Some spatulas do and some don't. The most common spatulas that retain pungent smells and flavors are wood and silicone spatulas. Both are notorious for picking up smells, like onion and garlic, just after a few uses. To keep these odors and flavors from cross-contaminating other dishes, there are a few things you can do to offset this unfortunate result. Because your wooden spatula won't do well with soaking, quarantining spatulas that are at risk is your best bet. Keep some spatulas specifically for your sweet dishes and desserts and others for your savory and robust flavors. For your silicone spatula, you can mix one teaspoon of bleach with one gallon of water and soak your utensils for several minutes. Alternatively, create a paste made from equal parts baking soda and water. Rub on your utensils and let sit overnight. Then gently scrub off the next morning.