Expert consulted: 
Wooden spoons are a kitchen workhorse. They're gentle on nonstick pans, don't get too hot when you stir a simmering sauce, and a good one can last for years—unless it keeps ending up in the dishwasher.
"I recommend washing wooden spoons and utensils by hand," says Noah Pinsonnault, reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care & Cleaning Lab. Tossing them in with the rest of the load might save you a minute, but it can shorten their lifespan considerably.
What the dishwasher does to wood
A dishwasher cycle hits wood with three things it doesn't love, according to Pinsonnault: prolonged water exposure, high temperatures, and harsh dishwasher detergents that can gradually strip away protective finishes and dry out the wood. Over time, that can cause it to warp, crack, or split.
Those cracks aren't just cosmetic, either. "These cracks can also trap food residue and make the utensils more difficult to clean thoroughly," he says. That's the opposite of what you want from something that touches your food every day.
What if you're in a pinch?
If you're hosting a crowd and the sink is overflowing, running a wooden spoon through the dishwasher won't ruin it right away. The damage builds gradually, so you'll want to avoid repeated cycles.
It's also worth checking the label or packaging. Some wooden utensils are dishwasher-safe, and if yours are, follow the manufacturer's instructions. If there's no label or you're not sure, wash them by hand.
How to wash wooden spoons the right way
The good news is that hand-washing wooden utensils takes almost no effort. Pinsonnault recommends this simple routine:
- Wash with warm water and a little dish soap. A soft sponge is all you need; skip abrasive scrubbers.
- Don't let them soak. Leaving wooden spoons submerged in the sink exposes them to the same prolonged moisture that causes damage in the dishwasher.
- Dry them promptly. Wipe them down with a towel right after washing instead of letting them sit wet.
The same advice applies to other wooden tools, like spatulas, salad servers, and cutting boards. A few extra seconds at the sink will keep them in good shape for years to come.
Noah Cortez is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor writing about
travel, culture, food, and lifestyle. Prior to this, he was a social media
editor at GQ Magazine, Complex, and Conde Nast Traveler, and his writing
has been featured in Tripadvisor, Hotels Above Par, Conde Nast Traveler,
and more. Find out more at noahcortez.com.
Noah works as a product reviews analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab where he helps design and perform tests on various product categories. He draws on scientific expertise garnered during his time as an environmental researcher, where he managed environmental monitoring equipment, analyzed water samples in a lab and developed protocols for restoration projects. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
