Are you tired of constantly replacing your kitchen utensils? Do you find yourself weeping over a broken wooden spoon, wishing you had treated it better? Fear not, my friend! In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about caring for your wooden kitchen utensils. From cleaning to storing to repairing, we’ve got you covered. You’ll be able to keep your wooden utensils in tip-top shape and impress your friends with your kitchen tool knowledge. So step away from that plastic spatula and let’s get started!
Why Wooden Kitchen Utensils are a Great Choice
Durability
Wooden kitchen utensils are a great choice for your home because they’re durable, which means that you won’t have to replace them as often. Wooden spoons and spatulas are made from natural materials that won’t warp or crack when exposed to heat or moisture. This means that you can use them for cooking just about anything without worrying about damaging them!
Natural Beauty
Another reason why wooden cooking utensils are so popular is because of their natural beauty–they look good in any kitchen! Wooden spoons and spatulas come in many different shapes and sizes, so there’s something out there for everyone’s taste (and colour preferences). You’ll also find that these items come in a variety of finishes: smooth or rough; stained or painted; varnished or left unvarnished…the possibilities really are endless!
Environmentally Friendly
The reason why people choose wood over plastic is that they’re more environmentally friendly than other types of materials like aluminium, stainless steel utensils and even silicone – which means less waste being thrown away every day by households across the UK!
And when they do get thrown away (which is a after a long time when they are cared for!) they will naturally degrade.
Ethically sourced
*Most plastic and silicon spoons are made in huge quantities with little to no way of knowing how and by who they are made. By purchasing natural utensils from a reputable source (like Karakorum!) you can be safe in the knowledge that they were sustainably made and ethically sourced. We know exactly where our wooden spoons come from and who they are made by (Mzee Zephania to be exact).
How to Clean Wooden Cooking Utensils – Quick tips
- Wash by Hand! No matter how tempting it is, don’t put them in the dishwasher. All it needs is a little warm water and gentle dishwashing liquid.
- Avoid Soaking – If the wood absorbs too much water, it can swell and, eventually, crack.
- Dry Immediately
- Optional – if your wooden utensils or bowls are looking a little tired you can very easily revive them back to their gorgeous selves by rubbing a little bit of food-grade mineral oil (such as linseed or tung oil).
How to Store Wooden Utensils
- Keep away from heat sources. Heat can dry out the wood, which can lead to cracking and splitting.
- Store in a dry place. If you have wooden utensils that you use regularly, it’s best to store them in an area that has low humidity and is protected from moisture, like under your kitchen sink or in another cupboard where water won’t get on them as often. If you’re storing a lot of wooden utensils at once (like if you’re moving), make sure they’re packed properly so they don’t get damaged during transit!
- Hang or place in drawer: If hanging isn’t an option for whatever reason (maybe because there aren’t enough hooks?), then placing them flat on their sides will help keep them safe while still allowing air circulation around all sides of each piece
How to Sanitize Wooden Utensils
Some people think that wood is less hygienic than plastic.
In contrast, wood is actually far more hygienic as a material thanks to its natural antibacterial properties. With proper care, wooden kitchen utensils are an environmentally friendly choice that will last for many years.
If however, you think they need a bit of a deep clean, you have a few options.
- The first is to wipe them down with vinegar, which will kill any bacteria that may be lingering on the surface.
- Another option is boiling them in water for 5 minutes or so, but if you don’t want to go through all that trouble there’s another way:
- heat them up in an oven set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius) for about 20 minutes.
How to Repair Wooden Utensils
Repairing a wooden utensil is quite simple. First, sand the damaged area with 120-grit sandpaper. Then apply oil to the entire utensil and let it sit for an hour before re-sanding with 220 grit sandpaper.
How to Tell When it’s Time to Replace Wooden Utensils
Wooden utensils are a great choice for your kitchen, but it’s important to know how to care for them. Over time, they can become damaged or worn out and need replacing. Here are some signs that it might be time:
- Splintering – If you notice small pieces of wood coming off of your wooden utensils when using them, then this is likely due to splintering. It’s best not to use these anymore because they could end up in your food or get stuck in your mouth!
- Cracking – If there are cracks in the handle of one of your wooden spoons or spatulas, it may be time for an upgrade! Cracks can cause problems with balance and grip as well as make cleaning difficult because there will be crevices where bacteria can hide out until the next time someone uses them again (eww). Also keep an eye out for splits between parts like handles/heads–those could lead down dangerous paths too…
By following these simple tips, you can keep your wooden utensils looking and working like new for years to come. And remember, a wooden spoon a day keeps the plastic away!
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Have a look at our shop to see our beautiful range of wooden cooking utensils and wooden serving utensils that have been sustainably made from Wild olive wood and ethically sourced from Kenya.
