How to Clean Measuring Cups and Spoons

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Simple to Clean, Easy to Neglect

Measuring cups and spoons are used for everything from flour and sugar to spices, oils, and liquids. Residue from sticky ingredients like honey, molasses, and oil can build up in the cups and spoon bowls, and spice residue can stain and leave strong odors. Here's how to keep them clean.

What You'll Need

• Non-scratch scrub sponge
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Mild dish soap
• Warm water

Everyday Cleaning

Most measuring cups and spoons — stainless steel, plastic, and silicone — are dishwasher safe. Place on the top rack. For hand washing, use warm soapy water and a non-scratch sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

Removing Sticky Residue (Honey, Molasses, Syrup)

Sticky ingredients cling to measuring cups and spoons and are hard to rinse off cold. The trick: use hot water. Hot water dissolves sugar-based sticky residue quickly. Fill the cup or spoon with hot water, let sit 1–2 minutes, then wash normally. Alternatively, spray with cooking spray before measuring sticky ingredients — they slide right out.

Removing Oil Residue

Oil leaves a greasy film that water alone doesn't remove. Use a grease-cutting dish soap and warm water. For stubborn oil buildup, apply a baking soda paste, scrub, and rinse.

Removing Spice Stains and Odors

Turmeric, paprika, and other strongly colored spices stain measuring spoons. To remove:

• Soak in white vinegar for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse
• For plastic spoons, sunlight exposure after washing helps bleach residual staining
• Baking soda paste applied and left for 15 minutes removes most staining

For odors from garlic, onion, or strong spices, soak in white vinegar for 10 minutes, then wash with dish soap.

Cleaning Nested Sets

Measuring cups and spoons that nest together can trap residue between pieces. Separate them before washing and clean each piece individually. Dry completely before nesting again to prevent moisture buildup.

Final Thoughts

Measuring cups and spoons are easy to maintain with regular dishwasher use or hand washing. Hot water dissolves sticky residue, baking soda handles oil and staining, and vinegar removes spice odors. Separate nested sets before washing for thorough cleaning.