How to Remove Mold From Butcher Block Counters

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Things You'll Need

  • Bucket

  • Water

  • Bleach

  • Scrub brush

  • Towel

  • 100-grit sandpaper

  • Sanding block

  • Dust mask

  • Gloves

  • Safety glasses

  • Paper towels

  • Sponge

  • Fan

Butcher block countertops are made of wood blocks that are compressed tightly together. Although they are an attractive counter option, they have some drawbacks. The wood is porous and absorbs water and bacteria. If the area remains moist, such as near a sink, mold can begin to grow. Since scrubbing alone does not remove all of the spores, you must refinish the surface of the butcher block to completely remove the mold.

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Step 1

Fill a bucket with 2 quarts water and 2 tsp. bleach. Dip a scrub brush into the solution, and scrub the butcher block counter to remove as much of the surface mold as possible. Dry the butcher block well with a towel.

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Step 2

Insert a fine-grit sandpaper, such as 100-grit, onto a sanding block. Put on safety glasses, gloves and a dust mask. Sand the surface of the moldy butcher block until evidence of mold is no longer visible.

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Step 3

Wipe the butcher block with a damp paper towel to collect the mold spores and the sanding dust. Discard the paper towels.

Step 4

Pour out the original bleach water and refill the bucket with 2 quarts clean water and 2 tsp. bleach. Sponge the mixture onto the butcher block so that it is wet but not soaking. Let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the bleach to kill any remaining mold spores.

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Step 5

Wipe the butcher block with a damp sponge to remove the bleach residue from it.

Step 6

Open all nearby windows, and place a fan near the butcher block to speed the drying process.

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