How to Apply Mineral Oil to a Butcher Block

Butcher blocks are an integral part of any kitchen. We rely on them for all sorts of food preparations from cutting raw meats to dicing fresh vegetable to slicing bread. Keeping the board clean and sterile is important to avoid cross-contamination. To avoid to the proliferation of germs and even the growth of mold, butcher blocks should be properly seasoned and maintained on a monthly basis. This also keeps the wood from absorbing too much moisture or from drying out and cracking.

Things You'll Need

• Food-grade mineral oil
• Clean, dry rag

Instructions

1. Wipe the wood surface with a clean, damp cloth.

2. Heat the food grade mineral oil a bit. Warmed oil will penetrate the wood more easily.

3. Pour the mineral oil onto the surface of the butcher block and wipe it over the wood with a dry, soft cloth following the grain of the wood. Too much oil is better than not enough.

4. Watch and wait for the oil to be absorbed by the wood. Apply more oil as the previous coat is absorbed. When the wood stops absorbing the oil let the excess oil sit on the surface of the butcher block for four to six hours before wiping off the excess.

5. Apply up to five to 10 coats of mineral oil on a new, raw, un-oiled butcher block. Apply mineral oil once or twice a month to a well seasoned butcher block to maintain its surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Food-grade mineral oil can be purchased at hardware stores or drug stores.

• Apply a beeswax paste to the surface of the butcher block after applying mineral oil. It provides another moisture barrier. Mineral oil can be applied on top of the beeswax paste when it's time to season the block again.

• Don't buy oils marketed as special butcher's block oil or mystery oils. They are simply mineral oil.

• Never allow standing moisture to go unchecked on your butcher block. Wipe your block dry immediately.

• Don't confuse mineral oil (food-grade) with mineral spirits. Mineral spirits is a paint thinner and shouldn't be anywhere near a butcher block.

• Don't use olive oil or vegetable oil to season the butcher block. These oils will turn rancid, become sticky and give your food an odd flavor.

• Don't apply synthetic varnishes to your butcher block. They harden and simply sit on the surface of the wood rather than penetrating into it. When you cut through the varnish when cutting up, food moist contaminates can seep into the cut and start breeding germs.

References

• WoodZone.com: Re-Finishing a Butcher Block Top
• Wwhats Cooking America: Season Cutting Boards