Expert weighs in on TikTok's viral wooden spoon cleaning hack

A TikTok cleaning hack for wooden spoons has captivated millions of people around the world, but it could actually be damaging your utensils.

The method involves putting wooden spoons in a pot of boiling water and leaving them in there for 20 minutes.

It's similar to another cleaning hack where wooden spoons are soaked in a cup of boiling water for 20 minutes.

Both methods often result in gross-looking brown water, leading people to think the hack is removing trapped grease and grime.

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However, kitchen gadget expert and editor of America's Test Kitchen Lisa McManus has set the record straight with her own TikTok explaining why the cleaning hack isn't worth it.

In fact, McManus, who tests plenty of kitchen products as part of her job, said it's a waste of time.

"We've been hearing a lot about boiling your wooden spoons to get them really clean and we just have to say that is not the greatest thing to do for a wooden tool," she said.

"[Wooden spoons] are a natural material, If you boil it you remove its natural oils, it will absorb water, and as it dries it shrinks and cracks and this will dramatically shorten the lifespan of your tools."

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This makes a lot of sense given wooden utensils and chopping boards shouldn't go in the dishwasher. Like a pot of boiling water, the dishwasher exposes wood to hot water at very high temperatures and for a long period of time.

Instead of soaking wooden spoons in boiling water, McManus advises washing in the sink using hot soapy water, a sponge or cloth and dishwashing detergent.

"Give it a good scrub, rinse it well and pat it dry," she said, adding that it shouldn't be left sitting around wet.

To help maintain the quality of your wooden spoon, McManus also advises 'moisturising' your wooden spoon with food grade mineral oil, which you should leave on overnight and "buff off the excess" the next day.

"This will make your beautiful wooden spoons, your knives, your cutting boards last a long time and be in good shape. You don't have boil 'em."

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Most who viewed McManus' TikTok video about the hack agreed with her.

"Thank you! Those posts are going viral and people are freaking out throwing out heirloom spoons from grandma," one said.

"The boiling has always made me scratch my head and wonder," commented a viewer.

'Do another video telling people to stop putting wood cutting boards in the dishwasher," suggested one.

"As a woodworker I completely agree. Good advice," another said.

The cleaning hack went viral after home cook Lula Jenkins tried it on her TikTok channel.

More than 50 million people watched her stunned reaction to the dirty water left behind after her spoons had been in the boiling water.

She then treated her spoons with oil to recondition them and ended up tossing out one spoon that looked worse for wear.