How To Clean & Care for Wooden Utensils

Wooden utensils effortlessly add an authentic, charming touch to any kitchen. The smooth, natural texture and eco-friendly appeal make them a beloved choice for many environmentally conscious homeowners.

However, the care of these utensils, like spoons, spatulas, bowls, or cutting boards, is a little different from that of your regular dishwasher-safe items. Understanding how to clean and maintain your wooden utensils can make sure they remain beautiful and functional.

The Benefits of Wooden Utensils

So, why should you choose wooden utensils over others? Wooden utensils don’t scratch your pans, making them a great option whether you cook on cast iron or a non-stick surface. They’re sturdy yet soft enough to be used on fragile surfaces and are great for either beating a stiff bread dough or gently stirring delicate ingredients.

Wooden utensils are naturally microbial, heat resistant, and environmentally friendly in how they’re made and disposed of (though they’ll last for years). They also add a tactile appeal—wood is more pleasant to handle than metal or plastic. It might seem small, but cooking with wooden utensils can enhance your overall cooking experience.

Cleaning Tips for Wooden Utensils

Cleaning wooden utensils is straightforward with the right products and techniques. WOCA products are a fantastic choice. The same elements that make WOCA wood cleaning products safe for the environment make them safe for you.

To take the best care of your wooden utensils, dampen a soft cloth with warm water and a high-quality, all-natural cleaner like WOCA’s Natural Soap Spray. Gently wash the utensils, taking care to clean the crevices, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. Always avoid submerging wooden utensils in water, very hot water, or harsh, abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the wood.

Preserving Your Wooden Utensils

After your wooden utensils have dried, apply a little WOCA Worktop Oil, a food-safe, all-natural product specifically designed for untreated or previously oiled wooden surfaces. This oil penetrates deep into the wood, enhancing its natural grain, adding an attractive sheen, and providing protection and increased durability.

Though you don’t need to do it every time you use your wooden utensils, regular oil treatment with WOCA Worktop Oil keeps them pliable, preventing them from drying out and cracking. A good schedule is to oil them every three to four weeks with typical use or whenever they appear dry.

Common Mistakes When Caring for Wooden Utensils

Many people aren’t aware that you have to care for wooden utensils a little differently than your other utensils. A few common mistakes to avoid while cleaning and taking care of your wooden utensils include:

Throwing them in the dishwasher: Dishwashers aren’t safe places for wooden utensils. The inside of a dishwasher gets much hotter than the water coming out of your tap, and the combination of heat and moisture tends to warp wooden utensils and shorten their lifespan. Best case scenario? You’ll be stripping them of their natural oil.

Soaking: Never soak your wooden utensils in water for prolonged periods. Excess water absorption can lead to warping or cracking as the wood swells when wet and then contracts again as it dries out.

Using Harsh Cleaners: If you wouldn’t want to get it on your skin, you shouldn’t use it to clean your wooden utensils. Harsh cleaning agents can strip wood’s natural oils, and many are difficult to rinse away completely and can end up in your food.

Putting Them Away Wet: Always let your wooden utensils dry completely and store them in a dry place. It’s important never to put them away wet, as damp wooden utensils serve as a perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

Living Better With Wooden Utensils

Wooden utensils are an eco-friendly kitchen choice that provides many benefits to anyone who enjoys cooking. Their care may require a bit more diligence compared to other materials, but the environmental advantages, beauty, versatility, and remarkable durability make the effort worthwhile. With the right cleaning habits and quality care products from WOCA, you can transform your wooden utensils into an integral part of your kitchen that you’ll treasure and utilize for years.