It is useful to look at events and situations realistically. I will make a realistic analysis in this article. Details in the article 🙂 Everyone knows how comfortable wooden spoons are. Wooden spoons have their charm, history and they feel better when we hold them in our hands than cold, bulky metal. So are you wondering how to clean wooden spoons without ruining them? Yes, we have to admit that it is a bit confusing.
I used to make the mistake of throwing wooden spoons in the dishwasher. I definitely advise you not to make this mistake that I made in the past. One of my wooden spoons cracked because of this mistake I made. And guess what happened to the other one? The other one was bent like a sad, wet canoe. I learned from the bad experiences I had.
As a result of my experiences, I want to share with you my experiences that really worked. It would be useful to note some important details. And I swear that it is easier than you think.
Start by rinsing your wooden spoon right after use. I know, easier said than done when there’s a toddler hanging off your leg or a pot boiling over—but trust me, dried-on gunk is the enemy. Use warm water and a gentle dish soap. Not one of those ultra-degreasers that smell like engine cleaner, okay? A mild, plant-based dish soap works beautifully here.
And here’s the trick: don’t soak it. Ever. Even if something’s stuck. Just scrub gently with a soft sponge or brush. If it’s extra stubborn, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the spoon, rub with a lemon half, and let the citrus do its thing. That’s it. Natural and it smells kind of amazing.
Oh, and every few weeks? Rub in a little food-safe mineral oil or coconut oil. Just a few drops on a cloth, then buff it in like you’re shining up a favorite pair of boots. This keeps the wood from drying out and cracking like old paint.
Some folks ask, “But what about bacteria?” Fair question. The cool thing about wood is it’s actually naturally antimicrobial. As long as you’re not soaking it or letting food sit on it overnight (don’t do that either), you’re good.
So next time someone asks how to clean wooden spoons, tell them it’s all about the love: no soaking, gentle soap, natural scrub, and a little oil. Your spoons will thank you. Probably not out loud—but hey, who knows?