How To Care For Wooden Kitchen Utensils

Wooden spoons and other wooden utensils are great tools to help us create delicious meals for our families, but they can also be difficult to keep clean. They are beautiful and durable but need to be properly cared for in order to last. If you're not careful, your wooden spoons and knives can quickly become stained and look old and worn.

We’re here to help! Check out these tips on cleaning wooden kitchen utensils and keeping them looking almost new for as long as possible.

What Causes Wooden Utensils to Get Dirty?

When it comes to wooden utensils like wooden spoons or wooden knives and forks that are popular when entertaining guests, they are prone to getting stained and looking ugly. Wood is a porous material which means any liquid or substance can, and will, easily seep into the wood. If the utensils are not cleaned well after every use, these substances can lead to the wood looking stained and unsightly. It can also lead to the growth of more bacteria and germs in the wood and for other nasties like mould to set in.

Follow these tips on how to clean wooden spoons and other utensils now, to get rid of the dirt quickly and keep them hygienically clean for longer.

Tips To Care For Wooden Kitchen Utensils

#1 - Always Wash Your Wooden Utensils by Hand

When washing your wooden utensils by hand, in a sink full of hot water, you are able to use a sponge to scrub every surface of the spoon and get into any nooks and crannies that you might find. The water in the sink can also only be as hot as you can handle, which is ideal for wooden utensils. In a dishwasher, the water gets to a much higher temperature which can cause the wood to split or crack.

#2 - Use Hot Water and a Mild Soap

Fill the sink up with hot water (as hot your hand can handle, but be sure not to make it too hot to avoid burning your skin). Add in a teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid and allow the utensils to soak in the sink for a few minutes before giving them a good scrub with a sponge. Rinse them thoroughly after washing.

#3 - Prop Them Up to Air Dry

You should ideally prop your utensils and wooden spoons up overnight or over a few hours to allow them to dry properly in the air. Never put a damp utensil into a drawer because this dark, moist space can be the perfect conditions for mould to grow in your wooden spoons.

How to Keep Wooden Spoons & Knives Looking Nice?

Keen to know how to care for wooden spoons after washing them? This is not a process that needs to be followed every time you wash and dry your utensils, but we do recommend doing it at least once every two weeks to a month. Pour a dash of olive oil onto a paper towel and rub it over your wooden spoons and utensils generously. This helps to feed and nourish the wood and prevent it from cracking and splitting.

The Importance of Cleaning and Caring Wooden Utensils Regularly

Wood is a beautiful, durable material that looks great in any kitchen space. If cleaned and cared for well, it can give you years of service too. Why is it important to clean and care for your wooden utensils and spoons regularly?

• Regular cleaning can help prevent build-up of germs and bacteria on the surface of the wood.

• Wood is absorbent and can absorb liquids and food particles easily which means that it can promote the growth of more bacteria than plastic or glass.

• Regular care for wooden utensils can prevent them from cracking and splitting.

At Cleanipedia, we’re all about making your life in the kitchen and in your home easy. Which means blogs about how to get the cleaning done quickly, so you can enjoy the finer – and more fun – things in life. Read our blog on How to Wash Dishes By Hand for more tips on keeping your wooden utensils clean.

For more kitchen cleaning tips and tricks, visit Cleanipedia today.