Wooden Kitchen Spoons: Complete Cleaning And Caring Guide

No other tool has stirred more soups, served more stews, and bridged more generations than your wooden kitchen spoons. It’s an everyday companion that endures heavy use and needs special care in order to stay fresh, odor-free, and long-lasting. This guide walks you through everything you need to clean and maintain your wooden kitchen spoons: daily care habits, deep-cleaning methods, natural ways to remove odors, how and when to oil and condition, simple repairs for minor damage, and essential safety tips. Whether you’re reviving old favorites or caring for new ones, you’ll find clear, practical steps to help your wooden kitchen spoons stay smooth, sanitary, and ready for years of cooking.

How to Clean Wooden Kitchen Spoons the Right Way

Daily cleaning after every day cooking

As soon as you’re done stirring or serving, it is important to quickly wash your wooden spoon to get rid of the odor. Make sure to do the following:

1. Use a spatula or the blunt edge of a butter knife to lift off any stuck-on residue
2. Rinse the spoon under warm water
3. Wash by hand using a mild dish soap and a soft sponge
4. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a clean towel
5. Let it sit out to dry upright on a drying rack
6. Make sure that it is completely dry before storing it in a drawer or closed cabinet

What not to do: common mistakes to avoid

No matter how durable your wooden kitchen spoons might be, there are a few things that could degrade your beloved kitchen tool.

• Do not soak it in water or any soup for long periods. Leaving it in standing water for a prolonged period will encourage swelling, warping, and splitting.
• Keep it out of the dishwasher. Heat, detergent strength, and long cycles are harsh on wood.
• Avoid harsh detergents and bleach. They can remove the spoon’s natural oils and may leave flavors that carry over into future dishes.
• Avoid leaving wooden kitchen spoons in extreme heat. Don’t leave spoons resting on hot pan rims, over open flames, or on heated drying racks because rapid drying leads to checks and warping.

Deep cleaning and disinfecting

It’s important to note that you do not need to do deep cleaning every time you use your wooden kitchen spoons, but if you already notice greasy buildup in the grain or it already retains certain strong odors, it’s time to do some serious cleaning. Disinfection is also necessary after contact with raw proteins (meat, poultry, seafood, eggs) and after a bout of illness in the household.

• Salt and lemon scrub

1. Dust the moistened spoon with a layer of coarse kosher salt.
2. Cut a lemon in half and use the cut side as a scrubber, working with the grain. Squeeze gently to release juice as you go.
3. Let the salted lemon juice sit 3-5 minutes for extra deodorizing.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

This helps neutralize odors, lift minor stains, and clear away surface residue. Remember to test this on a small area first, and do not soak for longer since lemon is acidic and can dry out your wooden spoon.

• Baking soda paste

1. Combine white distilled vinegar and water (equal amounts).
2. Wipe or briefly dip the spoon; allow contact for 1 minute.
3. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately.

This removes stains from tomato and turmeric, gets rid of stubborn residue and lingering smell, and lightens slight scorch marks.

• Vinegar rinse

1. Stir together a 1:1 ratio of white distilled vinegar and water.
2. Wipe or briefly dip the spoon; allow contact for 1 minute.
3. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately.

This method is for routine odor neutralizing and reducing surface microbes after everyday cooking. Remember to never leave your wooden kitchen spoons soaking for longer than one minute.

• 3% Hydrogen peroxide (use sparingly)

1. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately.
2. Wipe all surfaces thoroughly or briefly roll the spoon to wet all sides.
3. Allow a 5-10 minute contact time to maximize efficacy.
4. Rinse with clean water and dry immediately.

Use this method for extra sanitization after raw proteins or when someone is sick. Note that you should only use 3% household peroxide. Try to spot-test first on darker woods (like walnut or olive) as it can lighten color. And never mix this with vinegar or other cleaners.

Deodorizing persistent smell

Unfortunately, even with the methods stated above, some odors will linger a little more. But don’t think of throwing away your trusty spoon just yet. Try these methods for deeper deodorizing of your wooden kitchen spoons:

• Sunlight and airflow

1. Wash and dry the spoon thoroughly.
2. Place it in indirect sunlight with good airflow—near a bright window or outdoors in open shade.
3. Elevate on a rack so air reaches all sides; rotate after 1-2 hours.

This is for mild, lingering odors (garlic, onion, fish) after routine washing. Never leave your wooden spoon under prolonged, harsh midday sun, since it can over-dry wood and cause checking. Short, gentle sessions (1-3 hours) help UV and airflow dissipate odors safely.

• Baking soda overnight deodorizer

1. Make a light slurry: 1 tablespoon baking soda with just enough water to form a thin paste.
2. Spread a thin coat over odor-prone areas; leave 30-60 minutes for moderate odors or up to overnight for tough cases.
3. Wipe off, rinse well with warm water, and dry thoroughly.

This is for stubborn smells embedded in the grain. You must remember that baking soda is mildly abrasive, so use a soft cloth and apply minimal pressure. If the wood appears dull afterward, apply another light coat of oil.

• Coffee grounds or charcoal

1. Place dry, used coffee grounds or a few pieces of food-grade activated charcoal in a breathable sachet or small dish.
2. Put the clean, dry spoon and the deodorizer together in a sealed container or large zip bag.
3. Leave for 12-24 hours; check and repeat if needed.

This is passive deodorizing without moisture or abrasion. It is gentler on finishes and safer for laminated wooden kitchen spoons.

• Boiling water (use briefly)

1. Bring water to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
2. Submerge only the spoon’s working end for 10-20 seconds; avoid immersing handles with joints or laminations.
3. Remove, rinse with warm water, towel-dry, and air-dry upright with good airflow.
4. Condition with food-safe oil once fully dry.

Consider using this method after contact with raw proteins or when strong odors persist despite other methods, and you need a quick reset. However, prolonged boiling can swell fibers, raise the grain, and promote cracking as the spoon dries, so make sure not to leave for longer than 20 seconds. Do not use this method on delicate, thin, or heavily cracked spoons, and never combine with bleach or other chemicals.

Dealing with stains and discoloration

Much like odors, there could be persistent stains that would need targeted approaches. Over time, discoloration can also happen. Here are ways to deal with both:

• Turmeric and curry stain
  • Rinse promptly with warm water and mild soap.
  • Apply a baking soda paste; gently scrub for a minute and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse and dry.
  • To lift yellowing, apply a lemon-and-salt scrub: sprinkle coarse salt, rub with cut lemon, rest 3 minutes, rinse, and dry. Re-oil if the surface looks chalky.
  • About 1-2 hours in indirect sun can naturally fade turmeric stains. Avoid prolonged exposure.
• Tomato stains and other acidic sauces
  • Wash promptly to prevent deep penetration.
  • For stubborn orange-red tint, apply baking soda paste or a slurry of baking soda with a drop of dish soap; scrub gently and rinse.
  • White vinegar wipe (1:1 vinegar:water) can help neutralize and reduce discoloration, followed by a thorough rinse and drying.
  • If oil-based sauces caused dark patches, clean with warm, soapy water first, then deodorize if needed; condition after drying to even out the appearance.
• Berry and beet juices stain
  • Rinse immediately with cool water to keep pigments from setting, then wash with mild soap.
  • Treat with baking soda paste or a diluted hydrogen peroxide wipe (3% on a cloth) for 1-2 minutes, then rinse and dry. Spot-test peroxide on darker woods to avoid lightening.
  • A brief lemon-salt scrub can help with purple/red stains; rinse thoroughly and condition.
• Persistent surface stains, raised grain, fuzziness, or shallow scorch marks that cleaning won’t remove
  • Use light sanding to refresh the surface. Start with 220-grit for a light refresh; then move to 320-400 grit for smoothing. For rough patches, start at 180, then refine to 320+. Ensure you use light, even pressure.
  • Focus on stained areas but feather into the surrounding wood to avoid flat spots.
  • Wipe dust with a clean, lightly damp cloth, then allow to dry completely.
  • Restore the surface right away using a food-safe oil. You can opt to use a wax blend for a silky finish.

When your wooden kitchen spoons develop a sheen and gentle darkening, know that this is a natural process. The wood is reacting to various substances, and this normal darkening is known as “patina”. As long as you are doing the normal and deep cleaning, this natural aging should not bother you.

Conditioning: Oiling and Waxing

Over time, your wooden kitchen spoons will lose oil from regular cooking and washing. A wooden spoon’s oil keeps it supple and water-resistant, thereby extending the spoon’s useful life. Having a well-oiled surface also helps it absorb less liquid, pigments, and cooking fats, making cleanup easier.

The most recommended oils for conditioning are food-grade mineral oil, fractionated coconut oil, or a beeswax–mineral oil blend, because these are table, odorless, and most importantly, they will not go rancid. Pure, food-grade polymerizing drying oils like 100% walnut oil or hemp oil are also acceptable, but they can cure hard over time. Also, you must be extra aware of nut allergies when using walnut oil.

The frequency of oiling will depend on the current condition of your spoon. New or very dry wooden kitchen spoons need 2-3 light coats over a day, then weekly for a month. Otherwise, routine maintenance of monthly oiling should be done. You should also oil immediately after a deep cleaning, or whenever the spoon looks dull or feels dry.

Waxing is an optional step. This adds a thin, water-repellent barrier, enhances sheen, and slows stain absorption. Use a beeswax/mineral oil blend or commercial board cream or you can also use carnauba wax blends for a vegan alternative. Be aware that wax is not a substitute for oil. If you want to use wax, you must use oil first.

When to replace your wooden spoon?

Durable as it may be, there can come a time when you will need to retire your beloved wooden kitchen spoons. It may have been a spoon passed on by your grandmother, but choose to replace it once you notice the following:

• Deep cracks or splits
• Loose lamination or joints (for bamboo or multi-piece handles)
• Rancid odors that return quickly after a deep cleaning and deodorizing
• Soft, spongy, or darkened patches
• Excessive fuzzing and splinters
• Warping or severe wear
• Deep burn damage
• Dishwashing or soaking damage
• After suspected contamination, especially with non-food chemicals

Storing and caring for wooden spoons

Your wooden spoon deserves proper cleaning and conditioning for it to last a long time, and it also needs proper storage. You should keep your spoon in a dry, well-ventilated storage. Overstuffed, damp drawers are your enemies. If possible, store it in an upright, perforated holder where air can circulate. You should also keep your wooden kitchen spoons in a different caddy or drawer from raw meat utensils (tongs, cutting boards, thermometers) to avoid possible cross-contamination. According to the Food Standards Agency, most foodborne illnesses are believed to stem primarily from cross-contamination.

If you can, keep a small rotation of everyday wooden spoons and cycle them so the same one is not used and washed every time. Explore other types of wooden kitchen spoons, and assign specific roles (sauce, sauté, baking, tasting) to spread stress and staining.

With a bit of care, wooden kitchen spoons can last for many years—even decades. Build a simple routine: quick daily care, occasional conditioning, and quick inspection for any abnormalities. Let your spoons outlive you, let them tell your great-grandchildren the stories of the meals you cooked and the care you chose to give.