Wash Wooden Utensils in Dishwasher, Is It Okay?
Having a dishwasher in your home is a convenient luxury. It takes care…
…of everyday dishes, glassware and silverware as well as delicate items and big pots and pans after a party. You may have cleaned up after a meal, stacking things in the dishwasher so you can fast forward to more fun activities, only to find yourself holding a wooden spoon and wondering “Can this go in the dishwasher?” We can help clear up this and other questions about wooden utensils in dishwashers.
Wooden Utensils
If you are looking to buy some new wooden spoons or forks then here’s where to start! Wooden spoons are great to keep around when cooking with kids because they won’t scratch counters like plastic ones do. They also make it easy to scoop food into small containers without having to worry about breaking off chunks. There are plenty of different types of wooden spoons available including:
- Oval shaped wooden spoons which allow for easier mixing of ingredients
- Spoon handles made from natural materials such as bone, horn and ivory
- Round wooden spoons for stirring sauces or scraping down sides of pot
Some people prefer using wooden spoons while others choose stainless steel counterparts. However, there are many advantages to choosing wooden utensils over metal alternatives. For starters, wooden spoons will not react to acidic foods. This means that you don’t need to bother washing your wooden spoons between meals since they won’t pick up any bacteria from your hands.
Additionally, wooden utensils tend to last longer than their metallic counterparts. Many wooden spoons now come with non-stick coating making them less likely to get scratched and damaged over time. Finally, wooden utensils are generally lighter weight compared to their metal equivalents, meaning that they require less energy to move through air. Therefore, wooden spoons work much better for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Can You Put Wooden Utensils In Dishwasher?
It’s tempting to slot your wooden cutting boards or any wooden utensils in dishwasher, but it’s probably not a good idea. Wood that is exposed to high heat and moisture is very likely to warp, splinter and break over time. The water, high temperatures and length of a dishwasher cycle can seriously damage your wood cutting boards.
Your Wooden Cooking Equipment May BeR Ruined By The Dishwasher.
After a heavy meal, throwing your wooden cooking utensils and cutting boards in the dishwasher and setting it to “deep clean” may seem like the simple way out, but please don’t. Wood, of course, is an organic material that may be harmed by prolonged contact to water. Not only might the continual blast of hot water destroy your precious wooden spoons, but so could the dishwashing detergent.
Dishwasher detergent and hot water can remove the oils from your wood, causing it to distort and break. Have you ever tried cutting on a warped and cracked cutting board or stirring a pot with a warped and cracked spoon? It’s not enjoyable. There are several ways to misuse a dishwasher, and placing wooden cooking utensils in it is certainly one of them.
The most effective method for cleaning and caring for wooden kitchen items
Cleaning your wooden spatulas, spoons, and rolling pins isn’t difficult, but you’ll have to do it yourself rather than rely on contemporary kitchen technology. Warm soapy water, a sponge, and a little elbow grease are all you need. Allowing your wooden items to soak in water before cleaning can also cause the wood to distort. After you’ve cleaned them, make sure to dry them with a towel and they’ll be ready for their next usage.
To guarantee that your wooden utensils endure as long as possible, rub them down with a food-safe mineral oil on a regular basis. To preserve the wood and give it a lovely shine, use a mineral oil/beeswax mixture. Choosing the right oil for wooden utensil maintenance is critical, because olive or vegetable oil will ultimately get rancid and make you sick. It is not difficult to care for your wooden utensils, and if done correctly, they should endure for many years.
Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
