How to Clean Wooden Spoons — Care Without Ruining Them

Wooden spoons are kitchen mainstays. They are both beautiful and practical. Although wood is a natural material that needs a bit of care, treating wooden spoons right and preventing damage from excessive water, heat, or the dishwasher is simple. 

Let's explore how to clean wooden spoons, remove stains and odors, and properly oil them so they can stand the test of time.

Why Wooden Spoons Deserve Special Care

Wooden utensils might look sturdy, but they are actually very absorbent—a wooden spoon soaks up flavors, oils, and moisture. Knowing how to maintain wooden spoons means avoiding common mistakes like soaking them in water, scrubbing with harsh detergents, or storing them in a damp environment.

Since wood is porous, water can lead to unwanted swelling or staining. But that is not the only damage that can occur. Below, we explain how spoons react to extreme conditions and highlight the most common mistakes to watch out for.

Natural but fragile: how wood reacts to moisture, heat, and food

Cleaning wooden spoons by soaking them in water can lead to swelling and uneven drying, which may cause them to crack or warp over time. Additionally, exposing them to high heat can dry out the wood excessively. This kind of improper wooden spoon use, such as leaving a spoon in a hot pot or placing it in the microwave, can make it too brittle.

Wooden utensils may also absorb strong pigments and odors from foods like tomato sauce or garlic. However, they are non-reactive with acidic ingredients, which helps preserve the original flavor of your food and keeps them food safe. To minimize wear and maintain hygiene, it is important to clean them by hand and allow them to fully air dry after each use. Proper care of wooden spoons also includes inspecting them regularly for cracks or signs of damage.

The most common mistakes that ruin wooden utensils early

When it comes to the most common mistakes in cleaning wooden spoons, they often boil down to one of these:

• Using abrasive sponges and harsh cleaners: These cleaning methods can strip the wood's finish, dull its surface, and create grooves where food particles can build up.
• Ignoring oil treatments: Without oiling wooden spoons regularly, wood becomes more prone to cracking and splintering. 
• Improper drying: Lingering moisture creates mold and bacteria, while inconsistent drying can lead to warping and cracking.
• Poor quality of wooden utensils: It is not solely about how to treat wooden spoons; sometimes, the issue lies with non-quality wood. Choosing spoons made from durable woods like maple or cherry can significantly increase their lifespan.

How to Clean Wooden Spoons Safely

Now the question is how to clean wooden spoons safely? Here are just a few key tips to do it efficiently. 

Why dishwashers are a no-go

Dishwasher cycles tend to be too long, and detergents created for glassware are too abrasive for wood. They can cause wooden spoons to swell, warp, and splinter. Even if the spoon material appears durable, machine washing gradually removes natural wood oils and undermines the look of the wooden utensil. For safe cleaning wooden spoons, hand washing is always a preferred method.

Best soaps & water temperature to use

If you are just exploring ways of how to wash wooden spoons, remember that warm water and mild dish soap are ideal. They are gentle enough to protect the wood’s surface while thoroughly removing food residue. Avoid hot water, which causes wood fibers to swell, leading to cracks.

How to remove food stains without harsh chemicals

You can lift food stains from wooden spoons using simple, natural ingredients:

• Baking soda: For a natural stain remover, combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste. Apply this to the stain, allow it to work its magic for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and air dry.
• Lemon juice: Apply fresh lemon juice onto the stain. You may use it together with baking soda for better scrubbing power. 
• White vinegar: Use warm water and white vinegar in equal parts. Put the spoon into this mixture for 15-30 minutes. 

When and how to sanitize wooden utensils

Using boiling water for 10–15 minutes can sanitize your spoon effectively, but use this method sparingly. Frequent and prolonged boiling can significantly harm the wood. So, save the boil for about once a month, relying on warm, soapy or soda water for the regular cleanups.

How to Dry, Oil & Treat Wooden Utensils

Understanding how to care for wooden utensils ensures their durability and hygiene in everyday cooking. Let’s now focus on how to dry, oil, and treat wooden utensils to prevent them from cracking and bacteria.

Towel drying vs air drying: what’s safer

The best approach is a combination of both towel and air drying. Simply use a clean dish towel—even if reused, it should be clean and dry. Blot wooden utensils with the towel right after washing them and let them dry completely on a clean drying rack. Some even recommend air drying for 24 hours to ensure all moisture evaporates. For gentle wiping, a non abrasive sponge is ideal. Store wooden utensils only when they are fully dried.

How to oil wooden spoons (step-by-step guide with options)

Oiling is an essential step to preserve the quality of wooden utensils. The process is pretty much straightforward: 

• Ensure the spoon is dry—moist surfaces do not absorb oil well. 
• Use a food-safe oil or wax that will not go rancid. 
• To explore how to oil wooden spoons, try different products: Rub the oil evenly, let it soak overnight, and then test durability by dipping it into boiling water. 
• Remove any excess treatment once fully dry.

The best oils to use (and which ones you must avoid)

Selecting the right treatment matters. One proven choice is mineral oil, which is odorless, food-safe, and resists spoilage. Beeswax blends and fractionated coconut oil also protect effectively. Avoid olive, vegetable, or canola oil—they turn rancid and leave residues. Butter and animal fats trap bacteria, while unrefined coconut oil can spoil in humidity.

What to do if the wood cracks or dries out

Damage does not mean disposal:

• For minor cracks, use food-safe wood glue, sand gently, and recondition with oil. 
• To restore dried utensils, sand lightly and soak in mineral oil or board cream. 

Learning how to clean wooden spoons properly—and maintaining them—will extend their usefulness and charm in your kitchen.

Deep Treatment: Mold, Odor & Stain Removal

How to care for wooden spoons also means knowing how to address the wear and tear that develops with frequent use.

How to get rid of mold safely (vinegar solution + drying tips)

The best way to clean wooden spoons affected by mold is to use undiluted white vinegar with at least 5% acidity. Spray it directly onto the mold and let it sit for an hour. Scrub the area with a soft brush, rinse with warm water, and allow the spoon to air dry completely until all moisture has evaporated.

Dealing with sour or old-wood smells

To eliminate unpleasant odors, soak wooden spoons in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and warm water for around 30 minutes. Scrub the surface gently with baking soda to neutralize smells. Be sure to air dry thoroughly before storing.

Rescue a stained spoon: sanding & refinishing basics

Use medium-grit sandpaper to remove surface stains, followed by fine-grit paper to smooth the texture. Apply a coat of oil or wax to restore hydration, and let the spoon dry overnight. This process revives appearance and protects the wood from future damage.

Storage Tips to Extend Spoon Life

To wrap up, here is a final tip about storing wooden utensils: Since they react easily to heat and moisture, picking the right spot in your kitchen will help them last much longer.

Where not to store wooden utensils in the kitchen

When learning the specifics of how to care for wooden utensils, proper storage is essential. Avoid placing them near stovetops or ovens, as heat can cause drying and warping. Damp environments, such as under the sink, may lead to mold buildup—so storage should always be dry and uncluttered.

Hanging vs drawer vs open container: pros & cons

The best way to clean wooden spoons includes keeping them clean and storing them mindfully. Hanging provides great air circulation, but will not protect utensils from kitchen grease. Drawers are better in that regard—just be sure to dry spoons thoroughly before placing them inside.

How to store oiled or treated spoons properly

After oiling or waxing, wooden utensils need time to absorb the treatment and dry fully. Make sure to store them in a cool, dry place, and avoid airtight containers that can trap moisture. This preserves the finish and keeps them safe for long-term use.