Why You Should Never Boil Your Wooden Spoons—Despite What the Internet Says

Melanie Underwood, founder of Nourish and Gather and author of Making Artisan Cheesecake, was quoted in a Martha Stewart article on how to properly clean and care for wooden spoons.

• Boiling wooden spoons doesn’t remove hidden grime—it causes natural tannins and oils to leach out while weakening the wood.

• Long soaks and extreme heat damage wood by swelling and drying it unevenly, making spoons more likely to crack and split.

• Gentle washing, quick drying, and occasional oiling keep wooden spoons clean, antimicrobial, and usable for many years.

There's no shortage of cleaning hacks on TikTok, but few are as oddly mesmerizing as the videos of wooden spoons plunged into boiling water. Within minutes, the water turns a murky brown—proof, the posters say, of the release of years of grime. The clips have gone viral more than once, resurfacing again this year, and the dramatic reveal is hard to resist.

According to culinary teachers and woodworkers who spend their careers working with natural materials, what's bubbling up isn't dirt at all; it's the wood itself reacting to extreme heat. And that reaction, they say, can actually damage the tools you're trying to revive. Here's what really happens when you boil a wooden spoon, why soaking isn't much better, and the simple steps that will keep your kitchen workhorses clean, smooth, and working beautifully for years.

Rachel Longenecker, wholesale manager at Lancaster Cast Iron, which sells a line of wooden cooking utensils

Melanie Underwood, chef, certified cooking instructor, and founder of Nourish and Gather

Why Boiling Wooden Spoons Can Backfire

We get it. Boiling seems like a logical way to deep-clean a wooden spoon. High heat, after all, sterilizes, but wood is different from metal or silicone. Wood is porous, which means when it's submerged in boiling water, it will swell and soften. Then, as the spoon dries, it contracts unevenly.

"If wooden spoons are repeatedly boiled or left soaking for long periods, the fibers can weaken and dry out over time," says Rachel Longenecker, wholesale manager at Lancaster Cast Iron, which sells a line of wooden cooking utensils. "A dry utensil means it is more likely to split or crack."

What many viral videos frame as "years of hidden grime" lifting out of the spoon is often just tannins and natural pigments leaching from the wood—an effect that becomes more pronounced at very high temperatures. It's visually dramatic, but experts say it's not evidence of contamination.

"The off-color in the water is the natural oils in the spoon, and creating cracks in wood actually allows for more bacteria to potentially seep in and stay," says Melanie Underwood, chef, certified culinary educator, and founder of Nourish and Gather, which hosts cooking classes and retreats. "Wood is antimicrobial, and when it is properly maintained, it is much less likely to harbor bacteria."

Soaking Wooden Spoons Isn't a Good Idea Either

While not as aggressive as boiling, soaking wooden utensils for long periods is not a good idea either. When submerged, wood absorbs water slowly and deeply. If it doesn't dry completely, moisture can get trapped in the grain.

"Repeated prolonged soaking breaks down the wood," Underwood says. "Wood is fiber and pulp. I use the analogy of particle board—if you soak it, it disintegrates quickly. Wooden spoons won't disintegrate (the wood is much harder), but they will break down. You'll need to replace spoons much faster when they are soaked."

The Right Way to Clean Wooden Spoons

Wooden spoons have earned their place in the kitchen because they're durable, comfortable to hold, and gentle on cookware. They don't need dramatic deep cleans or viral tricks to stay in good shape. With simple maintenance, your favorite spoon will continue to stir, scrape, and serve for years to come.

"Wooden utensils are far more durable than people give them credit for," says Longenecker. "A long soak or a little extra water exposure isn't going to make them fall apart. I think some of the viral trends unintentionally intimidate people into believing their spoon will split into a million pieces if they make one wrong move—that's simply not true. Trust me, I've accidentally left mine soaking once or twice, and they're still perfectly usable. With normal care, wooden tools really do last for years."

She recommends a simple routine: wash with mild soap and warm water, dry immediately, and apply oil occasionally.

Deeper Cleaning

For occasional deep refreshes, coarse salt or baking soda can help lift stains without saturating the wood. A quick swipe with half a lemon can tame odors without damage.

How to Care for Wooden Spoons Long-Term: Oiling and Maintenance

Wooden tools also benefit from occasional conditioning—much like moisturizing your skin. "A properly cared for wooden spoon will last 15-20 years. One that is boiled or washed in the dishwasher, six months to one year," says Underwood.

When a spoon starts to look dry, chalky, or rough, rub in a small amount of food-safe oil. Mineral oil is the classic choice because it won't go rancid. Apply a thin coat, let it soak in, then wipe away any excess.

"Many people only oil their spoons every few months, and only when the wood starts to look a little dry. It's a quick, easy step that keeps the spoon smooth and conditioned," Longenecker says. "Food-grade mineral oil or a mineral-oil-and-beeswax blend are our favorites. They're easy to use, absorb quickly, and won't go rancid. The oil penetrates the wood to keep it from drying out, while the beeswax adds a gentle protective layer that repels water. It takes less than a minute and makes a noticeable difference."

A well-loved wooden spoon can last for decades, but if you start to see visible cracks, a fuzzy, raised grain, mold, or notice any persistent odors, even after cleaning and drying, it's time to retire the spoon.

https://www.marthastewart.com/should-you-boil-wooden-spoons-11863749