How to Remove Smell from a Wooden Spoon

Why Wooden Spoons Absorb Odors

Wood is porous and absorbs the volatile compounds that create odors — garlic, onion, fish, and strong spices all leave their scent in the wood fibers. Regular washing removes surface odors, but deeply absorbed smells need targeted treatment. Here's how to deodorize a wooden spoon effectively.

What You'll Need

• Lemon (half) or lemon juice
• Coarse salt
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Food grade mineral oil

Method 1: Lemon + Salt (Best for Garlic and Onion)

1. Sprinkle coarse salt over the spoon
2. Rub vigorously with the cut side of a lemon half
3. Let sit 5 minutes
4. Rinse quickly and dry immediately

Citric acid neutralizes sulfur compounds from garlic and onion most effectively.

Method 2: Baking Soda (Best for Fish and Meat Odors)

1. Make a paste with baking soda and water
2. Apply to the entire spoon surface
3. Let sit 10–15 minutes
4. Rinse quickly and dry immediately

Baking soda absorbs and neutralizes fishy and meaty odor compounds.

Method 3: White Vinegar Wipe

1. After washing, wipe the spoon with undiluted white vinegar
2. Let sit 5 minutes
3. Rinse quickly and dry immediately

Vinegar neutralizes a wide range of odor compounds. The vinegar smell dissipates completely as the spoon dries.

Method 4: Sunlight Airing

After any treatment, place the spoon in direct sunlight for a few hours. UV light and fresh air are natural deodorizers. Dry completely and re-oil afterward.

Preventing Odor Buildup

• Use separate spoons for strongly scented foods like fish and garlic
• Wash immediately after use
• Oil regularly — a well-oiled spoon is less porous and absorbs fewer odors
• Air dry completely before storing

Re-oiling After Odor Treatment

Deodorizing treatments can dry out the wood. Apply food grade mineral oil after the spoon has dried completely.

Final Thoughts

Lemon and salt handle garlic and onion odors best, baking soda tackles fish and meat smells, and white vinegar works for general odors. Using dedicated spoons for strongly scented foods is the most effective long-term prevention.