How To Maintain A Butcher Block Counter Top
Butcher block counters help construct an appealing and friendly environment in the areas they occupy. They’re particularly popular thanks to their various color options and versatileness. Just like regular counters, taking care of them includes just a bit of cleaning and upkeep.
While ideal for preparing food, butcher blocks are susceptible to smells and stains since they are made of wood. Wiping them off after every use is the quickest and easiest way to care for them. Some mildly soapy water and a clean sponge will do the trick. Be sure to completely dry the surface off afterwards with a clean towel.
Prepping certain foods, raw meat especially, can leave behind hoards of disease-causing bacteria. To rid your block from these unwanted organisms, add a few tablespoons of regular vinegar into one quart of tap water. With a new sponge, soak the block all over and then allow it to set for a five minutes before wiping it off. This process will safely kill the bacteria on the counter top.
The woods natural beauty also makes it prone to absorbing the stains of foods being prepared on it. A generous helping of lemon juice will work out most unsightly stains. Let the substance soak evenly on top of the butcher block for a few minutes before wiping it off. Some stains on this type of surface are inevitable and just mean that the wood is darkening.
To keep the blocks looking nice and clean, pour oil on them once or twice a week. Mineral oil works great and should be applied evenly and left soaking for several minutes. Clean off the mineral oil with a towel and dab the counter top dry. Be sure you wait twelve to fourteen hours before you use the blocks after treating them.
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.
The beauty and utility of a butcher block counter top attracts many. Butcher block is appealing to the eye and easy to care for.