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Boiling wooden spoons is something I do at the beginning of every month! Why? You won’t believe the amount of oils and residue that sink into the fibers of your wooden utensils.
Boiling wooden spoons gets them clean and like new!
For more, check out my Instagram page to see me boil my wooden spoons!
❤️ Why You’ll Love Boiling Wooden Spoons
For boiling wooden spoons, boiling uses only water and heat, avoiding any chemical residues that might come from detergents, which can be appealing if you prefer natural cleaning methods.
Boiling is a straightforward process. I like to quickly sanitize a spoon, especially after it has been used for raw foods or potentially allergenic ingredients. It is a convenient method.
🧽 Materials for Boiling Wooden Spoons
Let me give you a tip on what NOT to do when boiling wooden spoons! I know the thought of our wooden utensils hiding oils, residues, dirt, grime and germs is—ummmm—gross, but do NOT be tempted to boil your wooden utensils and pieces in soapy water or bleach!
Soapy water and water with bleach not only destroys the integrity of the wood, but it can also be harmful to your health.
Follow my tips for boiling wooden spoons but be sure to use clean water!
🧼 How to Do
I do not clean my wooden spoons, wooden utensils and wooden kitchen pieces in the dishwasher.
The high heat and prolonged exposure to water in a dishwasher can severely damage my wooden utensils. I always hand wash them instead.
And for a deep clean, boiling wooden spoons is always best.
🪄 Tips and Tricks
When I use my wooden spoons for handling raw meat or eggs, I disinfect them occasionally. I use a solution of vinegar and water (equal parts). I apply the solution, let it sit for a few minutes, then I rinse thoroughly.
After washing, I wipe the spoons down with a towel and then let them air dry completely. I stand them upright or hang them to ensure all sides dry evenly.
To prevent the wood from drying out, I periodically treat my spoons with food-grade mineral oil or a beeswax conditioner. I apply a small amount to a clean cloth and rub it into the wood. This will help maintain its finish and prevent cracking.
🗒 Variations
Hot Water and Vinegar Soak
Instead of boiling, you can soak your wooden spoons in a hot water and vinegar solution. Mix equal parts of hot water and white vinegar in a bowl and let your spoons soak for about 20 to 30 minutes. The vinegar will help disinfect and remove odors without the intense heat that could damage the wood.
Baking Soda Paste
For a deep clean that also tackles stains and odors, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply this paste liberally to the wooden spoons and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with warm water afterwards.
Salt and Lemon Scrub
Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle coarse salt on the cut side. Use the lemon to scrub the wooden spoons, squeezing slightly to release the lemon juice. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive, and the lemon’s acidity helps sanitize and remove stains. Rinse well after scrubbing.
🫙 How to Store
After boiling wooden spoons, it is important to think about storage of wooden spoons. You can keep your wooden spoons in a utensil holder or crock on your countertop. This not only keeps them easily accessible but also allows for air circulation, which helps prevent moisture buildup.
If space allows, hanging your wooden spoons on hooks is an excellent way to store them. This prevents the spoons from touching each other and promotes good air circulation, keeping the wood dry.
I do not cram my wooden spoons in a crowded drawer. Tight spaces can cause the spoons to press against each other, potentially causing scratches or deformation. If you must store them in a drawer, ensure there’s enough room for them to lay flat and not be squished.
I avoid storing my wooden spoons near any heat sources like stoves or in direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and light can cause the wood to dry out and crack over time.
For extra protection, especially for high-quality or hand-carved wooden spoons, consider storing them in a fabric pouch. This can protect them from dust and light, especially if you’re storing them in an area where they might get less use.
🤔 Common Questions
To effectively sterilize spoons, I like to boil for at least 5 minutes. This duration ensures that any harmful organisms are likely to be destroyed.
Generally, plain water is sufficient for sterilizing spoons. Avoid adding detergents or chemicals, as boiling alone is effective for sterilization.
Regular boiling isn’t necessary for everyday household use unless the spoons are used for medical purposes or for feeding infants. In these cases, boiling after each use may be recommended.
Boiling Wooden Spoons
Ingredients
- Large pot
- Water
- Tongs
- Clean towel or drying rack
Instructions
Prepare the Pot:
- Fill a large pot with enough water to completely submerge the wooden spoons. Place it on your stove.
Bring Water to a Boil:
- Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a rolling boil.
Submerge the Spoons:
- Using tongs, carefully place your wooden spoons in the boiling water. Ensure they are fully submerged and not touching the sides of the pot, as direct contact with the hot metal can cause scorching.
Boil:
- Allow the spoons to boil for about 20 minutes. Avoid boiling for too long as prolonged exposure to heat and water can cause the wood to warp, crack, or split.
Remove and Dry Immediately:
- Use the tongs to carefully remove the wooden spoons from the boiling water.
- Immediately dry them thoroughly with a clean towel. Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible to prevent water from soaking into the wood.
- Optionally, let them air dry completely on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area to ensure all moisture has evaporated.
Condition the Wood:
- Once the spoons are dry, consider conditioning them with a food-safe mineral oil or beeswax to restore moisture back into the wood and protect it. This helps prolong their life and maintain their condition.
