Use your brush for what it was intended
Different brushes have different bristles that are good for different types of cleaning. The Waste-Free Home’s black horsehair brushes are for the most delicate of items like fine porcelain or glassware. Our Tampico & Coconut fibre brushes are great for everyday washing up of dishes. And our pot scrubbers are a strong wee powerhouse perfect for scrubbing off baked on food from pots, pans and roasting trays.
Handwash your wooden utensils well after every use
Do not clean wooden spoons in the dishwasher. The detergent and the heat will cause the wood to warp and crack. It is easiest to clean wooden utensils if you do it immediately after use, before food has time to dry onto the wood. Scrub until all clean and then rinse under warm water. Pat them dry with a towel and leave them somewhere airy, like your dishrack, to dry fully.
Oiling and waxing
Occasionally, oiling your utensils with oil such as olive oil or coconut oil is a good habit. For items that are not used for cooking – say wooden salad servers – rub them with a bit of beeswax to help keep them protected and looking good.
Only plunge into water when necessary
Some utensils, like rolling pins, will just need a wipe with a damp cloth before leaving to dry. Use as little water as you can get away with.
For a selection of long-lasting, quality, and beautiful wooden and natural products, and for more tips on living more consciously visit www.thewastefreehome.co.nz and follow @thewastefreehome on Instagram.
