How To Clean Wooden Spoons and Cutting Boards

Keeping the kitchen clean is your daily task. If you use wooden items, you must also clean them regularly. Cooking with wooden items often causes oily stains and spots, which need to be cleaned thoroughly. If you do not clean them regularly, over time, many stains will accumulate, and the entire item may get damaged.

In this guide, I will tell you how to clean your wooden spoons and wooden kitchen cutting boards. Even if you use other wooden items in your kitchen, you can clean them using these methods.

Before cleaning wooden spoons and cutting boards, you need to assess their condition. If there are only minor stains and spots, one cleaning method will suffice; if the stains are heavy, a different approach is needed. So, without further delay, let’s begin.

What You Will Need:

You may need the following things to clean your wooden spoons and cutting board.

• Hot Water
• Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Dawn Dish detergent
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Scrub Brush
• Sponge
• Mineral Oil

1. Cleaning with Hot Water

The best and easiest way to clean wooden spoons and cutting boards is by using hot water. Place the wooden items in a bowl, sink, or bucket and fill it with hot water. After some time, take them out and scrub well with a brush or sponge. Then rinse with cold water. If the dirt is light, this method will clean easily and also remove germs. Be sure to dry them completely after washing.

2. Cleaning with Dawn Dish Detergent

Along with cleaning other kitchen items, you can use Dawn Dish detergent to clean wooden spoons and cutting boards. Pour some detergent into a small bowl. Take a sponge with a little detergent and scrub the dirt off the wooden spoons and cutting boards thoroughly. Rinse them well and then dry on sunlight. Personally, I prefer Dawn Dish detergent. It is a powerful and effective liquid that cleans any kitchen item easily. You can use any other liquid detergent if you prefer.

3. Cleaning with Baking Soda

Baking soda can easily clean your wooden spoons and cutting boards, but it works best for light stains. Sprinkle some baking soda on your wooden spoons and cutting boards. After 5-7 minutes, scrub well with a good brush or sponge and rinse with hot water. The better your sponge, brush, or scrubbing technique, the more dirt your wooden spoons and boards will be cleaned. Do not forget to dry well before storing or reusing.

4. Cleaning with Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide

If your wooden spoons or cutting boards have heavy, oily stains and even bad odors, the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide method is more effective. Mix small amounts of these two and spray the mixture on your wooden spoons and cutting boards. After about 15-20 minutes, scrub well with a good sponge or brush and rinse with hot water. Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are very strong chemicals that can remove any stains. But keep in mind not to soak the wooden items for too long, as this can damage the wood fibers, making the surface rough and worn out. Finally, dry them well, sunlight is better if possible.

You can see my recommended scrub brushes:

DEBETOOL Cutting Board Oil Wax Applicator and Scrub Brush Set

DEBETOOL 6 Piece Bamboo Dish Brush Set with Coconut Sponge

Use Mineral Oil To Protect Your Wooden Items

If you want to keep your wooden spoons smooth and shiny for a long time, you must use mineral oil after cleaning. You can use any brand of mineral oil. If you take proper care, your wooden items will remain good and smooth for a long time. I will personally suggest some Food Grade Mineral Oils below.

WoodForChef Store Cutting Board Food Grade Mineral Oil

HOWARD Butcher Block Conditioner Food Grade Oil

Thirteen Chefs Mineral Oil Food Grade Conditioner for Wood Cutting Board

A Few Tips for Caring for Wooden Spoons & Cutting Boards

Clean your wooden spoons and cutting boards right after using them to stop stains and smells from sticking.

Don’t soak your wooden items (cutting board, spoons, others) in water for too long because it can make them warp or crack.

Clean them regularly with Dawn dish soap or natural options like baking soda and vinegar.

After washing, dry them well with a towel and then let them air dry completely. If possible, dry them in the sunlight because sunlight can destroy all bacteria.

Keep the wooden spoons smooth and prevent them from drying out by regularly rubbing them with food-safe mineral oils.

Store your wooden items in a dry, well-ventilated spot to stop mold and mildew from growing.

Use separate boards for raw meat and vegetables to keep them separate and avoid cross-contamination.

Everyday Mistakes to Bypass When Cleaning Wooden Items

Avoid using highly powerful chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the wood fibers.

Don’t put your wooden spoons or cutting board in the dishwasher since the heat and water can cause them to warp or crack.

Avoid scrubbing with abrasive pads or steel wool because they can scratch and wear down the surface.

Don’t leave your wooden cutting board or wooden spoons wet or soak them for a long time, as this can cause swelling and splitting.

Be sure to oil or condition the wood regularly to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle. In this case, I recommend that you use food-grade mineral oil.

Don’t ignore smells or stains because they can lead to bacterial buildup and bad odors. I recommend the hydrogen peroxide method to get rid of smells and tough stains.

Do not apply the same cleaning method for every stain. Instead, adjust your approach depending on how serious the stain is.

Conclusion

By using any of the above methods, you can clean your wooden items, especially spoons and cutting boards. Now, decide which method is best for you based on the condition of your items. If you like my guideline, please share it.

Read also:

How to Remove Stains from Kitchen Countertops (Granite, Marble, Quartz & Laminate)

6 Genius Ways to Clean Your Kitchen Sink Drain (Fast & Effectively)

5 Smart Ways to Organize Under Your Kitchen Sink