You’ve invested in a long-lasting piece of hardwood kitchenware, but you’re not sure how to clean it so it stays long-lasting. Unlike other types of kitchenware materials (glass, plastics, porcelain), your hardwood requires a different way of cleaning.
But, unlike the “cold wash only” and “hang to dry” clothes in the laundry room, hardwood kitchenware adds fewer extra steps AND time. So, if you’re ready to learn how to clean your hardwood, keep reading:
What’s Considered “Hardwood Kitchenware?”
First, let’s make sure we’re on the same page in what we’re cleaning. When I mention “hardwood” kitchenware, we’re picturing mostly food safe items made of hardwood (not softwood, which is something else).
While I’m not going to list evey hardwood in existence—that would take forever—here are a few common types you’ll find in your kitchen, most of which we use here at Workbench Memories:
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Maple
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Oak
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Cherry
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Mahogany
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Ash
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Cedar
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Hickory
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Elm
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Beech
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Alder
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Purpleheart
Hardwood is preferred for kitchenware because it’s more durable than softwoods, meaning it can withstand frequent use and many are “close grained” so there’s not as many pores for food and water to get stuck in.
How to Clean Your Hardwood Kitchenware
Hardwood kitchenware is designed to last—at least, it will with proper cleaning and care. Unlike other dishes in your kitchen, you have to be a little bit more careful with the combination of wood and water.
You should wash your hardwood dishware and kitchenware by hand in warm (not hot) water and mild dish soap. Avoid harsh soaps and chemicals as these can soak into your hardwood and seep into your food (giving it an odd flavor and is probably not too good for your health).
Once you’ve washed your hardwood, use a dish towel to water from it’s surface and allow to air dry after use.
3 Things to Avoid When Cleaning Your Hardwood
Now that you know how to properly clean your hardwood kitchenware, here are some things you should avoid doing (and some you should NEVER do) and why:
#1. Soaking
It’s very tempting to soak your hardwood when you see a stain or have food that has dried (we get it, it happens). But soaking your hardwood can cause extensive damage to your kitchenware, especially if it’s made of multiple types of wood and potentially even allow mold to grow if it hasn’t been properly cared for.
Instead of soaking your board in water, use a food-safe mineral oil. Add a bit on the dried on portions and wait a few minutes to clean. It should come off pretty good!
#2. The Dishwasher
Imagine soaking your board and adding heat—it’s a recipe for disaster. Soaking can cause damage to your board but a dishwasher can ruin one. Never put your hardwood kitchenware in the dishwasher.
#3. Harsh Soaps & Detergents
One of the reasons you have to avoid soaking it in water and the dishwasher is because even hardwoods can begin to absorb things when their sealant is damaged. Harsh soaps and detergents can both damage your hardwood and be absorbed, leaving the scent and taste behind for your food.
If you have a really difficult food or item to remove from your hardwood and washing as recommended isn’t working, clean following the instructions from above to get as much as you can and then soak your entire board in mineral oil for up to 24 hours. Then repeat the cleaning process after it’s dripped off most of the excess!
Helping Your Hardwood Kitchenware Last
It’s nice to have hardwood kitchenware, but it’s even nicer when it lasts. Proper cleaning and care will keep your hardwood beautiful and functional for a long time.
Still, it’s normal to have wear and tear on your kitchenware, especially if it’s used often. Even so, hardwood can last a lifetime.
If you’re looking for more hardwood kitchenware to add to your home, check out our kitchen collections here at Workbench Memories.