How to Properly Care for Wooden Spoons and Cutting Boards

Today, I want to share with you how to condition wooden spoons and cutting boards. As some of you may know my grandparents passed away in March of this year and a few weeks ago we met as a family to go through my Granny’s estate. Let me just say, it was a HUGE blessing for my aunts and uncles to allow us to be a part of this process. I know it doesn’t always happen this way (we had a completely different experience with another set of grandparents so I can completely relate to both sides) and while we spent the day, laughing, crying and hugging each other tight I can honestly say, we all counted the day as a gift.

I brought home a lot of things I haven’t had a chance to share with you yet so I thought I would start a series on how to incorporate and care for heirloom pieces that have been passed down from one family member to the next. I’m by nature a practical collector. If I can’t find more than one way to use something I usually pass on an item fairly quickly. But there are a few sentimental pieces I keep around that have no use at all other than they bring me complete joy when I look at them and think of my loved ones. I’m betting you guys probably have a few pieces like that lying around your house too.

We used to spend a lot of time in the kitchen together baking and making biscuits so some of the pieces I treasured most were found in the kitchen. Things like wooden spoons, cast iron skillets, recipe cards, paring knifes, aprons and wooden mixing bowls. It’s been fun to add these pieces from my Granny to the other pieces I’ve collected over the past few years. It definitely makes me want to take really good care of them so I can pass them down to someone else too. Here’s a look at how you can condition wooden spoons and cutting boards in a few easy steps….

You’ll want to start with a clean spoon and cutting board. Wooden spoons can be cleaned with a mild detergent and hot soapy water and dried with a towel. Cutting boards can be cleaned with salt and lemon.

Then use a product like Howards Butcher Block Conditioner which has a combination of food grade mineral oil, vitamin E, beeswax and carnauba wax. You can also use other food safe oils like coconut, almond or walnut oil to condition wooden utensils and boards. You’ll want to stay away from oils like olive and vegetables oils though as they can turn rancid quickly.

Apply conditioner warm with a clean cloth in the direction of the wood grain. Allow to fully penetrate the wood about 20 minutes as per bottle instructions.

I usually heat mine in the microwave about 15 seconds to make it more pliable so make sure you use caution and care if you choose to warm your conditioner this way too.

After allotted time, wipe off excess conditioner with a soft cloth and buff to a sheen.

Here’s a look at the spoons before and after…

…the cutting boards before and after…

Conditioning your wooden spoons and cutting boards helps to keep the wood from absorbing food odors and stains. The frequency to which you need to condition them will depend on how much you actually use them. You’ll be able to tell it’s time when the wood looks a little tired and thirsty.

Taking a little bit of time each week or month to do this process will help to ensure your wooden spoons, bowls and cutting boards are more sanitary and that they’ll last longer too.

I’m looking forward to baking with the littles this summer and into the holiday season too. I’m all for traveling and other experiences but sometimes the sweetest adventures happen in the kitchen.

See you guys back here tomorrow. I’ll share one of our most favorite projects to come out of Loblolly Manor.

Many blessings,

CoCo