Wooden cooking spoons are some of the most annoying items to clean, aren’t they? Of course, that has not stopped them from becoming a very common kitchen item.

It makes perfect sense to us, though. They are able to be used in a wide range of contexts. They last forever and their durability is second to none. That’s why they are used to stir and mix all of our favorites.

But what happens once it is time to clean them? This is where things start to get tricky and we can fully understand why some of our readers get so frustrated by them. On the other hand, there are those who love the rustic touch that they have to offer to their kitchen décor. Once they have been used frequently, this is where the problems start to arise.

Eventually, they develop an odor and they will begin to look discolored. While the process of cleaning one can be a major challenge, we are here to pass along a helpful tip that is sure to make life easier.

The clip recommends boiling the spoons in hot water as a means of keeping them clean. This seems sensible enough but the experts are split on the matter. The wood can crack, warp or split, causing more damage over the long haul. If the spoon has been treated with wax or oil, this can also cause water to absorb during the boiling process.

In order to avoid the usual pitfalls, you can boil your spoon in a larger pot of water. This keeps the spoon from not having enough space to move around freely.

To keep damage risks minimal, only allow the spoon to remain in the pot for 5 minutes. As soon as the process is complete, remove the spoon from the pot and give it the chance to cool off completely. Dry it off with a clean towel and you are good to go. 

You can also hand wash the  spoon with warm water and use a vinegar solution in order to keep it fully disinfected. For best results, create a solution that is equal parts white vinegar and water. Oil should be applied regularly as well and baking soda works wonder for the truly stubborn stains.