How to care for your Wooden Cutting Boards, Spoons, or Wooden Utensils

How to clean and care for your wooden kitchenware, such as cutting boards and utensils, in four easy steps.  Hand wash only, dry thoroughly, oil with food-safe oil, and refresh with light sanding when needed.

The Top 4 Things to Do to Care for Wooden Kitchenware

• Handwash only; Dish soap and a sponge are fine.
  • Never put in a dishwasher.
• Dry thoroughly before putting them away.
  • Stand on the edge when possible so they dry evenly to prevent warping.
• Oil periodically with a food-safe oil to keep the wood conditioned and looking good.
• To refresh the wood, sand with 220 grit sandpaper and re-oil.

How to clean your wooden Kitchenware

You should clean your wooden spoons and cutting boards after each use.  Handwashing is best using a kitchen sponge with a blue scratch pad.  If you need to do a more aggressive cleaning, the green scratch pads are more aggressive and will allow you to really get some scrubbing done.

You don’t need any special cleaner; dish soap is fine.  Wood pores are absorbent. You don’t want to use any harsh chemicals on the wood as it can soak into the pores of the wood and contaminate your food the next time you use it.

Once you have cleaned your wooden kitchenware, be sure to let it dry before storing it away in a drawer. Wooden utensils can be laid out to dry on a towel or stood up in a container.    When drying wooden cutting boards, do not lay them flat, as laying them flat can trap moisture underneath, causing them to warp or crake.  Instead, stand them on end or on an edge so the board can dry evenly on both top and bottom.

How to Refresh Your Wooden Kitchenware

If your wooden kitchenware is getting dingy or drab-looking, you can hand sand with 200 grit sandpaper to refresh the surface.  It is a good idea to periodically wipe down your wooden cutting boards and utensils with a food-safe mineral oil to keep the wood conditioned and looking good.  You can buy food-safe mineral oil at most grocery stores.  If you want a more durable, food-safe finish, I would recommend using something like Walrus Oil; this is typically what I use on the Wooden Kitchenware I make and has proven to be a durable, long-lasting finish.

What not to do to your wooden kitchenware

Never put your wooden kitchenware in the dishwasher.  The dishwasher is a harsh environment, which will strip the wood of the oil you apply as well as its natural oils.  This will cause the wood to crack, check, warp, and look dry and gross.  This will also break down the glue bond of any wood that has been glued together to create the cutting board.  Also, do not soak in water for any length of time for the same reasons.

Never apply vegetable or olive oil to your wooden kitchenware when storing them away.  These oils can become rancid over time; only use a food-grade mineral oil or an oil designed to be used as a wood finish that is food-safe.

Never put away wet; you don’t want bacteria to grow in the wood pours or the wood to warp because of excess moisture.

Benefits of wooden kitchenware

• Natural and Sustainable:
  • Wooden kitchenware is made from renewable resources, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
  • Wood is biodegradable, which means it breaks down naturally over time and doesn’t contribute to environmental pollution.
• Gentle on Knife Blades:
  • Wooden cutting boards are softer than harder materials like plastic or glass, which can be gentler on knife edges. This helps maintain the sharpness of your knives for a longer time.
• Antibacterial Properties:
  • Some types of wood, such as maple and bamboo, have natural antibacterial properties. This can help reduce the risk of bacterial contamination on surfaces like cutting boards.
• Aesthetically Pleasing:
  • Wooden kitchenware often adds warmth and charm to the kitchen, making it aesthetically pleasing.
• Comfortable to Use:
  • Wooden utensils and handles are comfortable to hold. They don’t conduct heat as much as metal utensils, providing a comfortable grip while cooking.
• Resistant to Scratches:
  • Wooden utensils are less likely to scratch cast iron or Teflon-coated pans, increasing the life of your pans, and a healthier choice as they are less likely to scratch off Teflon, preventing it from getting into your food/
• Versatile and Lightweight:
  • Wooden utensils come in various shapes and sizes, making them versatile for different cooking tasks. They are also lightweight and easy to handle.
• Low Maintenance:
  • Wooden kitchenware is relatively easy to maintain.
    • Handwash, dry, oil, use.