People who spot this trick online are being told to avoid it due to health risks (Image: Getty)
People who use wooden utensils in the kitchen are being warned about a possible health risk when cleaning them. The internet is full of time-saving ‘life hacks’ that claim to give people fast results for simple or mundane tasks. But experts are flagging one recent trend for keeping wooden utensils ‘clean’ as it could make people more likely to get sick.
Specialists say that one of the newer social media gimmicks that promises a satisfying deep clean could end up making every meal you prepare a health gamble. There is another method that is almost guaranteed to ensure it never happens – but it does take time.
In a post on Instagram, consumer group Which? highlighted a trend of cleaning wooden utensils in boiling water. Videos on social media have gone viral for seemingly showing that once these utensils or wooden chopping boards are exposed to boiling or very hot water, they leave behind a murky brown residue.
This has led to claims that people are flushing out potentially years of trapped grease, food, and grime when submerging their wooden utensils in boiling water. In reality, experts warn that it is not the case.
In the Instagram post, Which? said: “Not every kitchen ‘hack’ deserves a place in your routine. Boiling wooden spoons might promise a deep clean, but it can leave them cracked, warped or dried out.
“We don’t recommend [this hack] for your wooden kitchenware, whether that’s spoons, boards, or chopsticks. Boiling water or using the dishwasher destroys the wood fibres, causing warping, splitting, and cracks.
Extreme heat and prolonged soaking cause the wood to swell and dry unevenly, leading to warping, splitting, and cracking. Once, cracked, these crevices become the perfect space for bacteria and mould to thrive.
That ‘dirty’ water appears brown only because heat melts away natural tannins and pigments, as well as protective oils on wooden products. Hot water can also warp the wood and cause cracks, which trap bacteria.
This can potentially increase the risk of foodborne illness if they are used to handle raw or undercooked foods. While wood is naturally excellent at trapping and neutralising bacteria on its own, structural cracks are different. Deep fissures and cracks trap raw meat juices, moisture, and food particles where they cannot easily be scrubbed away, creating a prime breeding ground for harmful pathogens.
What should I do for the best results instead?
For the best results, people are urged to stick to standard handwashing methods. Do not let wooden items sit in food residue or soak in the sink, as moisture is wood’s biggest enemy.
Hand dry immediately after cleaning with a fresh towel. Stand chopping boards upright or hang utensils to ensure full air circulation while they finish off drying.
The Which? video claims: “Instead [of this hack], stick to a gentle hand wash with soap and water. Just don’t leave them to soak for too long.
“For those stubborn stains or smells, you can try sprinkling on some salt and scrubbing with half a lemon. And, for some extra TLC, seal it all in with some food-safe mineral oil to keep the wood hydrated and lasting longer.”
