Wooden kitchen utensils bring an unmatched aesthetic and natural warmth to your cooking space. Because wood is a living, organic material, it requires just a little bit of love and proper maintenance to ensure it stays beautiful and functional for decades.
At Northevora, we want your handcrafted tools to be passed down and enjoyed for years to come. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide on how to properly care for your wooden cookware.
1. Hand Wash Only (Never Use the Dishwasher)
This is the golden rule of wooden kitchenware. The intense heat, harsh detergents, and prolonged soaking cycles inside a dishwasher will strip wood of its natural oils, causing it to dry out, warp, and crack. Always wash your wooden spoons and spatulas by hand using warm water and mild dish soap, then dry them immediately with a clean towel.
2. Don't Let Them Soak
While it’s fine to wash your utensils quickly, never leave them sitting or soaking in a sink full of water. Submerging wood for long periods causes the fibers to expand and weaken, which ruins the structural integrity of the piece.
3. Regular Oiling (Conditioning)
Just like skin, wood needs to be moisturized to prevent drying and cracking. Every few weeks (or whenever the wood starts to look a bit dull), apply a food-grade mineral oil or beeswax to your utensils. Rub it in with a soft cloth, let it sit for about 20 minutes, and wipe away any excess. This keeps the wood water-resistant and brings out its gorgeous natural grain.
4. Natural Deodorization
Strong-smelling foods like garlic or onions can sometimes leave an aroma on wooden tools. To get rid of odors naturally, rub the surface with half a lemon and some coarse salt, let it sit for 5 minutes, rinse with warm water, and let it air dry.
