How To Clean Butcher Block Countertops: Instructions and Maintenance Tips
There is a lot to love about butcher block countertops. Not only are they made out of wood, an amazing natural resource, but butcher block countertops are hearty and resistant to damage. With the right maintenance, they can last for years.
If you want to get your butcher block countertops looking good as new, read on for tips on how to properly clean and maintain butcher block countertops.
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Step-By-Step Instructions for How To Clean Butcher Block Countertops Daily
Butcher block countertops have been popular for decades, and for good reason. Not only do these countertops look great, but certain types of wood like pine and oak possess natural anti-microbial properties that discourage the growth of dangerous mold and bacteria.
However, it is still very important to clean your butcher block countertops daily. Luckily, butcher block countertops can be effectively cleaned with items found in your home. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to clean butcher block countertops daily:
Gather your materials: You will need:
Dish soap
A clean sponge
White vinegar
1-2 microfiber cloths or dish towels
Clear your work area: Remove everything from your countertops, such as bowls, etc.
Remove food and crumbs: Scrape all residue and dust off of your butcher block countertops like caked-on food or veggie remnants. A wooden or plastic spatula can be used, but avoid metal scrapers — they can gouge wood, creating areas for bacteria to hide.
Scrub the butcher block countertops: Put some dish soap and a splash of water on your sponge and begin scrubbing your countertop, paying extra attention to any stained areas. Be sure to scrub with the wood grain to get a better, more thorough clean.
Rinse countertops: Now it is time to rinse the countertops. Either rinse your sponge in hot water or get a clean, damp dish towel to wipe down the countertops.
Sanitize with white vinegar: Soak a dish towel in white vinegar. You can also use a spray bottle to disperse the white vinegar. Leave it on the butcher block countertop surface for 10 minutes and wipe afterward to prevent warping and water damage.
Seal the wood surfaces: Unless your countertops are sealed with polyurethane, butcher block countertops need to be oiled regularly to prevent the wood from becoming porous. There are lots of products available for this purpose such as
Mineral oil
Sealing wax
Walnut oil
Etc.
Whatever you decide to use, be sure that the sealant is food-grade. Pay extra attention to the areas of your butcher block counter that get a lot of water, such as around the sink. Some sealing tips:
Do not allow the oil to pool on the surface.
Try to work in the oil evenly.
After sealing, wipe up any “puddles” that may remain and leave the butcher block to dry for at least 30 minutes before use.
Even with daily cleaning, your butcher block countertops and kitchen need a deep clean at least twice a year.
If that sounds daunting, consider hiring a cleaning service. For the best housekeeping in Portland, check out Tidy Up. Tidy Up offers non-toxic cleaning methods and deep cleaning sessions can easily be booked online.
How To Clean Stains on Butcher Block Countertops
Still have stubborn stains on your butcher block countertops? Here are a few tips:
Lemon juice and salt: Are your countertops stained from fruit and vegetable juice? Create a paste with 1 cup of lemon juice and ½ cup salt. Apply that paste to the stain and wrap the area with plastic wrap. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat as needed.
Fine grit sandpaper: One of the biggest perks of butcher block countertops is that they can be sanded. If a stain is proving too hard to manage, use fine-grit sandpaper or a melamine sponge to erode the surface and remove the stain. Just don’t do this too often, or you could end up with a depression on the countertop!
Steps for Maintaining Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block countertops are relatively low maintenance. They require simple cleaning with soap and water daily, but other than that, they are resilient and don’t need much.
A few times a year, or whenever the wood looks dry, you should oil your butcher block countertops. This process moisturizes the wood and helps seal the surface, preventing stains. This is a lot less intimidating than it sounds — here are the easy steps to oiling your butcher block countertop or cutting board:
Thoroughly clean all countertop surfaces.
Pour a quarter-sized dab of oil or sealing wax directly onto the countertop, starting with the driest area. Use a rag or paper towel to spread the oil in a circular motion. Repeat as needed to cover the surface.
Don’t forget to oil the underside of your butcher block countertops as well! If the bottom gets too dry, the countertop can warp.
Wipe up any excess oil with a clean rag.
After you do this process your countertops may look slightly darker. That's a good thing! It shows that the wood is conditioned. You will also notice more shine and resistance to water and staining. Regular conditioning is critical to butcher block countertop maintenance, so be sure to add it to your deep cleaning checklist.
How Often Should You Clean and Maintain Butcher Block Countertops?
All countertops in the kitchen, including butcher block countertops, should be cleaned daily.
As for other maintenance, such as oiling countertops, it depends. If you use your countertops a lot or find that they are frequently dry, you should oil them about once a month. For areas with less use and dryness, you can probably get away with only oiling them twice a year.
FAQs About How To Clean Butcher Block Countertops
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That is one of the best parts about butcher block countertops — all you need to keep them clean is a sponge, a dish towel, dish soap, and water!
With common household items and a little food-safe wood oil, you can keep your butcher block countertops looking new for years to come.
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When it comes to oil for butcher block countertops, you have a lot of options. You don’t even have to go with just oil, you can choose an all-natural beeswax sealant as well!
has a line of both waxes and oils, for the best of both worlds. Do your research to find the best product for you. Look for products that are:
Food-safe
Colorless
Odorless
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Do you have mold and mildew on your butcher block countertops or cutting board? Don’t panic! Mold and mildew can be removed from butcher blocks with a simple detergent solution.
First, create the detergent solution. Get a spray bottle and add one teaspoon of bleach to a quart of water. Shake thoroughly to combine.
Spray the detergent solution onto the mold and mildew.
Allow the solution to sit for five minutes. Set a timer, because leaving the solution too long could cause unsightly bleaching.
Wipe off the area with a paper towel.
Rinse the area with hot water and dry thoroughly. This step is especially important, as mold and mildew grow in standing water.
Repeat as necessary to remove mold and mildew.
The best treatment for mold and mildew on butcher block countertops is prevention. If you don’t have the time or energy for regular cleaning, consider hiring a cleaning service like
to make your kitchen sparkle.
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Yes! You can use fine-grit sandpaper or a melamine sponge to remove stubborn surface stains on your butcher block countertops. Just don’t apply too much pressure or use an automatic sander, otherwise you could end up with a depression on your countertop.
Tidy Up Portland!: Helping You Keep Your Kitchen and Butcher Block Countertops Clean With Regularly Scheduled Cleaning Services
Has butcher block countertop maintenance got you down? Put cleaning on autopilot with Tidy Up Portland! We offer a team of trusted cleaning professionals using green, eco-friendly, and non-toxic deep cleaning methods for your home.
Not only is Tidy Up Portland! safe for families with pets and children, but we also bring housekeeping into the 21st century by offering convenient online booking. No need to talk on the phone and no long wait times for your cleaning. Check out our website and book your first cleaning session today!
