For additional measure, after the mineral oil has sat on the spoon overnight, use a clean paper towel to rub in a dime-sized amount of food-grade beeswax (such as Boos Block Board Cream) across the surface. Make sure to evenly coat all sides of the spoon, especially the edges, as they do the most scraping.
Although coating wooden spoons with wax isn’t necessary, it helps lock in the moisture further and keep the wood in tip-top condition.
Michael notes that a good way to tell if you’ve applied a sufficient amount of wax is by seeing whether water droplets on the spoon hold their shape. If so, it’s a sign of a well-conditioned wooden surface. If instead the water disperses and is quickly absorbed, that might indicate dehydration and the need for more treatment.
If a wooden spoon is cracked or severely splintered, your best bet is to toss it and buy a replacement. Otherwise, you could run the risk of bacterial contamination.
However, if you routinely clean and care for your spoons, you’ll ensure that they don’t crack. Well-hydrated spoons should last years—or even a lifetime, if you’re lucky—making a boring kitchen task all the more worthwhile.
This article was edited by Megan Beauchamp and Maxine Builder.
