Why You Should Never Put Wooden Kitchen Utensils in the Dishwasher | March 22, 2025

Why You Should Never Put Wooden Kitchen Utensils in the Dishwasher
Wooden kitchen utensils should never be placed in the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh detergents can warp, crack, and damage the wood. To properly care for them, wash by hand with mild soap and lukewarm water, avoid soaking, and dry immediately

Wooden kitchen utensils—spoons, spatulas, cutting boards—are staples in nearly every kitchen. There’s something satisfying about using a well-crafted wooden spoon to stir a pot or a sturdy wooden cutting board to chop veggies. However, as handy as they are, wooden utensils can be a bit finicky when it comes to care. Many people assume that because they’re durable, they can handle the same treatment as plastic or metal utensils. But wooden utensils require special care to maintain their quality and longevity. Tossing them into the dishwasher may seem convenient, but this simple mistake can lead to irreversible damage.

Why Dishwashers Are a No-Go for Wooden Utensils
Dishwashers subject utensils to high temperatures, intense water pressure, and harsh detergents—a combination that spells disaster for wood. The wood absorbs moisture, then dries rapidly, causing it to warp, crack, and splinter. Even the finish—whether it’s oil, lacquer, or varnish—will deteriorate over time, leaving your utensils looking dull and worn out.

A once-smooth and polished spoon can quickly become rough and splintery, turning a trusted kitchen tool into a potential hazard. Moreover, dishwashers’ abrasive cleaning agents can strip away the natural oils that protect the wood, further accelerating the damage.

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