Tools and Materials
For this easy DIY project, you’ll need the following items:
How to Install a Butcher Block Countertop
a dough scraper kosher salt lemon juice baking soda scouring pad or stiff scrubbing brush paper towels razor blade scraper or fine-grit sandpaper food-grade mineral oil a lint-free cloth
Keeping butcher block in good condition requires some TLC. It can’t be thrown into the dishwasher because of the high heat, and it doesn’t handle regular household cleaners, like bleach, well. So you’ll have to take some special steps to clean and maintain your butcher-block surfaces.
How to Clean Butcher Block
The best ingredients for cleaning a butcher block surface are kosher salt, lemon, and baking soda. Vinegar isn’t always the best candidate because its acidic properties can dissolve the glue that joins together the wooden pieces of butcher block, and bleach will lighten the deep hues of the wood, rendering it less attractive. Here are a few steps for cleaning butcher block: If your butcher block is excessively stained or appears noticeably dull, you may want to consider sanding off a thin layer to start over with the fresh material underneath.
How to Maintain Butcher Block Counters
Once your butcher block surface has been properly cleaned, the next step is to treat it with mineral oil to keep it supple. Make sure you’re applying food-grade mineral oil since the surface is used for food preparation. Mineral oil helps wood retain its inner moisture while preventing liquid from seeping in. To help maintain your butcher block surfaces, follow these steps: Treat your butcher block surface with mineral oil once a season, and more often during the drier months or if you live in an arid location. Keeping the wood supple and moist goes a long way to maintaining its health and natural beauty.
