A simple cleaning revelation has left home cooks across the UK utterly astonished, exposing the surprising amount of hidden dirt and odours that can build up in a common kitchen tool: the wooden spoon.
The Viral Hack That Exposed the Hidden Grime
While air fryers and induction hobs dominate modern kitchen trends, the humble wooden spoon remains a steadfast favourite for its versatility and gentleness on cookware. However, a TikTok cleaning expert known as @coastalflip recently highlighted a crucial maintenance step many overlook. In a video posted on the platform, she demonstrated a deep-cleaning method by boiling her wooden utensils.
"Wooden spoons hold more than flavour," she captioned the clip. After simmering the spoons for several minutes, she retrieved them to find the water had turned a reddish-brown colour, stained by accumulated food particles, oils, and grime that had been absorbed deep into the wood's grain, invisible to the naked eye.
Expert Advice for Maintaining Your Utensils
The viral clip sparked a flurry of reactions and additional tips from viewers. While the TikToker used coconut oil to recondition the wood after cleaning, suggestions flooded in for alternatives like beeswax or mineral oil to seal and protect the spoons, making them food-safe and preventing splits.
Professional guidance aligns with this deep-cleaning approach. Michelle Southan, food director at Taste.com.au, recommends a similar method. She advises placing wooden spoons in a saucepan of boiling water on the hob, then switching off the heat and leaving them to soak for around 20 minutes. This process draws out trapped oils and lingering aromas from strong ingredients like garlic or spices.
Southan suggests repeating this deep clean roughly once a month to prevent flavours from blending during cooking. She also emphasises the critical step of drying the spoons thoroughly afterwards, as prolonged moisture can cause the wood to swell and potentially crack.
How to Keep Your Wooden Spoons in Top Condition
Wooden spoons are prized for being sturdy, non-heat conducting, and gentle on pans, but their porous nature is also their Achilles' heel. To ensure they last for years, regular deep cleaning is essential alongside daily washing. Discolouration or the appearance of small splits are key signs that your utensil may be past its best and need replacing.
The key takeaways for any home cook are clear: don't take your wooden spoons for granted. A monthly boil can work wonders for hygiene and taste, followed by proper drying and a protective coating of food-safe oil or wax. This simple routine ensures this kitchen classic remains a safe and reliable partner for all your culinary creations.
