Lifestyle Desk – Most people pay attention to the cleaning of utensils used in the kitchen, but the cleaning of wooden spoons, rolling pin and other wooden items is often ignored. During cooking, these things come in contact with oil, spices, flour and other food items. If they are not cleaned and dried properly, moisture and food residues may remain on them.
The special thing is that wood is not a smooth surface like metal or steel. It has small holes and fibers in it, which can trap moisture or food particles. Therefore, it is important to adopt a slightly different method while cleaning wooden spoons and rolling pin. Let us know in what time and how they should be cleaned.
Do this after every use
A wooden spoon or rolling pin should be cleaned after every use. Especially if the spoon has been used for pulses, vegetables, sauces or oily items, do not leave it without washing for a long time.
Wash the spoon or rolling pin immediately after use with lukewarm water and normal dish wash. Clean the surface with a soft sponge and remove any food residue. After this, wash with clean water and immediately wipe with a dry cloth.
How to remove dough stuck on rolling pin
It is common for dough to stick to the rolling pin. To remove this, avoid keeping the rolling pin soaked in water for a long time. First remove the stuck dry flour with the help of dry hands or a soft brush. After this clean it with a wet sponge and mild soap. After washing, it is important to dry the rolling pin thoroughly immediately. Instead of keeping it in a closed cabinet or a damp place, keep it in a place where air can easily reach it.
Do deep cleaning once a week
In addition to daily cleaning, wooden spoons and rolling pin can be thoroughly inspected and cleaned once a week. During this time, check whether there is oil slick, spice marks, blackening or moisture on the surface.
For a deeper clean, clean thoroughly with mild soap and water. After this, wash with clean water and dry completely. It is not advisable to soak in water for too long, because wood can absorb water and repeated repetitions may cause it to crack or change its shape.
avoid these mistakes
Wooden spoons and rolling pins should be avoided in the dishwasher unless marked as dishwasher-safe by the manufacturer. Too hot water, prolonged soaking and high heat can damage the wood.
Do not use too rough a scrubber to clean them. This can cause scratches and small pits to form on the surface of the wood, where dirt can then accumulate.
After cleaning, do not keep wooden items in a wet closed drawer or box. First let it dry completely and then store it.
When should wooden items be replaced?
If a wooden spoon or rolling pin is excessively worn, has deep cracks, the surface is cracked or a persistent odor persists even after cleaning, it is better to replace it. Similarly, if a mold-like layer is visible on the wood or the surface remains constantly moist, it may be a safer option to get a new material instead of using it.
Therefore, to maintain kitchen hygiene, it is not necessary to clean only steel and glass utensils. It is equally important to clean wooden spoons, rolling pin and other wooden kitchen tools and dry them thoroughly after every use.
