Wooden spoons?

Hi,

Are you washing your wooden spoons in a dishwasher or by hand? Wooden spoons should not be exposed to water for an extended period of time, if so it is likely mold or mildew setting in and making the black spots. Or it could be bacteria from inadequate washing.

Wash them by hand and air dry completely before putting them away.

If the black spots seem to stay on your spoons, I would toss them out or use as an outside garden marker. Replacements are not expensive, visit the dollar store.

A dishwasher will actually cause your wooden utensils and spoons to crack and warp over time. And can damage them in ways you might not see.

Use a dishwashing soap and the hottest water possible.

Dry wooden pieces immediately with a dish towel, to prevent moisture accumulating in the wood and creating mold.

For extra cleaning power, occasionally rinse the wooden pieces with white distilled vinegar to kill germs, bacteria and mold, or you can rub half a lemon across the utensils to disinfect, as well.

Because of the porous nature of wood, you never want to soak wooden items in water for any length of time. For example, letting them soak in a kitchen sink until you’re ready for your next load of dishes. Otherwise, the wood will become so wet that mold might start to occur.

It's probably embedded in the wood so I would toss them. You could try soaking in vinegar to kill the mold spores but the staining will probably remain. Hydrogen peroxide can fade the spots.

here is some info for you https://wowsoclean.com/how-to-clean-moldy-wooden-spoon/#:~:text=Wooden%20spoons%20are%20likely%20to,mold%20around%20the%20wooden%20spoon.

Probly mold. Re wash and dry completely. Dont let them air dry

I would soak your wooden spoons in a strong solution of white distilled vinegar for about 5 minutes, then wash with very hot soapy water, dry with a dishcloth and then allow to air dry completely. If the spots remain, I'd toss them and purchase new ones and then care for them by always washing by hand with very hot water and dishwashing soap, drying as much as possible with a cloth and then allowing to air dry. Using the vinegar once in a while will help to keep them bacteria free.

Yes, I would stop using them for food at that point. You could upcycle them though. They are great for so many craft projects from garden to holiday DIYs. https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/upcycled-wooden-spoon-garden-markers-43354053

Clean them with a rough sponge and soap and water. When they are dry rub them with a small amount of walnut oil then buff with a paper towel. They will maintain there coloration much longer. I have had some for years.

if you don’t want to buy walnut oil (it’s great on salads) just use a little olive or any other cooking oil.

It sounds like mold to me. I'd wash them in dishwasher detergent that has bleach in it. That may get rid of the spots. I know you aren't supposed to, but I still put my wood spoons in my dishwasher and have never had this problem. Maybe you could just stick them in the dishwasher and see what happens. You have nothing to lose if you may just end up throwing them out anyway.

Thanks for the thought - I will try it!!

I guess the same goes for cutting boards

It sounds like mold and personally, I would toss them. Be sure not to soak them in water or put them in the dishwasher.

If you think it is mold of any kind I'd throw them away. You can buy wooden spoons at the dollar store, replacing them often will keep you safe.