How to Maintain a Butcher Block
A butcher block, whether it be a simple cutting board or full counter tops, needs regular maintenance in order to keep the wood looking fresh and new. Maintenance for a butcher block falls into two main categories: monthly and yearly. Monthly maintenance is simple and easy and requires very little time. Yearly maintenance will take more time and effort to achieve.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Damp sponge
- Clean, soft rags
- Mineral oil or tung oil
- Mineral spirits
- Small bowl
- 100, 220 and 300 grit sandpaper
- Hand sander
Instructions
-
-
1
Wipe up all spills on butcher block immediately using a damp sponge. This will prevent any spills from penetrating the finish of the butcher block.
-
2
Combine equal amounts of mineral or Tung oil and mineral spirits in a small bowl. Wipe the surface of the butcher block with soft clothes dipped in this mixture any time you wash the butcher block in the sink or do heavy scrubbing on the counter top.
-
-
3
Sand the surface with 300 grit sandpaper to remove any dings or scratches monthly. Apply the mineral/Tung oil mixture using soft cloths, immediately after sanding.
-
4
Sand the surface down to bare wood at least once a year. The best way to do this is to use a hand sander. Load the sander with 100 grit sandpaper, and sand the surface until it is smooth. Wipe with mineral spirits to remove the sanding dust, and then repeat the process twice, once with the 220 grit sandpaper and then again with the 300 grit.
-
5
Apply four to seven coats of the mineral/Tung oil mixture to the wood, allowing it to dry for one hour between coats.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You can sand the butcher block down to bare wood and reapply the finish anytime the butcher block becomes heavily dinged or looks dull.
Any time you use soap to clean a butcher block cutting board, be sure to reapply a layer of mineral or Tung oil as soap removes the finish from the wood.
Always use mineral or Tung oil when wiping any type of wooden counter of cutting board. Vegetable oil can turn rancid when exposed to air and can affect the taste of foods used on the surfaces.
When sanding butcher block using a hand sander, always open windows to provide a well-ventilated space. The use of a dust mask will help prevent you from breathing in the fine dust.
