Cleaning is the most important part of the kitchen. If proper hygiene is not maintained, then it could lead to many foodborne illnesses. Kitchen utensils definitely make our lives easier, but cleaning them is also a task that requires proper knowledge.
Not all utensils are created the same; you cannot clean wooden utensils such as wooden spoons, wooden chopping boards, and dough bowls the same way you would clean stainless steel utensils. Therefore, it is important for you to know how to clean wooden utensils the right way, as they are prone to absorbing oil and dirt.
Removing dirt and oil from wooden utensils could turn out difficult if you don't know how to clean them, and no one likes to keep their utensils stained or with a foul odour. So, in this article, we will look at five important tips that will help you clean your wooden utensils like a pro.
Use Vinegar
Vinegar is a great item to have in your pantry, not only for cooking but also because of its cleaning properties as well. To clean and get rid of unwanted stains from your wooden utensils, all you have to do is make a mixture with equal parts water (room temperature) and vinegar. Soak your utensils in the mixture to scrub off all the impurities. This also helps in eliminating any foul smell from the utensils.
Use Lemon Juice
Another easy way to clean your wooden utensils is by squeezing some lemon juice over them. Lemon is a common grocery item that is available throughout the year, so you shouldn't have any problem. Lemon juice could be used to eliminate bad odours while also helping to remove stains. Soak your utensils in hot water, and later squeeze the lemon juice onto them. Gently rub the utensils with a sponge scrubber to eliminate any stains.
Use Salt
To remove all bacteria, properly wash your wooden utensil with hot, soapy water. Pour a generous amount of coarse salt over it and rub with a half-cut lemon until the salt dissolves. After that, rinse it with cool water and let it dry.
Use Baking Soda
Another simple hack is to make sure your wooden utensils are stain- and odour-free. This is a simple trick; all you have to do is sprinkle some baking soda over the areas where the stains are and then squeeze some lemon juice on top of it. To finish it off, take a clean cloth, gently scrub the areas, and rinse the utensils to get clean, odour-free utensils.
Use Sandpaper
This is also a great way to get rid of stains if everything else doesn't work. You can simply use sandpaper to scrape off the areas that are stained. This will help in eliminating the stains, and the fresher wood will become the topmost layer. It also helps in giving a smoother finish to the utensil.