How to clean wooden spoons

First, never put wooden spoons in the dishwasher! The high temperatures and harsh detergents can cause the wood to warp, crack, or even split.

• Start by rinsing them under hot water to remove any food particles. If there are any stubborn bits, you can use a gentle washing-up brush or sponge to remove them but avoid using anything too abrasive.
• If your wooden spoons still look like new, you can simply hand wash them in warm water with a little mild dish soap. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any soap residue and leave to air dry.
• To remove stains, sprinkle some sodium bi-carb on the surface and rub it in with a damp cloth or sponge. Then rinse with warm water and air dry thoroughly. You can also make a paste with sodium bi-carb and water, then spread it over your wooden spoon and rub it with a cloth, sponge, or gentle brush (you could also use an old toothbrush). Rinse well and leave to air dry.
• For smells that won’t budge, rub the surface of the spoon with the cut side of half a lemon. Or you can simply sprinkle sodium bi-carb onto the spoon with a squeeze of lemon juice, spread it over the spoon and leave it for a few minutes. Make sure to wash it off with soapy water and air dry.
• If your wooden spoons are particularly dirty or have stubborn stains, you can use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to clean them. Simply soak the spoons in the mixture for a few minutes, then rinse and leave to air dry.
• Sit your wooden spoon in a cup of boiling water for up to 20 minutes (you’ll be amazed at the gunk that comes out into the water!). Then wash with soap and water, rinse and air dry.
• Finally, make sure to store your wooden spoons in a dry place away from heat and moisture to help prevent warping and cracking.
• You can also revive any dried out wooden spoons by rubbing them with a mineral oil or linseed oil.  Avoid using oils such as vegetable or olive oil because they tend to go rancid.

Happy cooking with your clean wooden spoons!

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