How to Sanitize Wooden Spoons

Wooden spoons and utensils are an inexpensive investment that can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Because wood is porous, these tools can harbor bacteria if they are not periodically cleaned and sanitized. Over time, the dishwasher can damage your wooden spoons, causing cracks and splintering. As a result, you should not place these tools in the dishwasher. A mild dish detergent and warm soapy water is sufficient for day-to-day cleaning. However, you should sanitize your wooden utensils every few months or anytime you feel a deeper cleaning is needed.

Things You'll Need

• Bleach
• Soaking tub or sink
• Liquid dish detergent
• Mineral oil
• Cotton cloth or paper towels
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Water

Instructions

Sanitize Your Spoons

1. Fill your kitchen sink or a tub with warm water.

2. Pour in a little bleach. You don't need a lot of bleach; you can estimate about 1 part of bleach to 20 parts of water.

3. Soak the wooden spoons for one hour.

4. Pour out the bleach solution.

5. Fill the tub with hot soapy water.

6. Wash the utensils by hand, and allow them to soak in dishwater until the bleach smell is gone, or for about 15 minutes.

7. Dry the spoons immediately.

Revitalize Your Spoons

1. Feel the spoons. If they feel fuzzy or feathery, the wood grains have lifted, which is common after soaking. Smooth the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper as needed.

2. Rinse any residue from sanding, and dry with a towel.

3. Apply a small amount of mineral oil to the wooden spoon using a cloth or paper towel, rubbing the oil into the wood. As the oil works into the wood, it will darken slightly. Apply two to three coats until the spoon has a nice sheen to it.

4. Air dry the spoon. Once dry, you can use the spoon as normal.

Tips & Warnings

• If a spoon is rancid or soft and mushy, do not try to sanitize it. These are signs of rotten wood or extreme bacteria infestation, rendering it unsafe to use.

• Mineral oil is a food-safe oil, often used in restaurants to increase the life of wooden utensils and cutting boards.

• Use this process only periodically and as needed. Excessive soaking may damage your utensils.

• Allow oiled spoons to dry thoroughly before use. Mineral oil can have laxative effects but is safe to use regularly in small amounts.

References

• Benson Institute: Kitchen Safety