How To Wash And Disinfect Wooden Kitchen Utensils

Wooden kitchen utensils are unavoidable, as they are ancestral elements that have been preserved by all generations. They turn out to be sturdy and traditional in style, however they can cause problems if not cleaned carefully. Explore in this article how to disinfect them properly!

On the market there are spoons, grinders, cutting boards and even wooden spatulas, which allows them to work in all types of cooking and their uses are diverse. They also have the benefits of being friendly to the environment, not scratching the pots and not deteriorating in the heat.

Wood contains pores where traces of food and moisture can adhere. Because of this, it is important to carry out a detailed cleaning process to avoid the accumulation of bacteria on any of the surfaces.

Products that we can use to clean wooden utensils

Compared to other products used in the kitchen, wooden utensils need a more precise cleaning due to their rusticity. Also, if that pertinent maintenance is not carried out, the wood can lose quality and look worn.

However, there are effective ways to sanitize wooden utensils and extend their useful life. Those products that are easily accessible, ideal, and should be taken into account are listed below.

Hot water and soap

This is the easiest method to clean wooden utensils on a daily basis. In this process, it is essential to use water at a fairly high temperature, as it softens the remains of hardened food.

In the first measure, a little water should be used to begin to weaken the localized substances. Then you have to apply the soap and rub with a sponge that allows you to cover the surface until all types of dirt are removed. Finally, the utensil should be rinsed again and a towel that dries well should be used.

Lemon

Lemon is a very useful product when disinfecting wooden utensils, as it helps eliminate grease and strong odors.

The lemon liquid should be spread all over the utensil to disinfect it. Afterwards, it should be rinsed with water and dried with a clean towel that does not cause damage to the wood.

Sodium bicarbonate

Over time, wooden utensils can acquire stains that are usually obtained during sauce preparations. However, there is a specific cleaning to remove them and preserve the appearance of the instrument.

Baking soda is one of the substances that can be successful in those cases. What you should do is spread the product, add lemon juice and rub with a towel until the stain disappears. At the end, the corresponding thing is to rinse with water and hang the utensil in a high area to dry.

Vinegar

Vinegar is another of the products that help eliminate unpleasant odors and renew the appearance of the wooden utensil.

The first thing is to make a mixture that contains vinegar and water in equal quantities. Then you have to soak the tool in that liquid solution for up to 20 minutes. As the last steps, it should be rinsed with water to remove the odor and dried with a good quality towel.

Oils

Oils are a product that can be used to counteract the wear of wooden utensils. These help to preserve color and shine.

You can use mineral or coconut oil. The process consists of pouring a little of the oily liquid onto a clean cloth and applying it all over the utensil. Then they are allowed 10 to 15 minutes to rinse with hot water and dry properly.

What not to do with wooden utensils?

The option of using a dishwasher should not be designed to sanitize wooden utensils. This is because heat and water interact in the appliance for a long time, which can lead to moisture and bacteria growth.

Also, they should not be soaked in water for long periods of time. When this process is done frequently, the liquid can seep into the pores of the wood and accumulate harmful microorganisms.

On the other hand, soaps intended for cleaning must be neutral, since detergents with chemicals will deteriorate the wood. Likewise, the utensil must be discarded when it has cracks, because in that area there will always be stored dirt.

Wooden utensils and cleaning must be of quality

For the utensils to have an extensive durability and extend their useful life through care, it is essential that they be of good quality. It is recommended that you buy consistent wooden elements, which can be handled without risk of fragmentation.

It is essential to bear in mind that cleaning habits must always be constant and conscientious. This is because any carelessness causes bacteria to be transmitted to food during cooking or damage to surfaces that cannot be reversed.

It should be noted that wooden kitchen utensils, especially boards, can be sanded from time to time to make them look firm and polished.