Caring for wooden spoons:
I use Walnut oil to protect my eating / cooking spoons.
Walnut oil polymerases when it comes into contact with the air; and unlike other cooking oils will not become rancid. When spread out on the wooden surface of a wooden spoon the walnut oil molecules re-arrange themselves, hardening and becoming inert – like paint drying. Once polymerised, the walnut oil will protect your spoon from the degrading effects of regular contact with water and detergents. Spoons can be prepared with unrefined, untoasted Sesame oil for those who have a walnut nut allergy.
Cleaning wooden spoons:
- To wash any wooden spoon, use the minimum of detergent in hot water. Wash as soon as possible after use to avoid having to soak. Rinse well in clean cold water . Dry your spoons well with a tea-towel, instead of letting them air dry.
- Always avoid washing spoons in a dishwasher or immersing them in water for longer than a few minutes to avoid moisture getting into the wood. Soaking will cause the wood fibres to swell and then as they dry out cracking can occur over time. There is a balance to be found between cleaning you spoon and removing the protective oil, so here’s how to maintain your spoon.
Maintaining wooden spoons:
- Oiling spoons moisturises the wood, helping to stop it drying out and splitting. The oil also acts as a hygienic seal. Oil your wooden spoon every 2-3 months or if the spoon starts to look a little dull or fuzzy.
- All you need to do is buy a little walnut oil, from your local supermarket, and gently rub it onto your spoon. Warming the oil slightly first will help it to penetrate the wood. Leave the spoon on a clean cloth overnight, then ease away the excess oil.
Repairing wooden spoons:
- Over time, with prolonged use, wooden spoons will become rough to the touch, feeling fuzzy and looking dull. You can return the spoon to its original smooth, bright finish by lightly rubbing it with fine sand paper – 400 to 600 grit.
- For deeper blemishes in the spoon – burns or dents, etc: start with a coarse grit sand paper 80 grit and then a 180 to 240, finishing with 400 to 600 grit. Bear in mind if the blemish is not first removed with a coarse sand paper, then a finer grit will take a lot more effort to remove it. Finishing with finer and finer grades of sandpaper removes the polishing scratches left by the coarser sandpaper.
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