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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 high maintenance?
1. You’ll have to take care of them. While pretty, butcher block countertops require much more maintenance than their marble or stone counterparts. You’ll have to treat the surface with mineral oil to protect the natural wood and use sandpaper to sand down and fill in any nicks or scratches that have occurred.
How often do you have to treat butcher block countertops?
Taking care of the counters is fairly simple. Every four to six weeks when the counters start to look and feel dry, we treat them with a butcher block wax/oil combo.
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.
Can you put hot pans on butcher block?
Placing hot pots and pans directly on the butcher block surface is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. It is also one of the most problematic. The hot items can burn and even crack the wood, leaving permanent damage, in most cases.
Can you put a sink in a butcher block countertop?
The biggest concern for me was definitely was the idea of water damage. Putting butcher block around a sink is risky enough, even without the sinks being under-mounted. You definitely have to make sure to use silicone around the sink seam and also use a good wood sealer.
How do you clean untreated butcher block?
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.
How do you disinfect 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.
What oil is best for butcher block?
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.
Do you need to sand butcher block countertops?
If you have an old, stained, or slightly damaged butcher block kitchen countertop, you can refinish it to make it like new again. The only tools required are sandpaper and mineral oil (a palm sander is optional). Here are some tips and tricks to refinish the butcher block countertop in your home.
Does butcher block stain easily?
Con: Butcher-block is susceptible to scratches, dings, and stains. If you plan on chopping directly on your countertops, you’re going to end up marking things up a little (or a lot). That glass you dropped might just leave a dent, and the wine inside could settle into a stain. Pro: But they’re easily restored.
What cleaner can I use on butcher block?
Food residue may be scraped away with a smooth, flat, and ideally plastic spatula, and the surface should be sponged off with only mild-dishwashing soap. Undiluted vinegar, by the by, works great for cleaning and disinfecting butcher block, and this type of vinegar does not leave behind a strong, pungent odor.
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 you over oil a butcher block?
There is no such thing as using too much butcher block oil. Once the wood is fully saturated with oil, it will not take on any more oil.
What should you not cut on a butcher block?
Using. Avoid cutting raw meat or poultry directly on a butcher block or wooden cutting board. Instead, place a plastic cutting board on the wooden surface and use the plastic board as the cutting surface. This will protect the wood and prevent it from becoming contaminated.
What should you not use on a butcher block?
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.
Can I leave my butcher block unfinished?
Any finish is safe to use on a butcher-block table or countertop that will not be used as a cutting surface. If the surface won’t be cut on, the answer is simple: Any film-forming finish you would normally choose for durability and appearance will be just fine (Photo 1).
