How to Care for Wooden Utensils
Wooden utensils are gorgeous, useful and can last forever if you treat them right. They also don't contain any plastic, which makes them a major environmental win. In this article, I'll explain exactly how to care for your wooden friends.
Everyday Use
Immediately after use, wash your wooden utensil in warm water with mild dish soap. Feel free to gently scrub, but avoid harsh scrubbers like steel wool. Using harsh scrubbers could remove the finish or even reshape the wood.
Note: Do not soak wooden utensils OR put them in the dishwasher. Exposing them to excessive water and heat will cause your utensils to warp, crack and splinter. Yikes!
Wood tends to absorb strong smells like onion or garlic. If your utensil starts to get smelly, rub it down with a lemon wedge after you have rinsed it to help neutralize the odor.
If the utensil came in contact with raw meat, rub the entire surface with a small amount of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide after you have rinsed it. Let this sit for a few minutes, then gently rinse off any excess with lukewarm water. Using hydrogen peroxide will sanitize the wood more thoroughly than regular dish soap or warm water.
Pat dry the utensil, then set it on a towel to airdry. Once it is completely dry, store it as usual. Easy peasy!
Every month or so, use a microfiber rag to rub a small amount of food-grade mineral oil or food-grade linseed oil into the wood after it is dry. This will keep the wood looking glowgeous and ward off any cracks, splinters or roughness.
Special cases
If your wooden utensils are rough or slightly damaged, don't fear — you can restore them! Start by sanding down any rough patches (or the entire utensil) with 200-grit sandpaper. Wash with soap and water and let the wood dry completely. Then, wipe it down with food-grade mineral oil or food-grade linseed oil and sand with 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper until very smooth. Wipe off any excess oil and use a microfiber rag to buff the finish. Store and use as usual.
Oils take time to soak in, so don't get frustrated if your utensil still looks dry after this process. Simply repeat the oiling process every few days, then every few weeks, until it looks healthy. This is the perfect way to restore thrifted finds, eco queens! Just be patient and they will heal.
If your wooden utensils split or crack, unfortunately, this is unfixable. Cracks are prime locations for food particles and bacteria to build-up, making the wood potentially dangerous. To dispose of wooden utensils, check local composting facilities to see if they will accept them.
Caring for wooden cutting boards is similar to caring for wooden utensils, but slightly more involved. Check out my Wooden Cutting Board Care article for all the deets!