How to Revive Your Favorite Wooden Spoon
Updated: Jul. 17, 2019
Sure, wooden spoons are kitchen staples. But frequent use results in a lot of wear and tear! Learn our best tips and tricks for how to clean a wooden spoon.
Your trusty wooden spoon is a must-have, and for good reason. It won’t scratch surfaces, leach chemicals or conduct heat, meaning it never melts. In fact, our Test Kitchen staff swears by wooden spoons! See what other kitchen gadgets they recommend, too.
Because wooden spoons are so versatile, frequent use can result in a lot of wear and tear. When that spoon is looking worse for the wear, you might be tempted to toss it, but you don’t have to. In fact, you can bring it back to life using some simple tricks.
Here’s how to clean a wooden spoon:
1. Wash by Hand
Soon after you cook with your wooden spoon, wash it with warm, soapy water to prevent any stains from setting. Pat the spoon dry with a towel and then let it thoroughly air dry before putting it away. Never let a wooden spoon sit in water for too long because the wood will absorb the water, expand and then contract as it dries, which can result in cracks.
Also, never put your wood spoons in the dishwasher! The steam and dry cycle can crack the wood. Once your spoon splinters, cracks or frays, it’s time to toss it. Bacteria and smells can get stuck in the cracks.
Speaking of bacteria, check out 18 places in your home that are covered with germs.
2. Scrub Stains Away
If your spoons are stained and soapy water isn’t cutting it, it’s time to grab some kitchen essentials to get them looking new. After washing with soapy water, pour salt onto the spoon and scrub it with a halved lemon. Not only will this combo remove stubborn stains, it’ll keep things smelling fresh. Rinse with cool water and dry.
If things are still smelly, create a paste of baking soda and water, and then scrub that in with a halved lemon. Baking soda is great at neutralizing organic acids. That’s why we love it for cleaning!
Remember, if your spoons are stained, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re dirty. Even stubborn stains, like those from tomato sauce or turmeric, will eventually fade over time.
3. Sand and Reseason
If all else fails, use sandpaper to lightly scrub away the dirty layer of wood. You’ll need to reseason the spoon before using it again. To reseason, preheat your oven to 350° F. Wipe the spoon with a neutral oil (like grapeseed or mineral oil) and place in the oven for two to three minutes. Don’t use olive or vegetable oil for this, though.
It’s a good idea to periodically condition your wooden spoons with oil to help them last longer. Even quickly rubbing them with oil and wiping the excess away will help them stay fresh!
Now that you have a refreshed wooden spoon, take it for a spin with some of our favorite stir-fry recipes.
Pork & Ramen Stir-Fry
Teriyaki Glazed Chicken
I love to experiment with food. We're able to buy sweet onions grown on Maui, so I stir-fry them with chicken and carrots for a tasty teriyaki meal. —Kelly Brenneman, Riverdale, California Want more? Discover these authentic Asian recipes.
Veggie-Cashew Stir-Fry
Getting my meat-loving husband and two sons, ages 5 and 7, to eat more veggies had always been a struggle until I whipped up this stir-fry. I was shocked when they cleaned their plates and asked for seconds. —Abbey Hoffman, Ashland, Ohio. Looking for variations? Try this easy-to-make vegan stir-fry.
Cashew Chicken with Ginger
There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it's easy to prepare. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
Whole Grain Chow Mein
My kids are picky eaters, but teriyaki and hoisin sauces work wonders with them. They love the meatballs, and I swap the noodles for whole grain pasta. —Kelly Shippey, Orange, California For more delicious ideas, check out these flavorful bok choy recipes.
Thai Scallop Saute
Just open a bottle of Thai peanut sauce to give this seafood stir-fry some serious authenticity. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Craving takeout? Learn to make Thai-inspired and traditional Thai recipes, like pad thai and pork satay, right at home.
Mongolian Chicken
This is a different, fun way to make chicken. It has a lot of flavor and a bit of heat for good measure. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York Craving a Japanese dish? Check out our chicken yakisoba recipe.
Spicy Beef & Pepper Stir-Fry
Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the savory beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida
Chicken Stir-Fry with Noodles
Stir-fry noodles on a cooking show caught my eye. I ran with the idea and loaded mine with veggies. Now it’s our favorite hurry-up meal. —Beverly Norris, Evanston, Wyoming
Colorful Shrimp Pad Thai
Bright, fresh veggie flavors, a splash of tart lime juice, the crunch of peanuts and a hint of heat make this healthy, beautiful shrimp stir-fry a real standout! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pork & Mango Stir-Fry
A recipe is special when everyone in your family raves about it. My finicky eaters each give a thumbs-up for this hearty, nutty stir-fry. —Kathleen Specht, Clinton, Montana
Speedy Salmon Stir-Fry
Salmon is a staple where I live, so I tried it in a stir-fry. My recipe has an orange glaze, but I like it with lime, too. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Sesame Turkey Stir-Fry
I really like the rich taste of sesame oil in this Thai-inspired dish. If you don't have it, canola oil does the trick, too. To get a similar nuttiness, toss in a handful sliced almonds before serving. —Kelli Whiting, Fortville, Indiana
Asian Veggie Glass Noodles
My mom immigrated from the Philippines, so we would often eat Filipino pancit, a well-known glass noodles dish. I took her version and added my own touches to make it easier and a little healthier. —Jasmin Baron, Livonia, New York
Sirloin Stir-Fry with Ramen Noodles
I created this recipe when I was craving good Chinese food. The leftovers taste just as yummy when reheated the next day. —Annette Hemsath, Sutherlin, Oregon
Quick Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
This Asian chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a household best bet. The spicy sauce works with chicken, seafood, pork or beef. Add whatever veggies you have on hand. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
BBQ Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry
This was a spur-of-the-moment experiment when we wanted something nice and filling, but also easy. I had steak, peppers and onions on hand, and this is what my mind created. We make it often. For something different, try it in tortillas for fajitas. —Rochelle Dickson, Potwin, Kansas
Saucy Thai Beef Noodles
This stir-fry has been a family favorite for some time. I like to double the recipe and add extra vegetables. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Sizzling Chicken Lo Mein
All the high school students at the school where I work love this scrumptious chicken dish. It is the most requested recipe I have. —Kris Campion, Marshall, Minnesota
Scallops with Snow Peas
The vibrant, crisp pea pods in this dish are a nice contrast with the soft scallops. The dish looks and tastes bright and fresh. —Barb Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
Balsamic Pork Stir-Fry
The solution to expensive Chinese takeout is right here. I think this pork stir-fry is much tastier than any takeout I've tried. —Susan Jones, Appleton, Wisconsin
Orange Beef and Asparagus Stir-fry
Take your go-to Asian restaurant off speed dial; this is hands down better than takeout! Leftover grilled steak, fresh veggies and a sweet orange glaze—see what we mean? —Cindy Johnson, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Spicy Orange Chicken
I created a citrusy version of General Tso's chicken. Top with sesame seeds and green onions, roasted red peppers and sugar snap peas. —Paula Williams, Covington, Kentucky
Classic Cashew Beef
My family loves stir-fries, and I love them even more because they are healthy and easy to prepare. I’ve been making this recipe for years. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Chicken Soba Noodle Toss
This is one of my favorite meals for busy weeknights. You can prepare all the ingredients the day before and then put the dish together just before dinner. —Elizabeth Brown, Lowell, Massachusetts
Easy Ginger Pork Stir-Fry
An easy homemade stir-fry sauce is the perfect base for this weeknight dish. It comes together quickly but tastes impressive. —Adeline Russell, Hartford, Wisconsin
Caribbean Chicken Stir-Fry
Fruit cocktail in stir-fry? You might be surprised by how good this dish is. It's a promising go-to option when time's tight. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Beef & Spinach Lo Mein
If you like a good stir-fry, this beef and spinach lo mein will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
Mandarin Pork Stir-Fry
When my husband and I were dating, he told me he liked Asian food. I got a wok and discovered the joy of dishes like this pork stir-fry. —Laurie Martignon, Niagara, Wisconsin
Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry
We love how the snappy veggies and pineapple make this stir-fry taste fresh and bright. Add brown sugar and you get a sweet-and-sour dish that’s packed with flavor. —DeEtta Rasmussen, Fort Madison, Iowa
Asparagus Tofu Stir-Fry
With its flavorful ginger sauce and fresh vegetables, this tasty dish is a favorite. I get rave reviews every time I serve it, and it doesn’t bother my husband’s food allergies. Check out our guide if you’re new to tofu. —Phyllis Smith, Chimacum, Washington
Stir-Fried Shrimp and Mushrooms
After a tiring but beautiful day of fishing, this is a fast and delicious way to serve our famous Key West pink shrimp. It's always a big hit with guests. —Jeanne Wolfort, Summerland Key, Florida
Pork and Vegetable Lo Mein
Traditional Asian flavors combine for a super supper that will please the whole family. —Simple & Delicious Test Kitchen
Turkey Asparagus Stir-Fry
Twenty minutes is all you'll need to make this quick stir-fry. Lean turkey, asparagus and mushrooms make it super nutritious, too. —Darlene Kennedy, Galion, Ohio
Coconut Curry Shrimp
Here’s a shrimp dish with sweet coconut milk, complemented by the spiciness of curry. Jasmine rice makes a fragrant bed for the sumptuous stir-fry. —Cindy Romberg, Mississauga, Ontario
Stir-Fried Scallops and Asparagus
Served over quick-cooking ramen noodles, this stir-fry is perfect for busy families on hurried weeknights. Not only do we love the taste, but it comes together in about half an hour. —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio
Honey Chicken Stir-Fry
I'm a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. —Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan
Broccoli-Pork Stir-Fry with Noodles
I combined several recipes to come up with this dish that my family loves. It is not only quick and delicious but also healthy. I sometimes substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the pork. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Stir-Fry Rice Bowl
My meatless version of Korean bibimbap is tasty, pretty and easy to tweak for different spice levels. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
