Can You Put Wooden Spoons in the Dishwasher?

can you put wooden spoons in the dishwasher

Do you like washing your kitchenware by hand? This household chore is time-consuming. An automatic dishwasher lets you forego it. But not completely. There are essential utensils that are not easy to clean. Can you put wooden spoons in the dishwasher? Commonly, wooden utensils need handwashing. They require disinfection, sanding, and drying with a towel. Steam or leftover moisture may cause cracking or warping. So, let’s discuss how to care for your wooden kitchenware properly.

Are Bamboo Spoons Dishwasher Safe?

Wood is traditional and practical material. Humans use wooden spoons since ancient times. Nowadays, you have many other options. Stainless steel, plastic, nylon silicone spoons are available in almost every kitchen.

You may still prefer time-honored wood. Wooden utensils are superior to other materials because they are:

  • soft, gentle in use;wooden spoons hold bacteria
  • safe and inert;
  • lightweight;
  • non-conductive;
  • durable;
  • environment-friendly.

Do wooden spoons hold bacteria? Many wood species have germ-killing properties. Bamboo is a woody grass. Its timber is naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. So are pine, cedar, and oak.

Wooden spoons stay warm for a long time. They don’t burn your hands or tongue. It lets you eat faster and get on with your professional or daily chores. Wooden utensils are lightweight and comfortable to grip.

Finally, wood is non-reactive. Above all, it doesn’t leach chemicals into your delicious food. Cleaning issues are the only disadvantages of wooden spoons. Most importantly, their surface is porous, and so, they require careful cleaning.

Can You Put Wood in the Dishwasher?

Wooden spoons are beautiful, safe and comfortable. They are pretty durable if you care for them properly. Wood doesn’t break like glass items. It doesn’t warp or discolor like disposable plastic bowls. Just pay attention to the spoons’ quality.

Softwood absorbs moisture and odors easily. Dishwasher detergent is not too mild. It might damage delicate surfaces. Additionally, long-term exposure to hot water may cause furring or cracking of wood. Which wood species are preferable?

Types of Wooden Spoons

PropertyBambooPineMaple
Density, lb/ft319-2522-3333-44
Modulus of Elasticity, MPa33,41813,00011,300
Thermal Conductivity, W/mK0.12-0.1651.0-1.121.09-1.19
Moisture content, green, %62-6545-5345-56

You probably know what should you not put in a dishwasher. All wooden items are on the list. High temperature and moisture affect them. Quite naturally, manufacturers season raw stuff initially. Dry wood with moisture content of 12-15% is strong. Its mechanical properties are perfect. Use wooden utensils at a temperature from 32 to 140 degrees F only. Relative humidity level should not exceed 80%.

What to Put in Dishwasher?

Most standard tableware and utensils are dishwasher-safe. They stand out by smooth surfaces, resist moisture and high temperature. Highly effective detergents don’t cause any damage to them.

The list of easy-to-clean tableware includes:

  1. Ceramic bowls, plates, and cups.
  2. Stainless steel flatware.
  3. Pyrex glass items.
  4. Plastic chopping boards.
  5. Silicone tools and brushes.

Measuring cups and spoons are commonly plastic. Most of them are dishwasher-safe. They consist of impact-resistant ABS or polypropylene materials. Pyrex glass baking dishes, containers and cutting boards are dishwasher-safe too. They are made of borosilicate tempered glass. So, you have easy-to-clean alternatives to wooden boards and utensils.

What Not to Put in Dishwasher?

It’s commonly safe to put your silverware and poultry scissors in your dishwasher. Good, sharp knives might still get dull. Abrasive detergents and bumping against other items can affect their sharpness. Additionally, there is a risk of cutting your hands while you load or unload kitchen utensils.
what to put in dishwasher

Other things that are not dishwasher-safe include:

  • cast iron skillets;
  • aluminum cookware;
  • copper mugs and pans;
  • hand-painted cups and dishes;
  • lids of pressure cookers;
  • thin, PET plastic containers.

Cast iron is a perfect material. It’s chemical-free and durable. Food doesn’t stick to these pans. So, you cook with less oil. But cast iron requires seasoning. A layer of oil protects it from rust. Aluminum is rust-resistant. But harsh detergents may damage or stain its surface. Non-stick coatings are also vulnerable to them.

Don’t try dishwashing insulated travel mugs. High temperatures can damage your mug’s seal. Tools with sharp edges such as sieves and graters require handwashing. Water stream hardly removes all food particles from their perforated surfaces. Plastic containers and melamine dishes are especially vulnerable. Heat and detergents might ruin them completely. Wooden utensils can never go in your dishwasher. They need washing by hands and special care.

How Do You Clean Wooden Spoons?

Wooden boards and spoons are versatile and long-lasting. But they are very delicate. These items are safe and lightweight. Wooden spoons don’t scratch your non-stick cookware. Cooking with them is pleasant and comfortable. The handle doesn’t get hot. Wood resists heat. The spoon doesn’t melt in hot syrup or soup. Its edge may only change its color, becoming a bit darker.

Have you got your favorite wooden spoons? Clean them every day, at once after use.how do you clean wooden spoons

  1. Rinse them with warm water.
  2. Wash by hands with gentle dish detergent and hot water.
  3. Scrub the surface with a sponge or your fingers.
  4. Rinse the spoon.
  5. Dry it off immediately with a clean towel.

When should you throw away wooden spoons? If they crack, you won’t renew them. Distorted in shape items would require replacement. Other damages are not permanent. Rub the surface with steel wool or a piece of sandpaper. Disinfect it by vinegar, lemon juice or baking soda. Season it with natural or mineral oil.

Final Impression

Thus, you shouldn’t put any wooden items in your dishwasher. Heat and long-term exposure to water make them warp or crack. Do you like your favorite spoons? You might prefer them, as they don’t burn your hands. If so, wash your favorite utensils by hand. Otherwise, replace them with dishwasher-safe utensils. Stainless steel spoons are durable and heavy-duty. You’ll face no cleaning or maintenance issues.

Video Review: How to Clean Wooden Spoons?

1 thought on “Can You Put Wooden Spoons in the Dishwasher?”

  1. If you have wooden spoons in the dishwasher, they must be dishwasher safe, right? Not necessarily. While it’s true that most wooden utensils are safe to wash in the dishwasher, it’s not so simple when it comes to wooden spoons. Most wooden spoons are made with a varnish finish, which makes them at risk for reacting with detergents when they come in contact with hot water. This can cause the wood to chip, which may be hazardous to your health.

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