Wooden spoons are great for cooking because they don’t scratch your pans, don’t melt, and don’t transfer heat the way metal or plastic spoons do. They are a must-have in any kitchen. But if you want your wooden spoons to last for years, you need to clean and care for them properly.
Have you ever noticed how an old wooden spoon will have rough worn-out edges or cracks around the tip of the spoon? Sometimes they look dull or discolored. This has everything to do with how they are cared for.
A wooden spoon is cut from actual pieces of wood and then sanded down. When you first purchase your spoon, the wood has a beautiful color and is smooth around the edges. Over time, it can dull and get worn down. There are some things you can do to care for your wooden spoons so that they look beautiful for years.
Tips for caring for wooden spoons
Never put a wooden spoon in the dishwasher.
Always wash them by hand with soapy water. A dishwasher can ruin your wooden spoons.
The heat and moisture can cause the spoon to warp, crack or splinter. It can also strip it of its oils, making it look dull and unattractive.
Wash and dry your spoon as you are done using it. Wood is absorbent and will swell when wet, causing it to crack or splinter. You also don’t want to leave food in your spoon for too long or let it sit with sauce on it. This can cause stains to set into the wood.
Use vinegar and water to disinfect your spoons. Vinegar is a great natural cleaner. It will help remove stains and odors from wooden spoons, without damaging them. Use a solution of vinegar and water, 1 part vinegar to 1 part water. Or use a lemon wedge to clean your spoons. Cut the lemon in half and rub the spoon with it. Then rinse and dry.
Sand off stains (only if absolutely necessary). If you see a stain or rough edge on your spoon, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it out. Be sure to wash your spoon after sanding and coat the spoon in food-safe mineral oil.
Rub them with a food-safe oil periodically. Occasionally, apply a layer of food-safe mineral oil to your spoons to help preserve the wood. Saturate the spoon in oil for a few hours. Then wipe the excess oil from the spoon. This will protect the spoon from heat damage and keep your spoons looking great. If you notice your spoon is looking dull, this is a good time to oil them.
The best way to keep your wooden spoons looking beautiful is to clean and dry them after every use and oil them when they look dull. Wooden spoons are easy to care for, but they do require a little more attention than plastic or metal spoons.
