Microwaves Can Do A Lot More Than Just Heat Up Food

Microwave ovens are a standard feature of most homes — a handy, dependable workhorse for everyday meal prep. Regardless of how often you press the start button, chances are you're barely scratching the surface of what your microwave can actually do. Treating this countertop appliance like a one-trick pony means you're missing out on some of its greatest superpowers, including its surprising ability to sanitize your wooden cutting boards.

While wooden cutting boards have natural antimicrobial properties, deep knife grooves can still trap organic matter and harbor food-borne bacteria if not properly sanitized. Unsurprisingly, these are also considered the kitchen essential to avoid cleaning with a sponge at all costs — porous sponges notoriously harbor bacteria themselves, potentially leading to cross-contamination. And while dishwashers can help blast away surface grime, you should never put wood in the dishwasher as the intense heat and moisture can warp or crack it. If you want to take your wood cutting board care to the next level, placing your solid wood board in the microwave for around three to four minutes harnesses concentrated heat to neutralize bacteria without the prolonged soaking exposure of a dishwasher.

It's important to recognize that this cleaning method is not effective for all cutting boards, and using it on the wrong type can ruin your cookware. While an extended burst of heat works wonders on a small, solid piece of wood, it is unsafe for laminated or butcher-block style boards that are held together by glue, since the microwave can melt the adhesive and cause the joints to split apart. Furthermore, this method should never be used on plastic boards or any boards featuring hidden metal hardware, rubber grips, or magnetic components.

To sanitize a wooden cutting board in the microwave, you'll use a combination of surface moisture and intense heat to create a sanitizing environment. First, ensure the board is 100% wood and fits fully inside your microwave without hitting the sides or blocking the turntable. Scrub the board thoroughly with dish soap and warm water first. The microwave kills bacteria, but it will not magically erase physical food particles trapped in the grooves.

To kick the cleaning power up a notch, rub a little fresh lemon juice or white vinegar across both sides of the board while it's still wet since the acid helps break down lingering organic matter. Next, place the wet, treated board into the microwave. Run it on high for three to four minutes, allowing the temperature of the wood's surface to approach around 200 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve disinfection. While it's running, watch closely through your microwave's window to ensure the board stays stable and doesn't smoke. Carefully remove the board using an oven mitt or towel, since it will be incredibly hot. Be sure to let the cutting board air dry fully before its next use.

When trying out this quick kitchen shortcut, it's critical never to microwave a bone-dry wooden board. The microwave relies on the water molecules from the washing step to generate the heat required to kill bacteria. Heating a dry wooden board over a multi-minute cycle could damage the microwave itself or cause the wood to scorch, split, or crack — all of which are noticeable signs it's time to replace your cutting boards.