How to Clean a Butcher Block Table

Butcher block tables need to be cleaned and sanitized every day.

Butcher block tables are very useful when cutting large pieces of meat, or when trying to clean your hunting or fishing prizes such as fish, fowl, mammals or reptiles. Butcher block tables are normally made of a sturdy wood such as oak in order to stand up to the sharp edges of your tools. Remember to never use razor sharp cutting tools that will come into contact with the table. This can cause the butcher block table to splinter, which means you will have to sand it down and refinish it before you can use it again.

Things You'll Need

• Metal spatula
• ¼ cup bleach
• 2 tbsp. mild dish detergent
• Warm water
• 2 sponges
• Towels
• Mineral oil

Instructions

1. Scrape off all excess moisture from the butcher block table with the metal spatula.

2. Mix ¼ cup of bleach in a bowl with 2 tbsp. of mild dish detergent and warm water.

3. Scrub the butcher block table with the solution using one of the sponges.

4. Wipe off any excess moisture with an absorbent towel.

5. Apply mineral oil to the second sponge and cover the butcher block table completely. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean towel.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not like using chemicals like bleach, you can replace ¼ cup of bleach with ½ cup white vinegar to disinfect the table.

• Exercise caution when using chemicals. Failure to do so can cause injury.

References

• Butcher Block Specialist: Maintenance
• The Cooking Inn: Caring for Wooden Utensils and Cutting Boards