Are plastic cutting boards bad for your kitchen knives? This has been a question asked by many kitchen hobbyists, so we decided it was time to dig into the science behind it and find some answers. Conducting our research thoroughly, we've uncovered some interesting insights that can help you protect your knives when using plastic cutting boards. Read on to learn more!

Why Are Plastic Cutting Boards Hard on Knives?

Plastic cutting boards can be damaging to kitchen knives for several reasons. For starters, plastic is slightly more abrasive than wood and other materials. Over time, this slight abrasiveness can cause micro-scratches to form on the blade of the knife. This can lead to dullness and discoloration of your knife's blades, which could require you to sharpen and refurbish them.

How Can You Prevent Damage to Knives on Plastic Cutting Boards?

Although plastic cutting boards can damage knives, there are several steps you can take to minimize the negative effects:

• Use multiple cutting boards. If you use a dedicated plastic cutting board for your meat and a different wood cutting board for your vegetables, this can reduce the amount of wear on your knives and help them last longer.
• Be gentle. Plastic cutting boards are more likely to cause micro-scratches on your knives if you're being too rough or aggressive with your cutting. Make sure you're using a gentle slicing motion and not pushing too hard on the board.
• Condition your cutting board. Plastic cutting boards can be softened and conditioned with mineral oil and beeswax. This will help to reduce the abrasive effects of the board over time and minimize scratching.

What About Cleaning Plastic Cutting Boards?

Cleaning plastic cutting boards regularly can also help to reduce the wear on knives. It's important to clean your cutting boards after each use, and avoid putting them in the dishwasher. Washing plastic cutting boards with hot water and a gentle cleaning detergent can help to remove food particles and bacteria that may be harmful to your knives.

Final Thoughts

Whether you decide to use plastic cutting boards or wood cutting boards for your kitchen, it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure that your knives are not damaged. Be gentle with your knives, clean your cutting boards regularly, and consider using different cutting boards for different types of food. Taking these steps will help to keep your knives in top shape and reduce the possibility of micro-scratches.

Have any questions about protecting your knives when using plastic cutting boards? Share your thoughts in the comments below!