TikTok's wooden spoon scare: Bacteria, oils and a dash of panic, experts separate myths from fact

Your wooden spoons could kill you!

You scroll past a TikTok video where a user ominously warns about the hidden dangers of wooden spoons. Apparently, if you don't wash them properly, you're putting everyone at risk of getting sick.

 Who knew spoons could stir up such chaos?

In 2023, Lulaboo Jenkins posted a TikTok of herself boiling spoons, and it went viral. The water turned a sinister shade of brown, like something straight out of a horror film, sparking a nationwide cleaning frenzy. People quickly jumped on the bandwagon, posting their own videos. More recently, another influencer weighed in, claiming that wooden spoons could actually make you sick. The accompanying post warned that "they absorb bacteria, oils, and food particles deep into the wood – even with regular washing."

So, what’s the truth?

The science of wooden spoons

Wood is a natural, porous material, which means it can absorb liquids and particles, as Niveditha Dev, a Dubai-based environmentalist and scientific researcher, explains. “When you use a wooden spoon to stir food, it can absorb oils, spices, and even bacteria from raw meats. Over time, if the spoon isn't properly cleaned or maintained, this could potentially harbor harmful microorganisms.”

‘Not all wooden spoons are created equally’

Certain woods, like oak, pine, and cherrywood, are naturally rich in antimicrobial compounds, such as tannins, which effectively inhibit the growth of many microorganisms, as Bryan Quoc Le, a food scientist and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered had explained to Yahoo! Life.

Not all wooden spoons are the same. If you've been relying on the same spoon for your signature apple crumble for years, it’s likely not crafted from high-quality, antimicrobial wood.

Even woods with natural antibacterial qualities have their limits. According to Dev, while bacteria may initially land on a damp wooden surface, they eventually seep into the wood where they’re suppressed and unable to grow. In simpler terms, wood has a natural ability to manage bacteria—but only when it’s properly dried. If you leave your spoon soaking for too long, you’re inviting mold and decay to take hold.

It's not a major risk if you clean well

Studies also show that while wooden surfaces can absorb moisture, the absorption isn't deep enough to pose significant health risks, especially with good cleaning habits.

A 2007 study published in the Journal of Food Protection examined how bacteria behave on various kitchen surfaces. The research concluded that wooden cutting boards, when cleaned properly, do not present major health risks. While bacteria can survive on wooden surfaces, they don't persist at harmful levels after proper cleaning. However, wood's ability to absorb moisture can trap bacteria if not thoroughly dried.

Additionally, a 2011 study by the International Journal of Food Science & Technology, which compared wooden and plastic cutting boards, found that wood has natural antimicrobial properties. Yet, if it absorbs moisture or isn't cleaned well, bacteria can survive. The research indicated that wood doesn't store bacteria deeply, but its porosity and absorption could affect how long bacteria remain viable.

‘Basic common sense’

As Dev says, washing with soap and hot water removes most microorganisms, but some may still linger and multiply, particularly if the spoons aren’t thoroughly dried.

So, just like everything else, it needs a wash after food. “I would think that’s common sense,” explains Dev. “Isn’t that what you do after every meal, wash plates and glasses? Anything unwashed can be a problem in the future. You don’t need TikTok to tell you that.”  Maybe you need a little more care with wooden spoons, but it isn’t something to panic about, she reassures.

Cracked wooden spoons: A hidden danger

However, Dev and Vishakha Chabra, a Dubai-based physician, do warn against cracked wooden spoons. Cracked wooden spoons could pose a health risk, owing to their ability to trap bacteria, food particles, and moisture in the cracks. When a wooden spoon becomes cracked, it creates tiny, hidden crevices that are hard to clean thoroughly. Even with regular washing, these cracks can harbour harmful microorganisms like bacteria or mold, especially if the spoon is not properly dried after each use.

That’s a clear sign to maybe let your spoons retire in peace.

How to take care of your wooden spoons

To care for your wooden spoons, follow these simple steps:

Wash with soap and water: Wash them with warm, soapy water and avoid soaking.

Dry immediately: Use a towel to dry your spoons right after washing to prevent moisture absorption.

Oil regularly: Apply mineral oil or wood conditioner every few months to prevent cracking and drying.

Avoid the dishwasher: The heat and moisture can damage the wood.

Store properly: Keep spoons in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and avoid soaking in water.

Inspect for cracks: Regularly check for damage and replace if cracked.

Use appropriately: Avoid using wooden spoons with very hot, greasy, or acidic foods for long periods.