Cleaning Wooden Utensils

I have recently built up a large set of wooden utensils to replace my really manky old ones.

With regard to cleaning and care there seem to be several schools of thought but one overriding caution - do not use a dishwasher!

Any suggestions .....

Re: Cleaning Wooden Utensils

Hi Omah,
Wood definitely needs special care. Clean in hot soapy water and dry immediately. Don’t allow wood to sit in water for extended periods of time.
Since wood is so porous it can hold in stains and odours. For this take some lemon juice and scrub into the wood. To maintain the wood, oil the utensils once a month. Food grade oil of course. Olive oil will do it. Wipe off excess oil and allow to dry thoroughly before using again.

This product is specifically made for this. It’s ideal but not a necessity. Not sure if you can get it where you are though.

Re: Cleaning Wooden Utensils

I'm doing the hot soapy water thing followed by a rinse in clean water.

When the utensils are dry, I will give them the lemon juice treatment.

I have olive oil but will that not go rancid on utensils which are not used frequently .....

You're right - not available in UK .....

Re: Cleaning Wooden Utensils

Normally just a quick rinse under the tap with a bit of washing up liquid if required. As suggested, the worst thing is to leave them in soak.

Re: Cleaning Wooden Utensils

If they are not used frequently , yes, they will go rancid.
In your case you are best off using food grade mineral oil.
This is different from regular mineral oil but you should be able to find it at a drug store or pharmacy.
Just make sure they are dried out well before you apply the oil, otherwise you will be sealing in water. Leaving them out on the counter top in full sun for a day or two will not only help sanitize them but will prep them well for oiling. This is of course if they are good wooden spoons. If they are cheaper ones you might be best just tossing them and purchasing new ones but only you’ll know that

Also instead of lemon juice hydrogen peroxide can be used. I myself prefer the lemon juice.

Re: Cleaning Wooden Utensils

I've discovered some (apparently expensive) substitutes, including this one:



I want to be sure that I avoid THIS type of mineral oil:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/mineral-oil

Re: Cleaning Wooden Utensils

Apologies, I missed your post because I was typing in my own .....

Many thanks for your help - your advice will ensure that my utensils will stay cleaner, safer, longer .....

Re: Cleaning Wooden Utensils

No worries That’s perfect Omah!
And you’ are most welcome !
My pleasure.

Re: Cleaning Wooden Utensils

I have a wooden bread board which my son made for me at school. I wash that with soapy water and then use a little bottle sterilising fluid (watered down) and then leave the board to dry. I have been doing this for thirty years and the board is still good.

Re: Cleaning Wooden Utensils

Job done .....

I treated the spoons with baking soda, the spatulas with distilled vinegar and then oiled both. Drying the spoons after treatment took the most time.

The end result was neutral-smelling utensils with distinct grains .....

Next month (or thereabouts) I'll add lemon juice to the cleaning agents .....