7 Brilliant Ways to Clean Your Wooden Kitchen Spoons

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Get tips on cleaning and caring for your wooden kitchen spoons with these 7 brilliant methods!

Wooden spoons are a basic necessity in many kitchens and they can get pretty messy and grimy after a few uses. However, their porous nature can make them prone to harboring bacteria and stains. Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your wooden kitchen spoons in good condition and ensure they remain safe to use.

One way to keep your wooden spoons safe is to not wash them in a dishwasher, doing so can cause them to crack or split, become misshapen, damage their finish, and even grow bacteria. Alternatively, to protect the wood and maintain their condition, hand-wash your wooden kitchen spoons in warm water with a little soap.

In this blog post, I have put together 7 best ways for cleaning wooden spoons, including how to remove stubborn stains and sanitize them for continued use. When you follow these simple steps, you’ll be able to keep your wooden spoons clean, hygienic, and ready for their next use.

So Let’s get started and make your wooden kitchen spoons ready to serve food safely again!

7 Ways to Clean Wooden Kitchen Spoons

For Gentle Cleaning, Use Soap and Water

Soap and water are an easy but effective way to clean wooden spoons. This method is gentle enough to remove food residue and stains without causing harm to the wood. Using a mild soap and warm water can effectively clean the spoon without damaging it. This method is also easy to follow and requires minimal equipment, making it a great option for everyday cleaning.

And then, here’s a step-by-step instructions you can follow:

• Wet the wooden spoon with warm water.
• Use a tiny bit of gentle soap, such hand or dish soap.
• Give the spoon a thorough cleaning with a soft sponge or cloth, being sure to focus on the handle and bowl.
• After using soap, completely rinse the spoon with warm water.
• To avoid water marks, quickly towel-dry the spoon.

Use Lemon or Baking Soda  to Scrub and Deodorise

When you need to scrub and deodorize your wooden spoons, baking soda, and lemon are natural and effective options. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can help remove stubborn stains and odors, while lemon juice has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help sanitize and freshen the wood.

Together, they make a powerful cleaning duo that can leave your wooden kitchen spoons smelling fresh and clean.

This method is especially useful for removing stubborn stains and odors that soap and water can’t tackle alone.

Simply follow these instructions:

• Place a tablespoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water to obtain a paste. 
• Cover the entire wooden spoon’s body with the paste.
• Let it sit for 15-30 minutes to allow the baking soda to work its magic.
• Scrub the spoon gently with a soft sponge or cloth, focusing on any stained or odorous areas.
• Rinse the spoon thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of baking soda.
• For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze a slice of lemon juice onto the spoon and rub it in with a soft cloth.
• After giving the spoon another rinse in warm water, dry it right away.

Sanitize With White Vinegar and Water

Sanitizing your wooden kitchen spoons is an important step in maintaining their cleanliness and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. White vinegar is a natural sanitizer that is gentle on wood and effective at killing germs.

Mixing white vinegar with water, you can create a solution that will help sanitize your wooden spoons without damaging them.

This approach is particularly effective when sanitizing wooden spoons that have come into contact with raw meat, poultry, or fish.

Follow these easy steps:

• Pour one cup water and one cup white vinegar in a container.
• Dip the wooden spoon into mixture and let it sit for some minutes. 
• Rinse the spoon well in warm water after removing it from the mixture..
• Use a towel to quickly dry the spoon in order to avoid leaving any water traces.

Protect With Oil

Protecting your wooden spoons with oil is an important step in maintaining their durability and preventing them from drying out or cracking. Oil helps to moisturize the wood, keeping it supple and resistant to scratches and cracks.

Applying a thin layer of oil to your wooden kitchen spoons helps protect them from the wear and tear of daily use and keeps them looking their best.

This tactic is singularly helpful for wooden spoons that are exposed to dry air, heat, or harsh cleaning chemicals.

Use this step-by-step walkthrough:

• Opt for an oil that is safe for use in food, like walnut, coconut, or mineral oil.
• Apply just a little amount of oil to the wooden spoon using a piece of cloth or napkin.
• Make sure to completely coat the wooden spoon when you rub the oil in.
• Before using a towel to remove any leftover oil, let the oil sit for no less than one hour or overnight.
• Depending on how often you use your wooden spoons, you might need to go through this process again.

Use Wood Soap for Effective Cleaning

Wood soap is specifically designed for cleaning wood surfaces and is usually made from natural ingredients that won’t strip the wood of its oils or cause it to dry out. When you use wood soap, you effectively remove dirt, grime, and stains from your wooden kitchen spoons without damaging them. 

See the following steps:

• Wet the wooden spoon with warm water.
• Apply a small amount of wood soap to the spoon, using a soft sponge or cloth.
• Gently scrub the entire spoon, working in a circular motion.
• To completely remove any soap remains, make sure you rinse the spoon in warm water.
• Then wipe the spoon dry with a towel 

For Tough Stains, Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Dealing with tough stains on your wooden kitchen spoons can be hard to remove, but with hydrogen peroxide, there’s an effective solution. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that can help lift stains and whiten the wood.

Applying hydrogen peroxide to the stained area will help break down the stain and remove it from the wood. This technique is recommended when your wooden spoon is stained by turmeric, curry, or berries.

Here’s a clear approach you can follow:

• Pour equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl.
• Moisten the affected area with a soft cloth dipped in the solution.
• Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, or until the stain starts to lift.
• Use a gentle cloth or sponge to lightly scrub the area.
• Rinse the spoon thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of hydrogen peroxide.
• Use a clean cloth to quickly wipe down the spoon.

Salt and Water Also Do the Job

Salt and water is a simple yet effective combination for cleaning wooden spoons. With the use of water to help rinse away the debris, salt, a natural abrasive, can help scrub away stains and dirt.

You can clean your wooden kitchen spoons with this method without exposing them to harsh chemicals. 

See the following steps: 

• Mix 1 tablespoon of salt with 2 tablespoons of water to form a paste.
• On the wooden spoon’s stained part, apply the paste.
• Wash the affected region carefully with a soft sponge or towel.
• Rinse the spoon thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of salt and debris.
• Use a towel to quickly dry the spoon in order to avoid leaving any water traces.

General Tips

Here are some general tips for cleaning and maintaining wooden kitchen spoons:

• Steer clear of abrasive cleaners and aggressive chemicals since they can harm wood.
• Dishwashers are not the right place for wooden spoons because of the intense heat and acidic detergents that might damage or splinter them.
• Dry wooden spoons thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots and bacterial growth.
• Apply a food-safe oil to wooden kitchen spoons regularly to keep them moisturized and protected.
• It is advisable to keep wooden spoons in a drawer or utensil organiser to preserve them dry. 
• Consider sanitizing wooden spoons regularly by rubbing them with a mixture of water and vinegar or lemon juice.
• Wooden spoons are a reliable and valuable addition to any kitchen, and they may survive for many years with the right maintenance.

Finally 

Cleaning wooden kitchen spoons is an essential part of maintaining their durability and longevity. By following the 7 methods outlined in this blog post, you can keep your wooden spoons in great condition and ensure they continue to serve you well in the kitchen. From gentle soap and water to more heavy-duty methods like hydrogen peroxide and salt, there’s a cleaning method to suit every need.

When you make these methods part of your regular cleaning routine, you’ll be able to enjoy your wooden kitchen spoons for years to come. Remember to always dry your spoons thoroughly after cleaning and apply a food-safe oil to keep them moisturized and protected. Your wooden spoons will continue to be reliable and cherished kitchen items with a little maintenance.