How to Treat a Wooden Butcher Block

Butcher block, whether for tables, counters or cutting boards, is made from equal-sized sections of wood that are either glued or doweled together to create the block. Like all wood pieces, the surface of the butcher block may become stained and dinged over time. You need to perform monthly maintenance on butcher block, and you'll need to take additional steps to care for the wood when it starts to get dingy.

Things You'll Need

• Mineral oil
• Soft cloth
• 400-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Wash or wipe down the butcher block after you use it. This will prevent stains.

2. Wipe the butcher block at least once a month with mineral oil using a soft cloth. This helps to seal the wood, preventing bacterial growth.

3. Sand the butcher block with 400-grit sandpaper at least once a year. This will remove dings, grime and stains.

4. Wipe the surface of the butcher block with mineral oil after sanding. This will remove any sanding debris from the wood, leaving a smooth surface.

5. Apply several coats of mineral oil to the butcher block to restore the finish after you've sanded and wiped off any debris. Allow each coat to dry for several hours before adding the next coat. When the wood will no longer absorb the oil, the new finish is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• If the butcher block is deeply gouged or stained, you may want to sand the block using progressively finer sandpaper. Start with a sandpaper of 80 to 100 grit, wipe with mineral oil, resand with 180- to 200-grit paper, then use the 400-grit sandpaper.

• When washing butcher block cutting boards, always allow the board to air dry thoroughly before putting it away.

• For butcher block that retains an odor, try rubbing a half a lemon over the board.

References

• University of Wisconsin: Care and Cleaning of Butcher Blocks and Wooden Cutting Boards (PDF)
• Washington Post: Cutting Through the Stains on the Butcher Block