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Wooden spoons are a favorite of mine in the kitchen because they won’t scratch pots, they don’t react with acidic foods, and they last for years. But over time, they can hold onto odors, stains, and greasy residue deep inside the wood grain. I have always wondered how to clean my wooden spoons properly without damaging them. Then I learned this trick.
The key is to use gentle cleaners and natural methods that lift grime out of the tiny pores. Below are two easy, effective ways to clean wooden spoons naturally.
How to Clean Wooden Spoons (The Right Way)
How to Clean Wooden Spoons with Boiling Water and Vinegar
Boiling water is one of the simplest ways to refresh old wooden spoons that look greasy or smell like garlic or tomato sauce. The heat opens the pores of the wood and pushes out trapped oils and food particles. Adding a little vinegar helps kill bacteria and neutralize strong odors.
You’ll need:
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A pot of boiling water
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1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
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A pair of tongs
Instructions:
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Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
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Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to the boiling water.
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Carefully place your wooden spoons in the pot and let them boil for 3–5 minutes.
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Watch closely—oil and food residue will begin to rise to the surface.
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Use tongs to remove your spoons from the water.
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Let them air-dry upright, then coat lightly with food-grade mineral oil to protect the wood.
Tip: Do not boil too often. Too much boiling weakens wood fibers. This method should only be used as a deep-cleaning treatment once every few months.
How to Clean Wooden Spoons with Vinegar and Baking Soda
If you’re dealing with stubborn stains or a spoon that smells like onions, curry, or tomato paste, this next method is the perfect natural scrub. Baking soda lifts stains and gently scours the wood, while vinegar breaks down greasy buildup.
You’ll need:
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2 teaspoons baking soda
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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Warm water
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A soft scrub brush or kitchen sponge
Instructions:
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Sprinkle baking soda directly over the spoon.
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Add a few drops of white vinegar to create a light fizz.
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Scrub gently with a sponge or soft brush, paying attention to dark stains and rough spots.
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Rinse with warm water.
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Let the spoon dry completely before storing. If the wood looks dry, rub a small amount of olive oil or mineral oil into the surface.
Tip: Never soak wooden spoons for long periods, as this can lead to cracking or mold growth.
How to Clean Wooden Spoons Without Boiling:
To clean wooden spoons, sprinkle baking soda and vinegar with Dawn dish soap on a dish scrubber and scrub gently. Allow the ingredients to sit on the spoon for 5 minutes. Next, rinse the spoons with warm water. Dry with a clean cloth to remove the excess water.
Place the spoons on a sheet of paper towel for complete drying. Make sure the wooden spoons are completely dry before storing; this will prevent black marks.
Seasoning Wooden Spoons:
To season a wooden spoon and keep it from cracking, start with a clean, bone-dry spoon. Rub a generous amount of food-grade mineral oil or beeswax all over the wood using a lint-free cloth until it looks saturated. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight so the oil can penetrate deep into the fibers, then simply wipe off any excess with a paper towel. Repeating this every month or so will keep the wood smooth, hydrated, and resistant to food odors.
Shop My Favorite:
If you are still looking for new wooden spoons, check out these highly recommended ones on Amazon. They are made to resist stains and do not absorb oils easily.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to clean my wooden spoons is all about using safe, natural cleaning techniques that remove buildup without damaging the wood. With occasional deep cleaning and regular oiling, your wooden spoons will stay odor-free, stain-free, and strong for years. Avoid harsh detergents, long soaking, and dishwashers, and your favorite spoons will continue to serve your kitchen beautifully.