How to Clean and Care for Vintage Wooden Spoons and Utensils

Tips for cleaning and caring for vintage wooden spoons and utensils

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Hello, friends! Are you a fan of wooden spoons and utensils? I love them and scored a collection of several nice ones at a recent estate sale. They were a little dirty and needing some cleaning and TLC. Today I’m sharing how I cleaned and care for them as part of this month’s Thrifty Style Team challenge. 

My friend Julie at Redhead Can Decorate hosts this fun challenge every month and the team consists of a talented group of home bloggers. We share ideas for using thrift store finds, freebies, second-hand items, or things that you might have around the house. You’ll see projects and tips from everyone at the bottom of this post.

I love wooden spoons and utensils occasionally find them at thrift stores or estate sales. I always give them a good cleaning before using them and I’m sharing my tips for that in today’s post. I buy new ones sometimes too and just got 2 beautiful ones for myself from a local maker as a birthday present. I shared them on my Instagram stories, so you might have seen them there. 

How to Clean Wooden Spoons and Utensils

Wash with hot soapy water

Always clean your wooden spoons right after you use them. You can wash your wooden spoons and utensils with mild hot soapy water. 

Rinse them completely when you’re finished washing them, then pat them dry with a soft cloth. Allow them to air dry completely before putting them away. 

How to remove stains:

Soak the spoon(s) in vinegar for about 5 minutes, then add boiling water. Let it sit in the vinegar and water mixture for 5 minutes. Wipe with a soft cloth and the stain should come out.

How to salvage a burnt wooden spoon:

Using a fine sandpaper, sand off the burned area of the spoon or utensil. Wash the spoon to remove any sanding dust and allow to dry completely. Apply a coat of mineral oil.

How to remove odors or flavors:

If your spoons have lingering flavors or odors, slice a lemon in half and rub it over the spoons. Allow them to air dry. 

Caring for your wooden spoons and utensils

Your wooden spoons may dry out occasionally and you can make them last longer by applying
mineral oil once a month. Here’s an easy way to keep them in good shape so they’ll last for years.

• Apply mineral oil with a soft cloth
• Allow it to soak in for a few minutes
• Wipe of any excess that’s still on the surface. 

Mineral oil is food safe and is ideal for wooden utensils and cutting boards, as well as wooden salad bowls and trays. A bottle of it will last you for years. Don’t use olive oil or vegetable oil because they can turn rancid over time and cause your spoons to smell bad. 

Note – you can care for your wooden cutting boards and salad bowls with these same techniques.

Pros and Cons of Using Wooden Spoons and Utensils:

Pros:

• Made from natural materials
• No plastics or potentially harmful chemicals
• Supports artisan/small business if purchased from the maker
• Doesn’t harm non-stick cookware
• Can last for years if taken care of properly
• Available in many interesting shapes and sizes
• You can find them used and clean them up

Cons:

• Not dishwasher safe
• Can absorb odors and stains
• Can be expensive 
• If not taken care of properly, they can harbor bacteria

These items are found in my online shop here: 

white stoneware creamer,
small preserved boxwood topiary

See my past Thrifty Style Team posts here:

• Solar-Powered Sea Glass Mason Jar Lanterns
• Tiered Tray Decor Ideas with Thrifty and Vintage Finds
• How to Make Flowers from Paper Egg Cartons
• 13 Ideas for Thrifty Wall Art
• DIY Wooden Toolbox Mail Organizer
• Champagne Bucket Christmas Tree Stand
• DIY Wine Bottle Luminaries
• DIY Sheet Music Watercolor Fall Leaves

Here’s a peek at this month’s Thrifty Style Team posts:

See all of this month’s projects and tips on these blogs:

Redhead Can Decorate – DIY Rainbow Rocks

The Painted Hinge – Repurposed Oil Lamp Vase

DIY Beautify – Thrifty Summer Citrus Tablescape

Postcards From The Ridge – How to Clean and Care for Vintage Wooden Spoons and Utensils

The How To Home – Shabby Chic Tablecloth Ideas

The Tattered Pew – DIY Cane IKEA Vase

Sweet Pea – DIY Wood Burned Plant Markers

What Meegan Makes – Design Your Own Rock Tower Garden Art

Salvaged Living – Thrift Store Candlestick Makeover

I Should Be Mopping The Floor – Polka Dot No-Sew Curtains