Why is my wooden spoon black?
Christopher Davis
Updated on May 22, 2026
Otherwise, the wood will become so wet that mold might start to occur. Replenish moisture in wooden spoons with our DIY olive oil and lemon juice wood polish. Dispose of any wooden utensils or serving pieces that have developed black spots or an odor, which can signal a mold problem.
Why do wooden utensils turn black?
Wooden spoons are likely to get mold if they aren't thoroughly cleaned, after washing a wooden spoon ensure it properly dries out before storing away. Bacteria build-up forms the mold around the wooden spoon. When you discover mold on your wooden spoon it can be a health hazard if not dealt with right away.When should you throw away wooden spoons?
Wooden spoons can harbor bacteria as the years go on which can then add bacteria to your food. You can tell that it's time to replace your wooden spoon when the wood becomes soft, dark or the wood is cracking. These are indications that the wood is rotting from the bacteria covering it.How do you get color out of a wooden spoon?
You can scrub the surface with the cut side of a halved lemon or with a baking soda and water paste. Or, you can simply sprinkle baking soda on them, generously squeeze lemon juice, and let the spoon marinate for a bit. Make sure to wash it off with soapy water, and let it fully air dry.How do you deep clean a wooden spoon?
Let your spoons soak in equal parts white vinegar and room temperature water overnight to really dig deep into the muck. This will also help remove any weird smells. Just soak, wash, and dry in sunlight.Are wooden spoons sanitary?
How do you get mold off of wooden utensils?
Soak in a mild bleach solution.
- Rinse with hot water and soak for a few more minutes to remove any residual bleach.
- Towel dry the spoon then let it sit and air out.
- Bleach is best used on utensils that have been packed up or out of use for a long time and might have picked up mold or germs.
Should you boil your wooden spoons?
Back in 2016, Matt Preston shared with delicious.com.au a handy hack for cleaning your wooden spoons. In the story, Matt suggested soaking your wooden spoons in a cup of boiling water for around 20 minutes to help release oils and liquids that have been absorbed into the wood.Is it bad to soak wooden spoons?
Never Soak or Put Them in the DishwasherPlus, food particles can seep into tiny cracks in the wood, allowing bacteria to proliferate and create a health risk. Clean 'em right away, they'll last longer. The biggest no-no in wooden kitchenware care is cleaning them in the dishwasher.