Butcher blocks come in many varieties. However, all of them are beautiful and easy to maintain. Whether you have a free-standing butcher block, butcher block countertops, or a butcher block cutting board, it is important that you know how to properly maintain this amazing tool. Butcher blocks are made of strips of wood glued together.
Wooden butcher blocks are less expensive than stone ones, however, they require more maintenance. They should be sealed regularly to prevent damage from water and kitchen liquids. Lucky for you, cleaning a butcher block is extremely easy. You don’t need any special products or skills. You can use any cleaner you have at home. Sealing your block is also surprisingly easy and non-toxic. You can do it at home with supplies you already have in the kitchen.
Butcher blocks should be cleaned after each use, no matter used for food display or preparation. Blocks that are regularly used should be sealed with food-grade mineral oil once a month. Even decorative blocks should be oiled at least once or twice a year. It is of crucial importance that you clean and seal your butcher blocks since any food residue that has not been properly removed will cause bacteria growth.
In this article, we will share our favourite method of cleaning a butcher block in a few easy steps. Keep reading to find out how to do that.
1. Scrape away debris and solid residue – After food preparation is done, use a plastic scraper to remove any stuck-on food and debris that can be found on your butcher block. Make sure you do it right after you are done and do not allow food to dry on there.
2. Mix a cleaning solution – Create a cleaning solution by mixing hot water and dishwashing liquid detergent. You can do this in a bowl or a sink. Use dishwashing liquid since it is great for dissolving grease and grime left by food.
3. Wipe the block and rinse it – Dip a sponge in the cleaning solution and wring it out until it is no longer dripping. Wipe down the block following the direction of the wood grain. For stubborn stains, you can scrub a little. Wipe the top, bottom, and sides. When everything is clean, dip the sponge in clean water, wring it out, and wipe down all the sides. Make sure you remove any soapy residue that may be left on the surface of the block. Remember to rinse out the sponge often if the area you are wiping down is large.
4. Sanitise the butcher block – Spray the butcher block surface with undiluted distilled white vinegar. Allow the vinegar to stay on the surface for at least 10 minutes or until it dries naturally. Vinegar is a powerful ingredient that will kill bacteria and germs.
5. Get rid of stains – If your butcher block has areas that have been discoloured or stained by tannin or food juices, mix a paste of table salt and lemon juice. Apply it to the stained areas, cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit for 10-20 minutes. When done, scrub the area with a sponge. The salt will act as a mild abrasive and the lemon juice will slightly bleach the stained area. Repeat that step until all stains are gone completely.
6. Seal your butcher block – Unless your butcher block has been sealed with polyurethane, resealing must be done at least once a month, especially if you use your block on a regular basis. By doing this, you will prevent moisture from entering the wood and damaging it. If you are sealing a butcher block countertop, focus especially on the areas that are closer to the sink and are often exposed to water.
Use food-grade mineral oil or walnut oil. Before oiling it, make sure your butcher block is completely clean and dry. Pour the oil directly onto the block and spread it around (best done with a brush) in thin layers. Make sure you don’t allow it to pool on the surface. Continue by rubbing the oil in, using cotton cloths. It should quickly penetrate the wood and dry within 30 minutes.
Extra tip: If there are any rough or uneven areas on the surface of your butcher block, sand them slightly before sealing.
How to maintain your butcher block looking great:
• Avoid exposing your blocks to prolonged water exposure. Never soak them in water and never leave water on their surface.
• Heat can scorch your wooden butcher block. Avoid putting hot pots or pans directly on it.
• Do not use cooking oils when sealing your block. They can turn rancid and cause unpleasant odours.
• Remove mould and mildew from the surface of your butcher block by spraying a diluted solution of chlorine bleach and water. Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with a quart of water. Spray the solution on the surface and let it sit for 5 minutes. When done, wipe away the mildew with a paper towel. Rinse with hot water and dry thoroughly. Repeat if needed.