How to Clean Dirty Wooden Spoons so They Look Like New

How to Clean Your Wooden Spoons Daily

1. Wash Wooden Spoons With a Mild Soap

   Wooden spoons are certainly practical, but they're also prone to cracks and stains. This said, it's important to hand-wash your wooden spoons with a mild soap, warm water, and a non-abrasive sponge after each use.

   Tip

   Chemical soaps will damage your wooden spoons, and some may contain toxic substances that can contaminate your food. Instead, consider a mild, non-toxic soap like Dr. Bronner's, or consult research from the Environmental Working Group for more information and alternatives.

2. Rinse and Air Dry

   After you've removed any leftover gunk from your wooden spoons, rinse away the soap until the water runs clear. Pat your spoons dry with a microfiber cloth, then leave them on a drying mat to air dry completely before your next use.
   

How to Clean Your Wooden Spoons Monthly

1. Prepare a Vinegar-Water Soak

   You may have seen the boiling water method for cleaning wooden spoons on TikTok. While this is certainly effective for sanitizing your spoons and removing build-up, it can also damage your wooden spoons and limit their lifespan. As an alternative, mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water in a bowl or tall Tupperware.

   Tip

   Don't have vinegar or baking soda on hand? Hydrogen peroxide is another excellent option for deep cleaning your wooden spoons. Follow the same step-by-step guide outlined here, but replace your vinegar with hydrogen peroxide.

2. Let Your Wooden Spoons Soak

   Once you've prepared your mixture, pop in your wooden spoons and give them a few swirls. Let the spoons sit in the mixture for about 20 minutes. You should notice the water color change as the vinegar penetrates tough stains and build-up. However, if the soak doesn't seem effective, the next step should help!
   

3. Sprinkle in Baking Soda

   If your wooden spoons are particularly dirty, sprinkle a couple of spoonfuls of baking soda into your vinegar-water mix. You'll notice bubbles begin to form as the baking soda activates with the vinegar. Give your spoons another swish around the container before leaving them to sit for another 10 minutes.
   

   Tips

   Baking soda is also a great way to rid your wooden utensils of any unwanted odors. Create a baking soda-water paste, lather it onto your wooden spoons, then wash them thoroughly with a mild soap and warm water.

4. Wash With Soap, Rinse, and Air Dry

   Once the soak has worked its magic, follow your daily cleaning regimen to finish the job. Use your mild soap and non-abrasive sponge to get rid of any leftover vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Rinse away the suds with warm water, pat the spoon dry, then leave it on your drying mat to finish drying completely.

Tips to Keep Your Wooden Spoons Clean Longer

• Never let your wooden spoons sit with residue for long periods of time. If you are finished using the wooden spoon but aren't able to clean it immediately, leave it soaking in some warm water. Don't leave the spoon dirty for longer than 30 minutes.
  
• To protect your wooden spoons from future wear and tear, rub them with a little mineral oil from time to time. Be sure the oil is food-safe and allow it to dry completely before using your wooden spoon for cooking.