Cutting Board Swap: Why Wood Wins Over Plastic in the Kitchen

This post is part of my Back to Basics: A Lifestyle Renovation series — a season of clearing out, leveling up, and living well.

It started with the cookware… Then the utensils. And now? We’re looking at those sneaky little plastic cutting boards sitting in our kitchens, taking up space and collecting microplastics and bacteria like it’s their job.

Let’s talk about why I swapped mine — and why you might want to, too.

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Why I Ditched Plastic Cutting Boards

Plastic cutting boards may be convenient, but let’s be real — they come with a few too many red flags:

• Microplastic shedding – Over time, every slice leaves little plastic particles behind, and yes, those can end up in your food.

• Bacteria buildup – Once those knife grooves set in, it’s nearly impossible to get them fully clean.

• Odors & stains – Plastic loves to hold onto garlic smells and tomato sauce memories. Not cute.

I knew if I was going to keep detoxing my kitchen, this swap had to happen.

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The Case for Wood (and Bamboo)

When it comes to cutting boards, wood reigns supreme — especially options like maple, walnut, or cherry.

Here’s why:

• 🌿 Naturally antimicrobial – Wood has built-in properties that fight bacteria.

• 🔪 Easier on your knives – Unlike plastic or glass, wood won’t dull your blades as quickly.

• 🧼 Easy to clean (when done right — more on that in a sec)

• ✨ Looks elevated – Let’s be honest, a good wood board just gives grown woman kitchen vibes.

Bamboo is another option. It’s sustainable and affordable, but a bit harder on knives and not as durable long-term. Still a great budget-friendly starter board.

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My Cutting Board Setup

If you’re anything like me, your inner clean freak isn’t playing games. I keep different boards for different jobs to avoid cross-contamination and funky flavors:

• 🥩 One set for meat (raw and cooked — yes, I separate those too)

• 🧄 One for pungent things like garlic and onion

• 🥬 Another for fruits and veggies

They’re all wooden or bamboo, and I’ve chosen varying sizes to match the job — from a big butcher block to a slim little prep board for lemon slices. Over the top? Maybe. But my food stays fresh and my kitchen stays right.

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What About Glass Boards?

Listen… they look sleek and are super easy to wipe down, but they’re terrible for your knives. Every chop dulls the blade.

My advice? Keep glass boards for serving or staging — not chopping.

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How to Clean & Care for Wood Cutting Boards

Wood needs a little love to stay fresh — but once you get into the rhythm, it’s no biggie:

After Each Use:

• Wash with hot water and gentle soap.

• Never soak it or toss it in the dishwasher.

Weekly or Monthly Deep Clean:

• Disinfect with white vinegar or a lemon + coarse salt scrub.

• Rinse and let it air dry completely.

Every Few Weeks:

• Oil it up with food-grade mineral oil or cutting board conditioner (look for these at places like Whole Foods, Sur La Table, or your local kitchen store).

Bonus Tip:

Store it standing up or flat in a dry spot — don’t leave it damp on the counter.

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Where to Shop for Quality Boards

You can find good wood boards almost anywhere — it just depends on your style and budget.

• For budget buys: HomeGoods, IKEA, Target, or TJ Maxx

• For mid-range options: Crate & Barrel, The Container Store, Bed Bath & Beyond

• For high-end picks: Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, Food52, or artisan-made shops on Etsy

Look for solid wood (not composite), smooth finish, and a groove around the edge if you’re working with juicy ingredients.

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Small Swap, Big Shift

Swapping your cutting board might feel small — but it’s part of something much bigger. These quiet upgrades are how we build cleaner, safer, more intentional kitchens over time.

✨ So here’s your invitation:

Take a peek at the boards you’ve got, give them a little inspection, and if they’re cracked, plastic, or warped — you already know what to do. It’s time.

Until next time,

Ramona

Founder of Onarays Wellness

Live Well, Age Well

✨ Back to Basics: A Lifestyle Renovation ✨

Simple swaps. Lasting change. Follow along for more ways to create a lighter, cleaner, more intentional lifestyle.