Image: Andriiii / Shutterstock.com.
A wooden spoon is an essential in every kitchen. It’s perfect for stirring up soups, sauces and cake batter.
They can become dirtier, however, than metal or other plastic spoons over time because of the grain in wood. The TikTok users have started a trend to clean wooden spoons with boiling water.
But boiling wooden spoons could cause problems. Hot water can cause the wood to expand and crack. The heat of the water removes the natural oils that are necessary to keep the wood strong and durable. This is why it’s not a good idea to wash wooden spoons in a dishwasher.
Cleaning wooden spoons isn’t difficult. Tracy Godshall from OXO suggests that the best way of cleaning them is by washing them with warm soapy water. Dry them as soon as you have cleaned them. She advises to avoid soaking them as it can cause them warp or crack.
Mix baking soda with water to create a paste if your spoons look particularly dirty. After applying the paste, rinse the spoons with warm tap water. Remove any stubborn dirt with a sponge or dishbrush.
Godshall suggests applying mineral oil once a month to keep wooden spoons in top condition. This will help maintain the natural oils in the wood, which prevents cracks and splinters. After drying and washing your spoons with a food-safe mineral, let them dry over night. Remove any extra oil from the spoons before storing.