Contrary to what most people think, wooden utensils actually aren’t more difficult to keep and clean in comparison to metal or ceramic ones. They just require a different process. Even if you can’t use a dishwasher, it doesn’t mean you’d have to go through numerous steps to clean your wooden utensils.
Don’t let the misconception stop you from having wooden utensils which also have their own advantages over utensils made with other materials. If you take care of them, use them properly, store them properly, and of course, clean them properly, they’ll last just as long as others. Below, we’ll be teaching you how to properly clean your wooden spoons without ruining them.
Whether they’re small teaspoons, fancy wooden spoons, or soup ladles, everything below applies equally the same.
Using Your Wooden Spoons Properly
It may sound like common sense, but there are actually things you have to make sure you don’t do when using wooden spoons.
The first and most obvious one, would be to not leave it on the pot, pan, or grill for a long time when cooking. Make sure that whenever you’re cooking with a wooden utensil, you have an area where you can place it down if you aren’t using it. If you don’t you run the risk of ruining the coating, or possibly even burning it.
The second one would be to avoid using wooden spoons when using dishes with pigmented ingredients if possible because it is porous and will absorb the colors, effectively staining it. If you do, then just make sure to rinse it off right after and never leave it.
Speaking of using them properly, it’s important that you clean them right after using them to avoid food possibly getting stuck, finding their ways deeper into cracks and crevices where they might lead to bacterial growth. Once that happens, you’ll probably have to give up on using them and throw them away.
Cleaning Your Wooden Spoons
Things You Will Need:
- Boiling Water
- Baking Soda
- Neutral Dish Soap
- Vinegar
- Clean Linen
- Mineral Oil/Beeswax (Optional)
There are two types of cleaning you can do to your wooden spoons:
Regular Cleaning
Right after using it, washing off the food residue should be your priority. After passing it through running water and scrubbing it off, check for any food residue. If there isn’t any, use a smooth, non-abrasive sponge to clean the utensil alongside neutral dish soap. After washing off the soap, store properly for future use.
Routine Cleaning
Routine cleaning is the occasional, once a month cleaning, that requires a more rigorous process to ensure that food particles don’t build up in the deep crevices of your wooden spoons. Routine cleaning will be thorough, deep, and intricate.
First, you’ll have to rinse the spoon and dry it out thoroughly. Then, you can soak it in vinegar for a few minutes to remove any food residue that may have found its way to the crevices and neutralize the odors.
Afterwards, wash the vinegar off and leave it in a mixture of boiling water and baking soda for at least 5 minutes to remove any other residue that may have remained.
Lastly, wash it off with cool water and a neutral dish soap before storing.
Storing Your Wooden Spoons
Storing wooden spoons properly will help to maintain their quality and prolong their lifespan. Once the spoon is dry, store it in a dry place, away from moisture or direct sunlight.
One popular option is to store wooden spoons in a utensil holder or jar on the countertop or in a drawer. However, avoid storing them in a tight or damp space, which can cause mold or mildew to form.
To keep the spoon in top condition, occasionally treat it with mineral oil or beeswax to prevent it from drying out. Proper storage of wooden spoons will ensure that they remain a reliable kitchen tool for years to come.