Caring for wooden spoons and boards so they do not crack or warp

Washing quickly and drying both faces evenly keeps wood from sitting soaked with water.

This article focuses on steps you can apply straight away, while pointing out what to check so you do not follow them mechanically. Adjust them to your actual circumstances, to the manufacturer's instructions and to the rules where you live or are visiting.

How to do it, step by step

1. Do not leave wooden items soaking in the sink

Do not leave wooden items soaking in the sink. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

2. Wash with a mild product, then wipe and stand them where air can circulate

Wash with a mild product, then wipe and stand them where air can circulate. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

3. Avoid the dishwasher unless the maker allows it

Avoid the dishwasher unless the maker allows it. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

4. Condition them with a food-safe oil, following the guidance for the material

Condition them with a food-safe oil, following the guidance for the material. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

5. Throw out anything deeply cracked, mouldy or hard to clean

Throw out anything deeply cracked, mouldy or hard to clean. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

A quick checklist

• Check the actual conditions and have a fallback ready.
• Put safety and hygiene first, along with the official instructions for the device or from the local authorities.
• Try it on a small area before applying it everywhere.
• Write down what worked so it goes faster next time.

Common mistakes

The usual mistakes are skipping the checking step, using too much product, or pressing on after the conditions have changed. Do not mix chemicals, do not take on electrical or structural repairs without the expertise, and never trade safety for a few saved minutes.

In closing

Washing quickly and drying both faces evenly keeps wood from sitting soaked with water. Start with the simple version, review it once you have done it, and keep it up as a habit that suits your household or your travels.