When should you throw away wooden spoons?

Wooden spoons can harbor bacteria as the years go on which can then add bacteria to your food. You can tell that it's time to replace your wooden spoon when the wood becomes soft, dark or the wood is cracking. These are indications that the wood is rotting from the bacteria covering it.

When should wooden spoons be replaced?

Take care of your wooden spoons for long life

Specifically, Her World recommends replacing your wooden utensils every five years or so. One clue that it's time to replace your spoon is if it has any cracks in it, as microbes and bacteria can live in them, raising the risk of spreading germs (via Southern Living).

Should I throw out my wooden spoons?

Wood absorbs moisture easily and this could foster bacteria. To be on the safe side, replace your wooden spoons every five years or when they start having cracks, discolouration or soft spots. PureWow suggests replacing them every two years or when they're deeply scratched, chipped, melted or heavily stained.

Do wooden spoons hold a lot of bacteria?

Wooden utensils are porous and tend to absorb water

The less water is available, the less likely bacteria will grow and survive. Wood also retains flavours and odours from foods.

Are wooden spoons unsanitary?

For instance, many people worry that wooden spoons harbor bacteria and are therefore more likely to contaminate your food than plastic or metal spoons. It's true that if you don't properly clean your wooden spoon, it will retain bacteria—but so will any other type of spoon.

When should you throw away wooden spoons?

How do you sanitize wooden spoons?

Sanitize with hydrogen peroxide

Lastly, if you're concerned about bacteria festering, you can sanitize your spoons by washing them with soap and water. Afterwards, sprinkle on some hydrogen peroxide, and let dry. Make sure to wash them again before use.

Are wooden utensils toxic?

Wood. Not only are wooden spoons environmentally friendly because they are biodegradable, but they are also a great option if you want non-toxic utensils in the kitchen. When picking out wooden utensils, make sure you choose wood that is labeled “food-safe” and is made of hardwood like beechwood, teak, or maple.

Can wooden spoons get mold?

Because of the porous nature of wood, you never want to soak wooden items in water for any length of time. For example, letting them soak in a kitchen sink until you're ready for your next load of dishes. Otherwise, the wood will become so wet that mold might start to occur.

Is it OK to put wooden spoons in the dishwasher?

Wooden utensils, bowls, cutting boards, etc., should never go into your dishwasher. When wood is exposed to such high heat and moisture for a long washing cycle, it can warp, splinter and eventually break. Instead, wash wood items by hand using warm, soapy water and dry them with a towel right away.

Can you leave a wooden spoon in boiling water?

According to Michelle Dickinson, the author of “The Kitchen Science Cookbook,” wood is an insulator so it isn't going to conduct heat or electricity. When you put a wooden spoon on top of a pot of boiling water, it stays cooler than the pot where it is resting.

How often should you replace utensils?

One or two years of cooking love, and it's time to say goodbye to your pots and pans. "It's always a tell-tale sign that you need to replace your pans when they are no longer nonstick or if there is visible wear to the surface,” says Stapf.

How long do kitchen utensils last?

According to TheKitchn, you can expect about five years out of your non-stick pots and pans; it's time to retire anything with a surface that's pitted or starts to peel (to make sure it lasts that long, they offer some tips for taking care of them).

When should I throw out my spatula?

If it's broken, melted, a little or rusty, let it go. You'll be so much happier with a new spatula or whisk.

How do you preserve wooden utensils?

To keep your wooden utensils glowing and in the best possible condition, about once a month rub them with mineral oil. These food-safe oils are quickly soaked up by the wood and help the utensils better repel water and retain their natural vibrancy, even with prolonged use.

How do you clean wooden spoons and cutting boards?

Add 6 drops of DoTerra Lemon Oil or the juice of one lemon. Put your wooden utensils down into the pan for 10 minutes and let them soak. Take the utensils out of the pan and place them on a cookie sheet in the sun to dry. Pour the left over water over your cutting board and let it dry in the sun as well.

Why do wooden spoons crack?

Cracks can occur in wooden spoons and cutting boards for a number of reasons. Exposure to extreme temperatures (like a spin in the dishwasher cycle) can cause your wooden utensils to dry out and split. While prolonged exposure to water and excess moisture can weaken the wood.

Why should you use a wooden spoon instead of a metal spoon?

Unlike metal utensils, wood spoons are heat-resistant. Because they don't conduct heat, you won't have to worry about burning your hands on a hot metal spoon. They also won't melt if they're left in the pot for too long. So, go ahead, let your wooden spoon hang out on the side of the pan.

What oil do you use on wooden spoons?

The oil you use for your wooden cutting boards and utensils should be food grade and not prone to rancidity. Mineral oil is an inexpensive and popular choice, and you can easily find bottles in most kitchen supply stores.

What can I use instead of a wooden spoon?

Metal utensils work great on the strong and heat tolerance, but not so much on the soft and insulated. Silicone is a good alternative to wood; by and large, it will handle 1-4 without a problem, if it's a well-made utensil.

Why do wooden utensils turn black?

Wooden spoons are likely to get mold if they aren't thoroughly cleaned, after washing a wooden spoon ensure it properly dries out before storing away. Bacteria build-up forms the mold around the wooden spoon. When you discover mold on your wooden spoon it can be a health hazard if not dealt with right away.

What can you do with a moldy wooden spoon?

Dry wooden pieces immediately with a dish towel, to prevent moisture accumulating in the wood and creating mold. For extra cleaning power, occasionally rinse the wooden pieces with white distilled vinegar to kill germs, bacteria and mold, or you can rub half a lemon across the utensils to disinfect, as well.

How do you get black mold off a wooden spoon?

Soak in a mild bleach solution.

Use a ratio of one part bleach to 20 parts water. Place the utensil in the solution and soak for several minutes. Rinse with hot water and soak for a few more minutes to remove any residual bleach. Towel dry the spoon then let it sit and air out.

Is it bad to cook with a wooden spoon?

Simply put, yes, it is safe to cook with wooden spoons. Wooden spoons have been used in kitchens for years — centuries, really. They took a back seat to plastic and stainless steel utensils in the 1990s when people started to become a little grossed out by them.

What is the healthiest material for cooking utensils?

Are bamboo spoons safe?

Bamboo-made cooking utensils are safe to use, as they are antibacterial and antifungal. They don't absorb water and so, they are moisture-free. Further, they are toxin-free, as bamboo never needs pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals to supplement their full growth.