Wooden or Plastic Cutting Board: Which One Should You Buy?

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

SAEDNEWS: If you are unsure whether to choose a wooden or plastic cutting board, by reading this article you will understand which one is more hygienic.

Wooden or Plastic Cutting Board: Which One Should You Buy?

According to SAEDNEWS, It is true that wooden cutting boards have an attractive appearance, but they are like a sponge full of pores where bacteria can easily enter and become trapped in the surface holes. Plastic cutting boards are easier to clean than wooden ones, and the risk of bacteria remaining on their surface after washing is lower. You can choose any type of board you prefer, as long as you follow proper hygiene practices. It is better to have two separate boards: one dedicated for vegetables and the other for meat.

Many people prefer wooden cutting boards for aesthetic reasons, while others reject wooden boards due to concerns about microbes remaining in them. Join us to learn more about cutting boards and how to properly clean them.

cutting boards

In most kitchens, cutting boards are used for chopping vegetables and meat. However, if this tool is not used properly, harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella—which can cause food poisoning—can accumulate on the cutting board. By maintaining hygiene during use, you can protect the health of yourself and your family.

This belief may have originated from advertising campaigns promoting plastic cutting boards. These advertisements often try to convince consumers that plastic is better because it is non-porous. However, research shows that wooden boards are not harmful. In fact, they can be more hygienic and even better for knives. It is commonly claimed that wooden cutting boards are porous and can harbor harmful microorganisms such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, making them difficult to clean and potentially contaminating other foods placed on them. On the other hand, plastic is considered non-porous and therefore easier and more effective to clean.

Despite these widespread beliefs, no one—including health authorities—had scientifically tested these claims until 1993. At that time, food microbiologists at the Food Research Institute of the University of Wisconsin contaminated both wooden and plastic cutting boards with foodborne bacteria. What happened? Without washing or touching the boards, the bacteria on the wooden surface died within three minutes. However, bacteria on the plastic boards not only survived but multiplied overnight.

This suggests that wood may have a natural antibacterial property that plastic lacks. However, if you already have a plastic cutting board at home, there is no need to throw it away or rush to buy a wooden one. As long as you wash your plastic board with antibacterial cleaning agents, there is no danger.

To remove odors from a cutting board, you can use one of the following methods:

  • Rub salt or baking soda on the board, wait a few minutes, then wash it.

  • Pour undiluted vinegar over the cutting board and rinse it afterward.

1 – Before choosing a frying pan, research different brands available in the market to ensure you buy exactly what you need.
2 – Non-stick pans come in various sizes; choose according to your needs and family size.
3 – Before using the cookware, carefully read the instructions included in the box to understand cooking details.
4 – The best oil-free pans are those that can be placed directly on the stove flame.
5 – Make sure the inner and outer surfaces are non-stick and the handle is sturdy, and choose products with a valid warranty.
6 – Do not use abrasive cleaners like steel wool, as they damage the non-stick coating.
7 – Ensure the pan handle is heat-resistant.
8 – Do not be fooled by low prices, as good-quality standard pans usually have similar price ranges.
9 – Be cautious of low-quality Chinese-made pans in the market.
10 – Non-stick pans vary in price depending on size, material, and function. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always mean better quality; it is better to seek advice from experienced users before purchasing.