How to Clean Wooden Spoons

Wooden utensils have been used for countless years because of their durability and natural properties. They are somewhat resistant to mold and bacterial growths.

However, they are susceptible to damage if they aren’t cared for properly. Putting wooden utensils in the dishwasher can cause significant damage, so how should you clean your wooden spoons?

Why Wooden Spoons Require Special Care

While wood is strong and durable, it can be damaged when exposed to specific elements. These include extreme dry heat, excessive moisture and many chemicals.

In fact, even exposing wooden spoons to moisture and heat in a typical dishwasher cycle can result in splintering and cracking. When you give your wood spoons the special care that they need, you can optimize their life and functionality in your kitchen.

How to Clean Wooden Spoons Properly?

Wooden spoons should only be cleaned by hand in the sink. Never wash them in the dishwasher. When they are submerged in water for too long, the wood will absorb the moisture. This results in cracked, splintered or warped wood.

In addition, you should only use non-chemical cleaning products when cleaning your wooden utensils. This is because chemical-based soaps, detergents and cleaning products break down and weaken the wood.

Safe options to clean wooden spoons are listed below. After cleaning your spoons, allow them ample time to air dry.

To prevent cracking, apply beeswax or food-grade mineral oil to the spoon with a clean cloth after it has dried. After 10 minutes, wipe off the oil, and store the spoon as usual.

Removing Stubborn Stains and Odors

Be aware that you cannot remove stains and odors completely if they stem from mold or other types of microbial growths. If these are the sources for your stained and stinky spoons, your utensils should be replaced immediately. Otherwise, there are several natural cleaning solutions that are effective at tackling stains and odors.

Baking Soda Scrub for Stains

Mix a teaspoon of water with a tablespoon of baking soda to create a paste. Using a clean cloth, cover the spoon with the paste, paying special attention to the stained areas. Then, rinse the spoon with clean water without oversaturating it.

Lemon and Salt Solution for Odors

Slice a lemon in half. Pour a thin layer of salt on a small plate. Dip the open end of the lemon half in the salt, and lightly scrub the spoon. After scrubbing all sides of the spoon, rinse off the salt and lemon juice.

Using Vinegar for Deep Cleaning

Even with regular cleaning, your wooden spoon can develop an unhealthy buildup. In a small bowl, make a one-to-one solution of water and distilled white vinegar. Dip a clean cloth in the solution, and wipe down the spoon to remove the buildup. Then, rinse the spoon, and give it time to air dry.

How Do You Deep Clean a Wooden Spoon?

While diluted vinegar will clean a wooden spoon thoroughly, you can get a deeper clean with hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide has sanitizing properties that vinegar lacks. Let your wooden spoon soak in the solution for roughly 15 minutes. Don’t let it remain in the liquid for longer as damage can occur. After the time has passed, rinse the spoon and give it time to air dry.

Does boiling water help deep clean wooden spoons?

Boiling wooden spoons is an effective way to deep clean them. The heat from the boiling water kills bacteria and loosens any stuck food residue or grease. Here’s how:

What Not to Do: Common Mistakes

While cleaning wooden spoons is relatively easy to do, many people make common mistakes related to their care. These mistakes can result in irreversible damage.

Avoid Putting Wooden Spoons in the Dishwasher

Dishwashers expose your dishes to high temperatures both during the cleaning and drying processes. In addition, the dishes will be saturated with water for a relatively long period of time. These two elements are top causes of wood damage, so never wash your wooden spoons in the dishwasher.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemical cleaning products will cause deterioration. This results in weaker spoons that are more likely to fissure and splinter. You should never use harsh chemicals to clean your spoons.

Instead, use a safe, natural and effective cleaning solutions. These include a baking soda paste, a hydrogen peroxide dip, a lemon and salt scrub or a distilled vinegar bath.

When to Replace a Wooden Spoon

Replace wooden spoons roughly every five years. If you notice signs of damage sooner—like discoloration from microbial growth, warping, or splintering—replace them immediately, as these issues can’t be fixed.

If you are ready to hand over your household cleaning chores to a professional, you need a reliable, respected cleaning service near me. At Cleanzen, we have proudly served residents throughout the community for years, and our pros are ready to give your home a top-to-bottom clean. Schedule Cleanzen service for your home today.