How to Clean Wooden Dish Brushes: A Simple Care Routine

To clean a wooden dish brush, hand-wash it after each use, give it an occasional deep clean, and dry it fully before putting it away. The same routine works for any wooden utensil. 

Wood needs this special treatment because it's porous and absorbs any liquid it comes into contact with. This is whysoaking wooden utensils is not recommended. It can cause warping, cracks, and the build up of harmful bacteria. 

Plastic might seem like the more hygienic material, then. But, when it comes to bacteria's ability to live and multiply, wood has natural antibacterial properties that make it a safer choice than plastic. 

In this article, we will be covering why wooden dish brushes need extra care, how to clean them every day and how to deep clean them, how to care for the bristles, and the signs that the heads need replacing.  

Why Wooden Dish Brushes Need Different Care Than Plastic

Wood naturally absorbs moisture, whereas plastic doesn't. Left unwashed or damp, it will take in residue and odours over time.  The benefit is that wood is naturally antibacterial and can resist harmful bacteria more effectively than plastic when cared for properly. 

Plastic is easier to take care of and requires very little maintenance, but there are trade-offs. It's more likely to harbour bacteria, and itsheds microplastics down the drain with every wash. 

A common online 'hack' suggests boiling your utensils to decontaminate them, but this tends to be misleading. Boiling can lead to cracks in the wood, and that is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. 

How to Clean a Wooden Dish Brush After Every Use 

Cleaning wooden dish brushes and utensils is a matter of little and often, versus one occasional deep clean: 

• Rinse immediately after use to remove residue
• Wash with warm water and mild soap
• Shake off excess water
• Stand upright, with the bristles facing down
• Leave to air-dry before the next use

You should not leave your wooden utensils submerged in water for long periods of soaking, as the wood will absorb the water and expand. Just as you shouldn't boil your wooden utensils, youshouldn't put them in the dishwasher either. You should not boil your wooden utensils; you should not put them in the dishwasher. The harsh washing, strong soap, and heat have a similar effect to boiling. 

Thankfully, all it takes to take care of your wooden dish brushes and utensils is a little care each day. If you want to read about how to takecare of all your wooden utensils, you can read our blog. 

How to Deep Clean a Wooden Dish Brush with Vinegar and Hot Water

A deep clean should only ever be occasional, every few months or when the brush is beginning to smell. If you were to do it more regularly, it may mean shortening the life cycle of your brush. When a rinse doesn’t remove odours or grease, you know it is time for a thorough cleaning. 

Take equal parts vinegar and hot water from the tap, add a small amount of baking soda, and soak the brush head. The soaking should be no longer than 20 minutes. Remove the brush head from the water and dry it thoroughly. 

Wooden dish brushes appealing to you? Take a look at our range ofwooden dish brushes and give your routine a sustainable upgrade.   

Caring for the Bristles on a Wooden Dish Brush

The bristles of the dish brush are also different from those of a plastic brush. They are made from a natural fibre named ‘Tampico’ that is around 65% more absorbent than plastic bristles. This means that they stay wetter for longer, but it also means that they need longer to dry out. 

The fibre has natural hooks, giving the brush its scrubbing texture and, unlike synthetic bristles, there is no coating that wears down over time or goes limp. 

Leaving the natural bristles soaking in water can lead to a damp smell and the fibres breaking down faster than they should. 

Signs It’s Time to Replace the Brush Head 

There are three main signs that your brush head may need replacing. If your brush's bristles are splayed out, flattened, or not holding their shape, it may be time for a replacement because it will not be able to deliver the same cleaning power. 

The head may also begin to look fuzzy and grey rather than smooth; this means that the wood has lost a lot of its natural protective oils and may need to be replaced. 

If there is a persistent smell even after a deep clean, it may be a sign that moisture and odour have deeply penetrated your brush head and you need a replacement. 

Replacement wooden brush heads are completely biodegradable and can be disposed of along with food waste. Plastic brushes not only take hundreds of years to biodegrade, but they also shed microplastics into the water supply with every wash. 

A Little Care Goes a Long Way

Rinse after each use, dry properly every time, occasionally deep clean with hot water, vinegar, and baking soda, and replace the head when needed, rather than the whole brush. All put together, your wooden dish brush stays effective and is pleasant to use, while being a positive change for the planet. 

It is a small swap, but it means an ongoing reduction in plastic waste. 

Ready to make the swap? Explore Wild & Stone’s range ofwooden dish brushes andreplacement heads, or browse oursustainable household products.