Wood is one of the oldest materials used to make kitchen tools due to its natural antibacterial properties. Beautiful to behold, wooden spoons, cutting boards, and wood handled knives are still the most commonly used items in the kitchen today. In fact, they are among the best tools to use on non-stick cookware, as they won’t scratch the coating like metal utensils can. This is why keeping them in top condition should be a priority to ensure their longevity.
Always remember, a wooden spoon was once a living tree and, consequently, needs more than just a good clean. Over time, wooden utensils can dry out and crack. Once cracked they can harbour bacteria, which makes them unsafe to use. Keeping them clean and healthy is really quite simple. Time and a little TLC once a month is all it takes. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash them by hand and dry them thoroughly with a microfibre cloth. Never let wooden kitchen tools air dry. Residual moisture from washing will get absorbed into the wood causing the wood to swell and crack over time.
- Apply mineral oil or in dire cases, equal parts mineral oil and food-grade beeswax melted together, allowing it to cool until thickened. Oil helps to restore, preserve and beautify wooden kitchen tools.
- Next, rub which ever solution you have decided to use into the edges of your boards and tools and allow it to sit overnight.
- Buff any excess oil or balm away with a fresh microfibre cloth and your kitchen tools will be glossy and smooth for years to come!
