You should never flush kitchen paper down the toilet.
Thank you, mummy.
However, kitchen paper is not a problem. It’s largely the same as toilet paper.
No it isn’t! Toilet paper is specifically designed to disintegrate quickly in the water and is therefore fine, kitchen paper is more resilient and doesn’t break down so easily so you shouldn’t flush it unless you want to risk clogging the toilet.
If you want to risk a clogged toilet and expensive plumbing bills then fine, go ahead and do it but don’t recommend that other people do it.
Fully agree. And don’t understand that our government seems to kind of protect the whole system for decades - ever? - now.
I brought the Nivea example because I found it by coincidence. Actually for some strange reason I always thought Nivea was a Swiss product.
Not surprised. For some reason I always hesitated flushing kitchen paper down the toilet, it simply seems to thick and resistant. I mean it is made to stay kind of strong even when wet.
I was thinking about that plastic problem with chopping boards. I don’t like wooden ones, they give me the feeling of not being hygienic (nobody won’t rid me off that feeling with any logical explanations, don’t even try).
Then about 10 minutes after I found the perfect solution (stainless steel) you came along, telling me about the knifes.
Darn you
edit: porcelain? Same problem for the knifes?
Yeah, the small piece of paper reasonable people use to oil their board is completely guaranteed to clog the toilet. There’s no doubt at all, it happens every time you flush even the smallest bit down the toilet.
Seriously, get a grip, my dear.
The best chopping boards for most kitchens are made from end-grain hardwoods (such as maple, acacia, or walnut) or high-quality rubber. These board types offer superior performance, knife preservation, hygiene, and longevity1245.
Comparison of Top Chopping Board Materials
Material | Knife-Friendliness | Hygiene | Durability | Maintenance | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hardwood | Excellent | Very good | Excellent | Needs oiling, not dishwasher safe | Preserves blade, natural antimicrobial properties146 |
Bamboo | Good | Good | Good | Needs oiling | Sustainable, can be hard on some knives12368 |
Rubber | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Low maintenance, some are dishwasher safe | Used by professionals, very knife-friendly23 |
Plastic (HDPE) | Very good | Excellent | Good | Dishwasher safe | Affordable, easy to sanitize, replace when deeply scored245 |
Glass/Stone | Poor (harms knives) | Excellent | Excellent | Dishwasher safe | Highly sanitary, but quickly dulls blades12358 |
Marble/Granite | Poor (harms knives) | Good | Excellent | Easy to clean | Attractive, but not recommended for knife edge3 |
Key Recommendations:
- End-grain wood (maple, acacia, walnut): Best at preserving knife sharpness, durable, naturally antimicrobial, but requires oiling and cannot go in the dishwasher146.
- Rubber (synthetic, food-grade): Extremely gentle on knives, non-porous, easy to sanitize, durable, often used in professional settings23.
- Plastic (HDPE/PP): Knife-friendly, easy to clean (dishwasher safe), color-coded to prevent cross-contamination, but shows grooves and needs replacing once deeply scored245.
- Avoid glass, stone, marble, and granite boards for chopping since they dull or chip knife edges quickly; these are better for serving or pastry work12358.
Pro Tip: Many cooks keep multiple boards—wood or rubber for most prep, and separate plastic boards for raw meats to prevent cross-contamination7.
In summary: For daily cooking, choose a hardwood or rubber chopping board to best protect your knives, provide safety, and support kitchen hygiene12456.
- https://www.healthierhomes.com/post/what-is-the-healthiest-cutting-board-to-use
- https://www.harrisscarfe.com.au/buying-guides/kitchen-dining/chopping-boards-buying-guide
- https://daveanderson.org.uk/9-cutting-board-materials-compared-pros-and-cons/
- The 5 Best Cutting Boards of 2025 | Reviews by Wirecutter
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Cooking/comments/y36b8f/what_is_the_best_material_for_a_cutting_board/
- Chop Like A Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Cutting Boards
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/recommended/home/kitchen/best-chopping-board/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/article/best-cutting-boards/
Yah, too much information.
cheers, AI.
Never heard of rubber chopping boards. That would be Kautschuk or Gummi in German. Both doesn’t sound suitable for cutting boards?
edit: I liked the links though, followed a few.
Rubber can be quite hard.
When on paved roads, battle tank tracks are typically fitted with rubber pads to prevent damage to the asphalt (that’s why you sometimes see dotted black skid marks on Swiss roads in curves). Given the tank’s weight and need for durability, the pads must be made very sturdy.
Also, remember that rubber bullets are used in crowd control. Check out the videos from the LA ICE riots showing the marks they leave when hitting people.
Rubber cutting boards - ya learn something every day. (Or, as a much respected old-EF poster was wont to say, “I go to bed less stupid tonight”.
I’m keen to give a rubber board a try, but where can one buy one in Switzerland? (My quick online search proved futile, but perhaps I am using the wrong terms.)
As for how I keep my wood cutting boards up to snuff:
Pflegewachs für Schneidebrett, a mixture of mineral oil and beeswax. By Victorinox, I buy mine from Elsner Messerschmied in Rapperswil. A little goes a long way, so the price works out fairly reasonable.
According to AI
If you’re searching for rubber or rubberwood cutting boards in Switzerland, both specialty online stores and large retailers offer a robust selection for professional and home kitchens alike.
Parker Asahi Cookin’ Antibacterial Rubber Cutting Board
This professional-grade, antibacterial synthetic rubber board is favored by chefs for its hygiene and durability—it’s gentle on knives, dries quickly, resists mold, and can be easily sanitized, making it a standout for serious cooks.
Continenta Rubberwood Cutting Board
Continenta’s boards use sustainable rubberwood—a tough, knife-friendly material with non-slip feet and a modern look—balancing eco-consciousness with daily usability for home kitchens.
Zassenhaus Bread Cutting Board (Rubber Tree)
This robust, attractive cutting board crafted from rubberwood delivers reliable performance and style, ideal for those who want a durable yet visually appealing kitchen staple.
Rubber Tree Bread Cutting Board, Oiled (Kaqtu)
Kaqtu’s oiled rubberwood board stands out for its sustainability, sturdy build, and large format—perfect for bread and multipurpose prep work in eco-conscious Swiss households.
Professional Cutting Board Synthetic Rubber Asahi
This premium-grade Asahi synthetic rubber board caters to professionals seeking a cutting surface that is hard yet forgiving on knives, with a hygienic, long-lasting material ideal for intensive culinary use.
Sources
1 Continenta rubber tree oiled cutting board, 34x22x1,5 cm https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s2/product/continenta-rubber-tree-oiled-cutting-board-34x22x15-cm-chopping-boards-10222776
2 Cutting Boards Cutting Boards | meister-messer.ch
3 Parker Asahi Cookin’ Antibacterial Rubber Cutting Board Parker Asahi Cookin' Antibacterial Rubber Cutting Board – Japanese Taste
4 Rubber tree breast cutting board was oiled, 45x26x2 cm Rubber tree bread cutting board 45x26 cm from Continenta – Buy now!
5 Cutting boards with rubber feet | Mats and laboratory floor covers Cutting boards with rubber feet | Mats and laboratory floor covers | Transport, Laboratory Equipment, Tools | Labware | Carl ROTH - Switzerland
6 Zassenhaus Bread cutting board rubber tree 42x27,5x2cm https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s2/product/zassenhaus-bread-cutting-board-rubber-tree-42x275x2cm-chopping-boards-15741447
7 Cutting boards | Assortment for professionals Cutting boards | Assortment for professionals - Banholzer AG
8 Professional Cutting Board Synthetic Rubber Asahi Professional Cutting Board Synthetic Rubber Asahi - 100X40X2cm – Konro.nl
[9] cutting board Kai cutting board Kai
[10] Cutting Boards Cutting Boards – Burrfection Store
Here are links to purchase or view the rubber and rubberwood cutting boards mentioned, with options available for delivery to Switzerland:
Rubber & Rubberwood Cutting Boards: Where to Buy
Cutting Board | Shop / Link | Description |
---|---|---|
Parker Asahi Cookin’ Antibacterial Rubber Cutting Board | Japanese Taste Switzerland | Authentic, chef-grade synthetic rubber board. |
Continenta Rubberwood Cutting Board (with drawers) | Meister Messer | Professional-quality board with stainless steel drawers. |
Continenta Rubberwood Cutting Board | Royal Design | Classic design, durable rubberwood, available in various sizes. |
Continenta Rubberwood Cutting Board | KitchenLab | Thick, robust end-grain rubberwood for long durability. |
Zassenhaus Bread Cutting Board (Rubber Tree) | Galaxus | Robust cutting board made from high-density rubberwood. |
Zassenhaus Bread Cutting Board (Rubber Tree, alt. shop) | Zassenhaus Brandshop | Additional buying option from the manufacturer’s store. |
Kaqtu Rubber Tree Cutting Board, Oiled | Kaqtu | Sustainable oval rubberwood, oiled finish. |
Professional Cutting Board Synthetic Rubber Asahi | Konro | Large-format, chef-quality synthetic rubber board. |
- Availability can vary by model and size. If you need local pickup or fast shipping, check Swiss-based retailers (like Galaxus and Kaqtu) first.
- For premium chef-grade rubber boards (like Parker Asahi), Japanese or specialty kitchenware shops can also ship to Switzerland.
Let me know if you want direct order help or further details about any product!
Sources
1 Parker Asahi Cookin’ Antibacterial Rubber Cutting Board Parker Asahi Cookin' Antibacterial Rubber Cutting Board – Japanese Taste
2 Continenta - Rubberwood Cutting Board with 3 Stainless Steel Drawers 50 x 32.5 x 8 cm Continenta - Rubberwood Cutting Board with 3 Stainless Steel Drawers 50 x 32.5 x 8 cm | meister-messer.ch
3 Cutting Board, 40x30x7,5 cm from Continenta | RoyalDesign Cutting Board, 40x30x7,5 cm from Continenta | RoyalDesign
4 Chopping board Rubber wood, 40x30x7.3 cm - Continenta Chopping board Rubber wood, 40x30x7.3 cm - Continenta - Shop online | KitchenLab
5 Zassenhaus Bread cutting board rubber tree 42x27,5x2cm https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s2/product/zassenhaus-bread-cutting-board-rubber-tree-42x275x2cm-chopping-boards-15741447
6 bread cutting board rubber tree - Zassenhaus Zassenhaus - bread cutting board rubber tree
7 Continenta - Rubber tree cutting board oval Rubber tree cutting board oval from Continenta – Style & functionality
8 Professional Cutting Board Synthetic Rubber Asahi - 100X40X2cm Professional Cutting Board Synthetic Rubber Asahi - 100X40X2cm – Konro.nl
[9] Asahi Professional Rubber Cutting Board, 19.7 x 13" - Walmart.com Robot or human?
[10] Parker Asahi Cookin’ Cut Synthetic Rubber Cutting Board Parker Asahi Cookin' Cut Synthetic Rubber Cutting Board — Salamander Tools
[11] Zassenhaus Bread Cutting Board Bamboo 42x28x2cm - Galaxus https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s2/product/zassenhaus-bread-cutting-board-bamboo-42x28x2cm-chopping-boards-15699113
[12] Continenta - Rubber tree bread box 34.5x23x19 cm Rubber tree bread box from Continenta – Practical & Durable
[13] Asahi Professional Rubber Cutting Board - Japanese Made Asahi Professional Rubber Cutting Board - Japanese Made – Cutlery and More
[14] Parker Asahi Antibacterial Cutting Board From … https://japanwithlovestore.com/de-de/products/parker-asahi-antibacterial-cutting-board-from-japan-500mm-x-250mm-x-20mm
[15] Cutting Board With One Tinplate, 39x27x6 cm | RoyalDesign Cutting Board With One Tinplate, 39x27x6 cm | RoyalDesign
[16] Teak cutting board gourmet, 51x35.5x1.9 cm Teak cutting board Gourmet 51x35.5 cm – High quality from Teak Haus
[17] Parker Asahi Cookin Cut Synthetic Rubber Antibacterial … Parker Asahi Cookin Cut Synthetic Rubber Antibacterial Cutting Board - Globalkitchen Japan
[18] Kesper Breadboard - buy at Galaxus https://www.galaxus.de/en/s2/product/kesper-breadboard-chopping-boards-16270474
[19] Teak cutting and serving board round, 46x1.4 cm Teak cutting and serving board around 46 cm- stylish & robust
[20] Parker Asahi - Hinoki Kitchen Craft Parker Asahi – Hinoki Kitchen Craft
I note that most of these are not rubber but made from the wood of a rubber tree. The rubber one is pricey.
You noted that after posting? That’s what happens when the research is not done in person.
The only rubber one is Parker Asahi Cookin' Antibacterial Rubber Cutting Board – Japanese Taste and yes it’s pricey. That would be okay if it’s good but just to give it a try …
Meloncollie, we could buy one, cut it in half, try it out, then post a very personal, human reference about it.
yes, I’m just kidding.
I’ll keep looking around. Sound like one should search in Japanese stores.
We have two John Boos wooden boards. One my husband bought in the last 3 or 4 years, not sure where he bought it. We have a butcher block table that’s on wheels - we had that in the US and brought it with us so it’s about 20 years old. I clean them with a solution of water, a squirt of dish soap and about 5 ml of bleach per 500 ml water. To condition them, I use the boos mystery oil - it’s some food grade oil, but I don’t know what specifically. I guess that’s why it’s called mystery oil- marketing. I did get the stuff on Amazon.
Just bought a titanium board on Temu
Silber (Zürich) sells a wood care set for cutting boards.
Also available at Globus and Manor.
So how’s that performing?
Due this thread I had looked around a bit, learnt that stainless steel (which sounded attractive to me) ruins the knifes. Then I let the subject be until today I simply needed to get chopping boards and I was just gonna order the next best thing when I came accross wheat straw.
They call it straw plastic, bpa free and claim it is compostable. But actually it’s meant to be used for a while - not sure how long but it can go into the dishwasher.
And the thing about compostable … wonder how long until the recycling places actually will accept it:
“To properly dispose of wheat straw plastic, the best option is composting it in an industrial facility, where the conditions are perfect for it to break down. You can also compost it at home, but it might take longer. Breaking it into smaller pieces can help. Some recycling places may take it, but it’s not always accepted in regular recycling.”
Anyway, I thought it was interesting and as I had been willing to just get some plastic chopping boards and solve the problem for now, I ordered those wheat grass ones instead.
edit: I’m a bit puzzled, they combine it with stainless steel. But also it seems to be very flexible. I wonder what those chopping boards will be like.
And if I theoretically could composte it in my garden … will it just degrade on me one day … while chopping veggies or in my cupboard?
The titanium board is great. Very easy to clean. It does scratch which is probably good for the knives - Titanium is less hard than hardened steel on the Mohs scale.
Wheat straw looks interesting. Now I know why ice cream sticks take so long to compost, about a year in my heap. Most plastics are biodegradable, it is probably just a matter of a few thousand years. For PFAS this time scale goes out a bit further.