Wooden spoons are familiar kitchen utensils thanks to their friendliness and do not cause scratches that damage pots and pans when used. However, due to their porous properties, the wooden material of kitchen utensils often has odors and is difficult to clean grease.
Therefore, quite a few housewives have a habit of boiling wooden utensils with boiling water to kill bacteria. But this method more or less affects health if not implemented properly.
Destroying natural structures, causing cracks
Boiling wooden utensils in boiling water at high temperatures will cause the wood fibers to expand unevenly. After being removed and dried, the wood suddenly shrinks and leads to deformation or the appearance of small cracks. cracked gaps will be places where bacteria easily multiply and greatly affect family health.
Reduce the protective layer, causing odor
Most quality wooden spoons will be coated with a layer of vegetable oil to prevent water from seeping inside. Boiling in boiling water will reduce this protective layer, making the wood surface rougher and cracks clearer. This is also the reason why wooden spoons are very difficult to clean food odors, dish soap as well as easily accumulate pathogens.
Risk of chemical poisoning
Many types of wooden spoons with cheap prices may contain mold-resistant chemicals or colorants. At high temperatures such as boiling water, harmful substances will be eliminated and seeped back into the wooden body of kitchen utensils. When continuing to use wooden utensils, these harmful substances will directly affect the health of the family.
Apply proper cleaning methods
Instead of cleaning and disinfecting with boiling water, wooden utensils should be cleaned with diluted dish soap and dried immediately. To deodorize periodically, you can use a mixture of lemon and granulated salt to rub on the surface, or quickly soak in a diluted vinegar solution.
Apply a layer of vegetable oil every 1 to 2 months to the surface of wooden kitchen utensils will help maintain shine and prevent cracks as well as extend the life of the product.
