Wood utensils date back to ancient Egypt and are still one of the most common tools found in the kitchen today. Wood is a great material to cook with for a variety of reasons, and with the right care wood utensils and cutting boards can last decades. You can simply drop plastic implements in the dishwasher, but wood and metal implements may require special care. Here are the top tips to clean wooden utensils:
VINEGAR
Add one glass of vinegar to a bowl. Add one tablespoon of honey to the vinegar and mix the ingredients well. Now, using a cotton swab dip it into the bowl, squeeze out the excess water and wipe the utensils dry. When done, repeat this procedure again until you feel your utensils are clean and shiny.
SALT AND LEMON
Wooden utensils may be easily stained if you use turmeric and we all know turmeric stains can be very stubborn. Sprinkle coarse salt onto the spoon, squeeze lemon juice over the salt, and rub the mixture around with a clean cloth. If the stain persists, repeat the above using baking soda and lemon juice instead. Rinse and dry immediately.
WARM WATER
One of the best and easiest tips to clean wooden kitchen utensils is by washing them in hot water. You can wash the utensils in hot water every time you use it. Simply rinse the utensils in hot water after you are done using and sun- dry. Boil the utensils in hot water once a week to prevent permanent stains for forming.
LEMON
Squeeze the juice of a lemon and add it to boiling hot water. Now drop in your wooden kitchen utensils in the hot water and allow it to soak in the lemon water for 15-20 minutes. If the water gets cold, you may add more hot water. After 15 minutes, remove the wooden items and wipe them dry with a cotton cloth and place in the sun to dry. If need be, you can also use citrus fruits to clean your wooden kitchen utensils.
USING SAND PAPER
Over time, the grain of the wood will rise from moisture, causing the spoon to feel “fuzzy.” Sand lightly with fine grit sandpaper or steel wool until the surface is completely smooth. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Do not forget to apply mineral oil to moisturize the wooden utensil.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Occasionally massage in some olive or canola oil, and wipe off any excess with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Prevent grease from adhering to cooking spoons by holding them under cold water just before using them.
- Don’t put wooden spoons in the dishwasher, as heat and cleansers can damage wood.
- Consider using a microwave to both dry out and sanitize a wooden utensil.