Experts reveal whether the viral method of boiling wooden spoons is a genius life hack or not.
Have you fallen down the #CleanTok rabbit hole on TikTok yet?
Here, experts help us investigate how to clean your wooden spoons.
Credit:Jann Huizenga/Getty Images
Should You Boil Wooden Spoons?
Wooden spoons are incorrectly assumed to be a potential food safety hazard because wood is porous.
Further, cleaning with hot water and detergent removed that bacteria.
Credit: Getty Images
Bacteria or other germs wont affect the wood properties of a wooden spoon.
In fact,wooden spoons are much saferthan any other spoon due to their natural germ-killing properties.
Jann Huizenga/Getty Images
With food safety concerns off the table, its time to focus on aesthetics.
But what exactly is that stuff?
First, wooden spoons are more prone to staining than silicone orstainless steel utensilsbecause they are porous.
Second, they are known for retaining aromas and flavors for the same reason.
This staining or odor-retention may be what you see or smell and assume is unclean.
But thats not bacteria, it is the staining of the spoon.
According to aTikTokposted by Americas Test Kitchen, boiling just isnt a great idea.
They explain that because wood is a natural material, boiling will remove its natural oils.
And then when the spoon dries, it will shrink and crack, thus limiting the spoons life.
Hand-washing is your best bet for wooden spoons.
Considerations Before Getting Started
Wooden spoons should be treated likewooden cutting boards.
Wash with soap and warm water after each use, says food scientist and chef Tiffany Swan.
The heat and chemicals from the dishwasher can cause wooden utensils to warp, split, or crack.
In addition to avoiding the dishwasher, don’t soak your wooden spoons.
Washing them is fine, but a long soak can lead to warping, swelling, and cracking.
Avoid using harsh cleansers to clean wooden spoons.
The chemicals can strip the natural oils or damage the wood.
Rub the sponge in a circular motion over all parts of the spoon.
Step 4: Rinse
Rinse the spoon in warm water to remove all soap suds.
Prop it up in the dish drying rack instead of laying it flat to keep air flowing around it.
Don’t stick it right in your drawer or utensil crock until it’s dry.
I still have a spoon of my great grandmother’s.
Rub a lemon half over the surface to remove the stains.
Rinse off the salt, and let dry fully.
Sprinkle a bit ofcoarse salton the surface and let it sit for a few minutes.
you’re able to also use a paste of baking soda and water to get rid of odors.
Volume 57, Issue 1.
Jan. 1, 1994.
