How To Clean And Care For Wooden Utensils: Wooden spoons, spatulas, bowls or chopping boards are common in Indian kitchens. They look rustic, are gentle on your cookware, and add charm. But wood can also absorb moisture, smells and bacteria if not cleaned properly. With the right cleaning methods, you can keep them fresh, odour-free and long-lasting without much effort. Here are some of the best ways to help you clean wooden utensils well, keep them hygienic, and make them last longer:
Wash your wooden utensils by hand using warm water and a mild dish soap. Scrub off food particles with a soft sponge or brush. Avoid leaving them soaking in water for long periods, it can cause the wood to swell, crack or warp.
After washing, for extra hygiene, use natural disinfectants. You can rub a halved lemon (sprinkled with coarse salt) over the wood to remove stains and odours. Take the wooden spoon or utensils, sprinkle coarse salt on it, add lemon juice, and rub the mixture thoroughly with a clean cloth. Chip Malt, the co-founder of Made In, shares, “Scrub the surface with the cut side of a halved lemon or with a baking soda and water paste. Or, you can simply sprinkle baking soda on them, generously squeeze lemon juice, and let the spoon marinate for a bit. Make sure to wash it off with soapy water, and let it fully air dry”, states Martha Stewart's official portal.
These natural agents kill germs, freshen up smells, and avoid harsh chemicals.
Sometimes smells or stains linger, from strong spices like garlic, onion or turmeric. Master Chef Pankaj Bhadouria in one of her Instagram videos, shared how to clean wooden spoons.
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Boil some water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap. Soak all your wooden utensils in this solution for 30 minutes. Once done, rinse them thoroughly with water and let them air-dry completely.
After cleaning, immediately wipe off excess water with a clean cloth or towel. Then allow utensils to air-dry in an upright position. Avoid leaving them in closed damp spaces.
Moisture trapped in wood can lead to mould or mustiness. Drying well helps prevent bacteria and keeps the wood from cracking.
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Wood loses its natural moisture over time and becomes dry, brittle or cracked. Every few weeks (or when you notice dryness), apply a food-grade oil such as regular cooking oil or coconut oil into the wood. Rub it in, let it absorb, and wipe off any excess. This seals the wood, protects against moisture, and keeps utensils looking nice.
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Avoid dishwashers: The high heat and prolonged water exposure can damage the wood.
Skip harsh cleaners: Do not use bleach, harsh chemical cleaners, or strong unscented soaps, as they strip away natural oils.
Use boiling water or sun sparingly: These methods can sanitise wooden utensils but should only be done occasionally, not as a regular treatment.
Caring for wooden utensils is not complicated. With just a few easy tips and tricks, your wooden kitchen items will stay clean and safe to use.
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