Restore the natural beauty of wooden spoons and other kitchen implements by thoroughly cleaning them. Spoons and cutlery made of wood are some of the most long-lasting options for the kitchen. To prevent the growth of mold and germs, wood naturally has antibacterial qualities.
Although wood is a durable natural material, it can suffer damage from exposure to chemicals, water, or high temperatures. Moreover, you’ll need to wash everything by hand since prolonged contact with water is bad for wood. This makes cleaning less convenient than it might be.
What is the best way to clean wooden spoons and other kitchen implements in such a case? Keeping your wooden cooking tools clean and dry will keep them in good condition for longer and make them more effective in the kitchen.
Things You Need
There are a few basic tricks you can do to keep your wooden spoons and cutlery in good condition for years to come. When washing wooden spoons, avoid these common pitfalls:
• Cleaning wooden cutlery in a dishwasher is not recommended. Dishwashers may harm cutlery due to the high-pressure water and the intense heat generated during the dry cycle.
• Long periods of soaking or submerging wooden items are not suitable for them. Water damage, including warping and cracking, is possible.
• To avoid damaging the wood, avoid using harsh, abrasive chemical soaps. The simplest solution usually works best. Typical dishwashing liquid will do the trick.
Use a mild dish detergent and warm water for everyday washing.
A Guide to Spoon Washing and Other Wooden Utensil
To avoid harming the wood when washing wooden spoons by hand, follow these easy steps.
Step 1. After Use Spoons Made of Wood Should Be Cleaned.
Remove any remaining food particles by rinsing the utensil in warm water right after use. Don’t overlook this step; wooden tools are notorious for absorbing flavors and stains. Try not to use too hot water; a warm rinse is preferable.
Step 2.Using Dish Soap for Hand Washing
Wash the wooden spoon or utensil by hand in warm water with a bit of dish soap. A drop or two of dish soap on a soft sponge, rag, or nonabrasive brush should do the trick. Use a circular motion to scrub the whole surface of the utensils. Including the handle and any nooks and crannies, to ensure a thorough cleaning.
Step 3. Clean The Wooden Utensils
Use warm water to remove any soap or food residue. Avoid leaving any soap residue
Step 4.Wooden Spoons and Other Cutlery May Dry In The Air
When storing wooden cooking equipment. Ensure it has dried thoroughly in the air before putting it away to avoid mustiness and cracking. Dry and clean using a towel or cloth. Instead of setting them flat on the dish rack.
You should stand wooden utensils on end to allow for improved air circulation. Put kitchenware away in a dry, well-ventilated location after it has dried.
Mix baking soda and water in equal parts to make a paste for scrubbing your wood utensils.
Additional Methods of Disinfection for Stuck-On Food
Wooden cooking utensils may be given a deeper clean using various methods if a regular clean doesn’t remove stains and smells.
Baking Soda:
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one teaspoon of water for stubborn odors and food stains. Wash the wooden spoon or kitchen tool in the solution, then rinse and dry it well.
White Vinegar:
Cleaning wooden utensils with persistent buildup may be accomplished. Wash them in a mixture of distilled white vinegar and water at a 1:0 ratio. You should clean it and let it dry completely before putting it away.
Hydrogen Peroxide:
The rare deeper clean may need hydrogen peroxide. Not with standing the antibacterial characteristics of hardwood utensils. Wooden spoons may be sterilized with hydrogen peroxide. Rinse them well with water after soaking them in hydrogen peroxide for about 15 minutes. Then let them dry in the air.
Oil:
Applying oil regularly is an excellent method for preventing the wood from drying and cracking in kitchen items. You may use mineral oil, beeswax, or conditioning oil. Use a clean cloth to apply minimal oil or wax to the clean, dry utensil. Ten minutes after applying the oil, wipe off the surplus.
Time to replace your wooden spoon if the wood becomes soft, dark or the wood is cracking.
Know When to Replace Wooden Spoons and Cooking Utensils
Wooden cutlery is built to survive. Although it may need to be changed before it loses its present-day appearance. You should probably replace your cutlery and cooking utensils every five years.
Immediately replace them with new ones if any are broken, bent, or stained by mold or other growth.
