Caring for your Butcher Block

Butcher blocks are an eye catching element of any kitchen. They are an excellent cutting surface as wood is forgiving to knives yet remains durable. If you know the right tips for cleaning your block, it will acquire a gorgeous seasoning and be an excellent tool for many years to come. Due to their constant contact with food, butcher blocks are finished with chemical-free oils. The frequent exposure to utensils and food moisture can cause bacteria to grow or the wood to dry out. With a little maintenance, your butcher block will stay clean. 

Cleaning Start by removing all food waste. A simple scrub with soap and water for easy to remove food can do the job. For tougher items and to remove excess moisture, scraping the board with a metal spatula works well. To sanitize your board with food-safe ingredients, use a spray bottle or a few drops of white vinegar. Vinegar is an all-natural disenfectant that can rid surfaces of various bacteria.

Stain Removal In contrast to laminate or stone countertops which take days for stains to penetrate, wood absorbs blemishes quickly. Your butcher block will thus need occasional stain removal techniques. The two easiest methods use common food items. Baking soda works to draw stains out of the wood in only a few minutes. Rub a tablespoon of soda into the stain and scrub viorgously. Let it stand a couple minutes and then wipe the surface clean. For an effective overnight method, sprinkle salt on the surface and use a lemon half to work the salt into the board. Allow to stand overnight, and wipe away the following day.

Apply Finishes Applying a good mineral or walnut oil is the best way to protect your butcher block. Simply clean the surface of your wood, apply the oil liberally with a cloth and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Make sure you oil the sides as well. The oil will pool in certain areas and absorb faster in some. Spread the remaining oil out evenly, and allow it to sit an additional 15 minutes. Then wipe away any remaining oil with a rag.

Refinishing If over time your block picks up some stubborn stains that are not removed with the techniques listed above, do not fear, as wood can always be sanded and refinished. Start with a coarse paper to quickly remove the stain, and finish with a finer grit to return the block to a nice, smooth texture. Make sure to sand the entire board with the finer grit so as to achieve a uniform look. Then simply follow the finishing steps listed above and you will again have a beautiful, functional butcher block.