How to Make Wooden Kitchen Tools Last Longer | Care Tips for Wooden Utensils - Cookware Reviews & Tips

How to Make Your Wooden Kitchen Tools Last Longer

The lifespan of wooden utensils and knife handles can vary a lot depending on how you wash, dry, oil, and wax them.

Cutting boards, spatulas, spoons, and knife handles made of wood not only bring a warm, natural feel to your kitchen but are also gentle on cookware. They won’t scratch pans or bowls and have that comfortable, grippy feel you can’t get from other materials.

But as beautiful and functional as they are, they do need a little extra TLC. 

To keep them clean and long-lasting, you really need to understand how moisture and drying work.

Beautiful combo of a wooden-handled knife and cutting board

Why You Shouldn’t Soak Wood in Water

Wood soaks up water easily. If left in water, it swells and shrinks, which can lead to cracking.

The number one mistake with wooden utensils is leaving them sitting in a sink full of water. When wood stays wet, the surface can lift, and moisture can seep deep inside, causing splits.

With wooden knife handles especially, water can weaken the glue or cause gaps between the metal and the wood — and that’s not just ugly, it’s unhygienic.

No Hot Water or Dishwashers

High heat and pressure damage the fibers in wood and drastically shorten its lifespan.

Dishwashers and boiling water may dry the surface quickly, but they can also crack the wood from within. Screws or glued joints, like those on knife handles, are especially vulnerable.

The right way to clean: use lukewarm water with mild dish soap, wipe it down gently, then dry with a towel and let it air-dry in the shade.

Dry Upright, Store with Airflow

Standing tools upright and letting them breathe after washing is key to preventing mold and odors.

The most common source of contamination is putting wooden tools away while they’re still damp. Lay them flat and you risk mold or bad smells.

Best practice: stand them upright in a well-ventilated spot to dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight — rapid drying can cause the wood grain to split.

Knife Blocks: Handle with Care

Traditional wooden knife blocks can easily trap crumbs and moisture inside. If you can’t clean them well, consider skipping them.

Wooden knife blocks are hard to clean inside, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. Sticking a damp knife in one is a hygiene hazard.

If you do use one, make sure knives are completely dry first, and occasionally sanitize the inside — UV sanitizers work well. Magnetic open-style knife holders, which are popping up everywhere these days, are a great alternative.

Wooden magnetic knife block with wooden-handled knives

Bring Wood Back to Life with Oiling

Oiling keeps wood hydrated and flexible, preventing cracks and sealing out stains.

Over time, wood naturally dries out and feels rough. When that happens, it soaks up stains more easily.

The go-to method: rub in a thin layer of food-safe mineral oil, walnut oil, or flaxseed oil. Skip olive or sunflower oil — they go rancid quickly and can leave odors.

Let the oil soak for at least 12 hours, then wipe off any excess with a dry cloth. When oiling knife handles, keep it off the blade and joints.

Knife handle before oiling

Knife handle after oiling

Beeswax Adds a Shield

Beeswax creates a physical barrier on the wood, blocking stains and adding a nice sheen.

Beeswax is often sold as “wood butter.” Just rub on a thin coat every month or two for solid protection.

Leave it overnight, then buff with a cloth to remove any residue for a smooth finish.

Always choose food-grade products; avoid furniture waxes with perfumes or silicone.

Oil Only? Wax Only?

Oil moisturizes inside, wax protects outside. The best care combines both.

Oiling alone keeps wood hydrated but leaves it more vulnerable on the surface. Wax alone shields the outside but can let the inside dry out.

Best bet: oil first, then wax on top. Works for cutting boards, spoons, and knife handles alike.

Be Careful with Dry, Unused Wooden Items

Dry wood soaks up oils, moisture, and colors easily. Always oil it before kitchen use.

Your kitchen has all sorts of oils, liquids, and colorful sauces. Plus, when you’re cooking, your hands may be sweaty or oily.

Dry wood — especially if it hasn’t been oiled for a long time — is super absorbent. Even brand-new wooden products often arrive dry unless they’re pre-coated.

Touching a new, un-oiled wooden handle with cooking hands can lead to stains like the one below. 

Wooden handle touched with oily, sweaty hands

So always oil new wooden kitchen products before using them. Once stained, it’s hard to undo.

How to Remove Stains and Odors

Natural cleaners are the safest way to get rid of discoloration and smells.

Strongly flavored ingredients like kimchi, garlic, or curry can leave marks and odors on wood. Scrubbing with coarse salt, baking soda, and a bit of lemon juice, then rinsing and drying, works wonders.

Never use bleach or harsh chemicals — they can damage the wood grain.

Bottom Line: Care Is Everything

The life of wooden kitchen tools comes down to habits. Wash, dry, oil, and wax them regularly.

Wooden tools are delicate but can stay hygienic and beautiful for years with proper care.

• Dry right after washing
• Oil at least once a month
• Wax optionally for an extra barrier
• Use natural products to remove odors

A little everyday care goes a long way to keeping your wooden tools looking good and lasting longer.