If you plan to use a microwave to disinfect your cutting board, you might think again. Microwaves have had no determinable effect on bacteria growing on plastic cutting boards. While they have had some effect at ridding wooden cutting boards of bacteria, unfortunately, microwaving wooden boards can cause the wood to burst into flames. So, while, this may sound like an easy way to disinfect your cutting boards, it is actually impractical and slightly dangerous.