Wondering which key in to use?

The answer isnt so cut and dry.

Do you gravitate toward wood or stick with plastic?

wood and plastic cutting board

Photo:Dana Hoff/Getty Images

Heres the lowdown on how hygienic they are, plus their benefits and drawbacks.

Are Plastic Cutting Boards Safer Than Wooden Ones?

They will both last for years if properly taken care of.

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It really becomes a matter of preference.

Staying on top of maintenance keeps them free of microorganisms that could causefoodborne illness.

Theres one foolproof way to clean both plastic andwooden cutting boards, according to Vaccaro.

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The proper process is to wash, rinse, sanitize, and air-dry, she says.

(Note that vinegar doesnotdisinfect, which is a higher level of germ kill than sanitization.)

Plastic cutting boards, meanwhile, can usually be cleaned and sanitized in the dishwasher.

baking sheet

It boils down to them being easier to clean and sanitize.

As a result, pathogenic microorganisms may build up or accumulate and transfer onto food, she says.

Relatedly, a plastic board with many deep grooves could prove harmful to your health.

cleaning cast iron

If you cant remedy either issue, its best to toss the board and get a new one.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Wooden Cutting Boards?

What Are the Pros and Cons of Plastic Cutting Boards?

non-stick-pan

If wood isn’t for you, then a plastic cutting board might be better.

Here, we weigh out its benefits (and drawbacks).

So Which throw in of Cutting Board Is Safer?

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Allow them to air dry completely before storing or using them and youre good to go.

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Frozen pasta, ready meal. Frozen pasta with minced meat in the microwave

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