How to Clean a Ladle

Ladles: Deep Bowl, Simple Cleaning

Ladles are used for serving soups, stews, sauces, and gravies. Their deep bowl shape can trap food residue if not cleaned thoroughly, and the junction between the bowl and handle is a common spot for buildup. Here's how to keep your ladle clean.

What You'll Need

• Non-scratch scrub sponge
• Baking soda
• Bar Keepers Friend (for stainless steel)
• Mild dish soap
• Warm water

After Every Use: Basic Cleaning

1. Rinse immediately under warm running water
2. Apply dish soap to a non-scratch sponge
3. Scrub the inside and outside of the bowl thoroughly
4. Pay attention to the junction between the bowl and handle where residue accumulates
5. Scrub the handle
6. Rinse thoroughly and dry

Dishwasher Method

Most stainless steel ladles are dishwasher safe. Place in the utensil basket with the bowl facing down. The dishwasher is very effective for ladles.

Removing Dried Soup or Sauce

For dried soup or sauce residue in the bowl, soak in warm soapy water for 10–15 minutes. The residue softens and scrubs off easily. For tomato-based sauce staining, a baking soda paste applied for 10 minutes then scrubbed works well.

Removing Discoloration on Stainless Steel

Heat discoloration and staining from tomato sauces or acidic foods can be removed with Bar Keepers Friend. Apply, scrub with a non-scratch sponge, and rinse thoroughly.

Wooden and Silicone Ladles

For wooden ladles from sets like the Riveira wooden utensil set, wash with warm soapy water, rinse quickly, and dry immediately. Never soak. For silicone ladles, wash normally — most are dishwasher safe.

Final Thoughts

Ladles are among the easiest kitchen tools to clean. Rinse immediately, scrub the bowl and handle junction, and use the dishwasher for stainless steel. Bar Keepers Friend restores shine when discoloration develops.