How To Maintain A Butcher Block Counter Top

For the kitchens that they occupy, butcher block counters help to create atmospheres that are both unique and warm. And due to their versatility and color options, they are becoming especially popular. Caring for them, like regular counters, involves just a little maintenance and cleaning.

Although kitchen butcher blocks are perfect for food prep, being made out of wood makes them susceptible to stains and odors. The simplest and fastest way to care for one is to clean it off after each use. A fresh sponge and a little soapy water will be perfect. Afterwards, make sure to pat the block off with a dry cloth.

Preparing raw meats and other foods can leave colonies of bacteria behind. Mix two tablespoons of vinegar into some water to keep yours protected from these dangerous invaders. Wipe the block off with a clean sponge and let the mixture sit for a while before you wash it off. The vinegar mixture will eliminate the bacteria safely without damaging the surface.

The block's natural look also makes it susceptible to absorbing stains of foods being prepped on it. A large amount of lemon juice will remove most unpleasant stains. Let the juice soak in on top of the surface for a couple minutes before rinsing it off. Certain stains on this kind of surface are inescapable and simply mean that the wood is getting darker.

To keep your counter top looking new and elegant, apply oil to it on a weekly basis. A mineral oil will work best and it should be applied evenly and left sitting for at least five minutes. With a towel, wipe off all of the oil and pat it dry. After this process make sure that you wait 12 hours before preparing food on the surface.

You refrain from using abrasive or harsh chemicals to clean your butcher block no matter how tempting it may be. Products like these may contaminate food that is prepared on them by seeping into the wood. Harsh chemicals can also damage the wood's integrity.