Is it okay to soak wooden spoons?

Question

I used one to stir boiled rice. I soaked it over night so the rice wouldn't stick to it because I had to go out. The next morning I noticed that water had soaked into the wooden spoon up the handle. Wouldn't that mean that the water is inside the spoon now? I threw it out but my husband is angry saying it was okay to still use. Who was right?

Answer 1

Both of you.  

Yes, it was still good to use. Just let it dry out. Its a piece of wood.  When wood dries out all the bacteria on it are sucked dry and die. Really, it has been scientificly tested.  

However, if it is soaked full it might just crack when it dries so it may not be good anymore.  The TV expert guy said to rub a coating of mineral oil on wooden counters cutting boards and unensils.  Keeps them from cracking and does not go rancid.  

Baisicly tho you shouldn't let them soak for very long.  They stay nicer that way.  

Answer 2

I have a hand made one that I can doucument is at least 75 years old, and I soak it all the time.  Sometimes over night.  Never saw any problems.  Don't bother coating it.  When you but it in any liquid the coating will dissolve.