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.

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 the counter top looking elegant and new, apply oil to them on a weekly basis. Mineral oils work best and should be poured on evenly and left sitting for five minutes. Wipe off the oil with a clean towel and pat any excess dry. Make sure you wait at least twelve hours before using the counter tops after this process.

Although it might be tempting, you should never utilize strong and irritating chemicals when caring for a butcher block. Some of these substances might seep into the wood and poison the food that is prepped on them. Other chemicals can damage the integrity of the wood.