Wooden spoons are awesome for for baking, stirring stir fry’s and is a useful utensil in your kitchen. We especially enjoy using this for cake batters that are sticky, nothing is better than using a sturdy wooden spoon.
Here Is How Wooden Spoons Turn Black:
1.Mold
2.Mildew
3.Excess Food caked on the spoon
These three ways can happen through excess water or washing
We are going to discuss in this article why wooden spoons turn black, how to remove black mould, and when a spoon is too far gone, and needs the boot! I am sure this will be useful so please keep reading.
Why Do Wooden Spoons Turn Black?
Wooden spoons carry bacteria when not washed correctly or too much water placed (for long periods of time) on the spoon. Bacteria forms on the spoon and this is normally due to unnecessary:
Soaking in Water: Please only hand wash a spoon as I know it is tempting to soak the spoon (especially if it has caked on food over it). Excessive soaking of water can cause bacteria within and inside the spoon. It also can soften the wood and cause warping and splitting within the spoon.
Placing in the Dishwasher: Placing any wood kitchen appliance including a wooden spoon is very similar to soaking in water, excessive water that a dishwasher produces will affect any wooden spoon. This causes bacteria which then can turn to mould or mildew over the spoon.
Not cleaned properly: Hand washing your wooden spoon is vital. If hand scrubbing is not done with detergent and water than food pieces will stay on the spoon (or within the cracks if there are any). This is another way bacteria is formed.
The above three ways are normally how bacteria is formed which then changes the colour of the spoon, so it is always best to avoid these methods.
How Do You Remove Black Mould From Wooden Spoons?
Below is 3 great methods to removing black mould from your wooden spoon:
Method 1
Traditional Way of Cleaning A Wooden Spoon
You Need A : Scourer Sponge, Dishwashing Detergent, Hot Water,
Step 1.
Rinse the wooden spoon with hot water
Step 2.
Using the rough surface of the scourer sponge scrub the surface of the spoon
Step 3.
Add a squirt of dishwashing detergent onto the scourer and continue to scrub the surface of the spoon
Step 4.
Rinse with hot water
Step 5
Wipe with a tea towel or paper towel
Step 6
Leave to dry naturally
Method 2:
Salt and Bicarb Method
You will need a : Scourer, Lemon, Sea Salt, Bicarb Soda, dishwashing detergent Warm Water, Bowel, Cloth
Step 1.
Rinse Wooden Spoon With Hot Water
Step 2.
Rub Salt and Bicarb onto both sides of the Spoon and leave for 5 minutes
Step 3.
Fill a large bowel with med warm water
Step 4.
Add a squirt of detergent onto the scourer and scrub the wooden spoon
Step 5.
Place the spoon in the bowel for a few minutes
Step 6.
Pat dry with a cloth and then let the spoon dry naturally.
Method 3.
Bicarb and Vinegar
You will need a: Bowl, Liquid Soap, Vinegar (4 tablespoons), Bicarb Soda (2 teaspoons), Scourer, Warm Water, Cloth, Sunflower Oil
Step 1.
Rise your wooden spoon with hot water
Step 2.
Place warm water in a large bowl, add 4 tablespoons of vinegar, 2 teaspoons of bicarb and a squirt of detergent.
Step 3.
Place spoon and leave in the bowel for a few minutes
Step 4.
Use the Scourer with some elbow grease and scrub off any food particles.
Step 5.
Pat Dry with Cloth
Step 6.
Add some sunflower oil onto cloth and rub into Wooden Spoon.
When To Dispose Of Your Wooden Spoon?
If you have cleaned your spoon, and it looks worse for wear then maybe it is time to dispose of it.
Below are a few signs you can look for to know your spoon is ready for the bin (or to be recycled).
Large Cracks: Large Cracks are a place for bacteria to be stored. If your spoon is very old and developed cracks then it may be time to look at getting rid of the spoon.
Soft Spots Within The Wood: Soft spots can develop when a spoon has been soaked in water or placed in the dishwasher too many times.