Butcher Block Cleaning

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated January 4, 2021)

Butcher blocks have long been an extremely popular choice among most home chefs, and even professional chefs. In fact, these have become so popular that the wooden material is becoming an ever increasing popular choice for tables and countertops. There is just one thing wrong with utilizing this material as a cutting board, or even just having it in the kitchen. That problem is that if you don't take the proper care you can easily damage the wood, or not kill off all the germs that can collect on it. To ensure that you do a thorough job, simply follow these guidelines.

  • Wash thoroughly. The very first step in butcher block cleaning is to do a basic washing. To do this, you can very easily use some regular water and regular liquid dishwashing soap or detergent. When you do this, use a nonabrasive cloth or sponge to do this, as you don't want to create any micro-abrasions in the wood which could harbor and contain bacteria, germs, or microbes. Once you have washed the block completely, dry off the wood using another soft cloth.
  • Apply some bleach. Once you have completely washed and dried the butcher block you need to begin killing off any bacteria that may have been left behind. To do this, create a cleaning mixture of about one tablespoon of bleach with about a gallon of warm water. Wipe this mixture over the block with a clean soft rag.
  • Use some lemon juice. For particularly nasty stains, you can simply pour a bit of lemon juice onto the surface, and allowing it to soak there for awhile. This in effect will act as a bit of bleach, and help you to remove the stain. Simply wash the lemon juice off in the same manner as listed above.
  • Apply some mineral oil. If your butcher block is unvarnished then you will need to add another step to your cleaning regimen. That step is to apply some nontoxic mineral oil to your butcher block. On average, you will only need to do this once about every other week, or if you are really paranoid about your butcher block, every week. This will in effect act as a type of varnish that will help protect the wood, and help prevent any nasty bacteria soaking into the wood.
  • Wash again. After you have applied either the bleach, lemon juice, or even the mineral oil, you will need to wash everything again. Be sure that when you do this you follow the same exact procedure that you used initially. You want to make sure that you remove any and all traces of the cleaning and maintenance fluids so that it will not adversely effect the food you prepare on it.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Defining My Space

Being able to have a space to call your own is a something that everyone deserves, and desires. However, in today's ...

Discover More

Baking Dish Conversions

Chances are pretty good that somewhere along the lines you have come across a recipe that says to use a baking dish that ...

Discover More

Removing Calcium Deposits from Cookware

Calcium deposits can appear on just about anything, though they are most often seen on items that are often submerged in ...

Discover More

The Power of Microfiber! Zwipes Microfiber Cleaning Cloths will become your favorite tool for every cleaning task. This 36-cloth package is perfect for hundreds of uses in the garage, kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and all around the house. Each cloth is tough, streak-free, lint-free, reusable, and washable. Check out Microfiber Cleaning Cloths today!

More Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Teflon Surfaces

Teflon is perhaps one of the most popular choices in nonstick cookware. As such, the chances of you having at least one ...

Discover More

Commercial Kitchen Cleaning

To ensure the best food quality and service, a commercial kitchen must be properly cleaned and maintained. Each day, ...

Discover More

Getting Family to Help Clean After Mealtimes

Do you live in a home where it seems like it is only one person's responsibility to do all the post dinner clean up? ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five less than 6?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.