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Scrape off any caked-on dirt and wipe away crumbs. Next, add a few drops of dish soap to a wet sponge, and give the butcher block a good scrub. Scrubbing along the grain of the wood will make the countertops cleaner. Rinse the sponge, and wipe the counter down with the rinsed sponge.
What cleaner can you use on butcher block?
Scrub the countertop: Take a scrub brush or sponge and scrub the countertop with hot water and mild dish soap. Rinse with hot water: Run a clean dish cloth through hot water and rinse the countertop well. Sanitize with vinegar: Spray undiluted white vinegar onto the countertop, and let sit for a few minutes.
Can you use Clorox wipes on butcher block countertops?
Disinfecting. To disinfect your Traditions butcher block after cleaning use Lysol® or Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes. These wipes are available at Lowe’s, and report to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria when used as directed.
How do you clean a heavy butcher block?
Mix 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle and liberally spray the entire surface. Allow to sit for 3 to 5 minutes, then scour well with a stiff brush or a clean nylon pot scrubber. Wipe up the solution with a clean cloth or sponge, then flood the surface with hot water to rinse.
How do you sterilize a butcher block?
While wood has anti-bacterial properties, you should still disinfect a butcher block countertop. After you’ve cleaned it off, spray a mixture of white vinegar and water on the surface, spread it around with a damp cloth, let it soak in for a minute or two, and then wipe it off.
How do you care for Butcher block countertops?
Over time, butcher-block countertops can lose their luster and look dull and dry. Give them a refresh with food-safe mineral oil or butcher-block conditioner (available at home improvement stores). Don’t use a food oil, like olive or vegetable oil, which will oxidize on the surface and start to smell.
Are butcher block countertops sanitary?
Once sealed, wood countertops are sanitary for chopping meat, and hot pots and pans can easily be placed on the surface because wood countertops are heat-resistant. Treat wood countertops with mineral oil every month.
Do you need to wash butcher block?
Butcher block should be cleaned after each use for food display or preparation. Frequently used butcher blocks should be resealed with food-grade mineral oil at least monthly. And, even decorative butcher block should be oiled at least once or twice a year.
Can I use bleach on butcher block?
Bleach: Bleach should be used as a last resort as it may discolor the wood and the smell may linger for days. If you must use bleach, create a solution using equal parts bleach and water and apply to your butcher block using a damp sponge or rag.
How do you remove water stains from butcher block countertops?
Make the solution: Mix 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide in a cup of warm water. Apply the solution: Dab the solution onto the stain with cotton ball or cloth. Make sure to completely cover the stain. Dab again lightly with white vinegar.
Can you use Windex on butcher block countertops?
From Waterlox’s website: “Avoid ammonia-based or bleach-based cleaning products like Lysol, Fantastik, 409, Windex (ammonia and bleach-based products will soften the oil finish if used frequently).” You just have to be really careful about only using soap and water to clean them.
Can butcher block get wet?
You can’t avoid getting your wood countertops wet when you’re preparing food. The finish we use on butcher block is food-safe. It’s not waterproof, but the type of moisture that touches butcher block shouldn’t damage the wood as long as you clean up immediately after preparing your meal.
How do you clean a butcher block with lemon and salt?
Cleaning a Wood Cutting Board With Lemon and Salt Take a lemon and cut it in half. Scrub the salt down each side of the cutting board using the lemon with the fleshy side down. Let the salt and lemon solution sit for approximately five minutes. Finally, clean off the board with a sponge, rinse, and dry.
Can you wax butcher block?
Step 7: Safe Finishes In hardworking kitchens, food-safe oils and waxes are ideal finishes for butcher block because they’re easy to wipe on, and, for the most part, there’s no wait for them to cure.
How often should I oil my butcher block?
5. When determining how often to oil a block, the general rule of thumb is once a day for a week upon purchase; once a week for a month; and once a month forever. The block should be oiled whenever the wood starts to look dry and chalky.
What kind of oil do you use on butcher block countertops?
Food-safe mineral oil is recommended for regular upkeep and helps keep the surface stain-repellant and looking its best. However, repeated applications won’t build the surface or help repair minor wear like other products. Mineral oil also provides the most matte sheen of all our suggestions.
Can you cut raw meat on butcher block?
Avoid cutting raw meat or poultry directly on a butcher block or wooden cutting board. Cooked meats, fruits and vegetables can be cut on a wooden surface, but remember that the action of the knife will score the wood, making the surface hard to clean.
How often do you have to seal butcher block countertops?
While butcher block countertops do require routine maintenance, resealing the surface is only required after every 6-12 months depending on the level of use. The same goes for natural stone countertops, which must be resealed over time to maintain the original quality and look.
Are butcher blocks hard to maintain?
While pretty, butcher block countertops require much more maintenance than their marble or stone counterparts. On average, this kind of re-treating must be done once a year, but it also depends on how you use the countertop. The positive is that, if maintained properly, these countertops can last a very long time.
