) can be left with deep scratches or grooves that can trap bacteria, which could then spread to your food. Stronger materials, such as bamboo and maple, are less prone to damage than softer woods, such as cypress. Replace any cutting board when it has many marks.

Buy wooden cutting boards at: Amazon , Bed Bath & Beyond , Targe t, Walmart and Wayfair .

Buy plastic cutting boards at: Amazon , Bed Bath & Beyond , Target , Walmart and Wayfair .

Editor’s Note: This article has been edited. Originally appeared in the June issue of 2018 from Consumer Reports magazine.

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Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with the advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports is an independent nonprofit organization that works with consumers to create a just, safe, and healthy world. CR does not endorse products or services and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2021, Consumer Reports, Inc.