Stop Putting Your Wooden Utensils in the Dishwasher

A sturdy set of wooden utensils always comes in handy. Whether peeking out of a vase on a counter for kitschy charm or utilized for stirring, scraping, and other practical uses, wooden utensils are must-haves for a well-stocked kitchen. However, cleaning them requires a little extra care and attention. Stop throwing your wooden spoons in the dishwasher and follow these simple cleaning steps instead.

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What's Wrong With the Dishwasher?

Dishwashers are revolutionary and help speed up the cleaning of most kitchen utensils. However, wooden utensils are more fragile than metal or silicon tools. Excessive heat and moisture levels can warp and damage the wood, causing it to splinter and crack. Additionally, the chemicals in harsh dishwasher detergents can damage wood and make it less durable. 

How to Properly Clean Wooden Utensils

1. Cleaning wooden utensils is simple and only requires basic cleaning supplies.

2. Rinse wooden utensils with warm water immediately after use to remove food particles.

3. Scrub using a sponge and gentle dish soap to remove any leftover food and stains

4. Wipe dry with a dish towel and place it upright on a drying rack.

5. When the utensil is dry, coat it in a light layer of food-grade mineral oil to prevent future cracking.

6. Let the oil sit for 10 minutes before wiping it away.

How to Tackle Tougher Residue

Sometimes warm water and dish soap aren’t enough. For tougher residue or lingering odors, combine a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water. Apply the solution to the utensils, let sit for a minute, then use a sponge to wipe away residue. 

For a deep clean, soak the utensils in hydrogen peroxide for 15 minutes to kill bacteria and sanitize the wood before rinsing and wiping dry. But remember: Don't soak wooden utensils in water for too long. Too much water can cause the wood to swell and crack, creating crevices for mold, bacteria, and food particles.

_{Featured Image Credit: Marina Moskalyuk/ iStock}