As long as butcher blocks are properly cleaned, they are a classic choice for any kitchen and are renowned for being low maintenance. Butcher block countertops require routine sealing and cleaning to maintain their best appearance and avoid hard-set stains, just like any other natural wood element in a high-traffic area. The best cleaning techniques for butcher block countertops from these pros will keep yours looking like new and help stop stains before they start.
Are you looking for cozy, rustic, and warm kitchen countertop ideas? Although they do require special care, butcher block countertops are among the best for a kitchen. The good news is that butcher block countertop sealing and cleaning are easy tasks that rarely call for a lot of specialized equipment.
Use soap and water every use
The easiest way to make sure your kitchen is always clean is to use dish soap and a fresh cloth to wipe down the surfaces after each use. However, you should wring out the cloth completely before using it on the butcher block because too much water can cause staining or cracking. You should also dry the cloth completely with a fresh towel afterward for the same reason.
Disinfect with Hydrogen Peroxide
In order to give your butcher block counters a more thorough cleaning, we suggest clearing out clutter and cleaning with a hydrogen peroxide mixture. We recommend taking 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide and mixing one part hydrogen peroxide to eleven parts water. After spreading the mixture over the counter, give it at least ten minutes to sit. Simply use a fresh, moist sponge to rinse. To avoid warping or discoloration, make sure it is dried with a fresh towel after cleaning it off. To prevent damage, always test strong chemicals on a portion of the countertop that is not visible.
Remove stains with baking soda
As with quartz countertops, butcher block countertops can stain if not properly cared for, so proceed with caution. Cleaning professionals advise using a natural cleaner made of baking soda to treat any new stains on your butcher block counters right away, especially if they are oil-based. For stained butcher blocks, we suggest using baking soda for cleaning. Apply a thick, spreadable paste made from gradually combining baking soda and water to the stain. After letting it sit for a few minutes, give it a light scrub with a brush with soft bristles, then give it a thorough rinse with water and leave it to dry.
Don’t use harsh chemicals
Harsh chemicals are used in a lot of commercial kitchen cleaners to help disinfect surfaces. According to cleaning expert Ahmad Jamal, these are frequently too strong for cleaning natural materials like wood. A good homemade kitchen cleaner is usually more appropriate for the surface. Ammonia and bleach as the two main offenders, along with abrasive sponges and brushes that also cause surface scratches. Rather, he suggests using a natural or highly diluted cleaning solution on a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
Oil the surface after the deep clean
Butcher block countertops require routine oiling after cleaning and drying to preserve the natural material, which is not too different from caring for a wooden cutting board. Wood naturally dries out with time, so you’ll need to oil the surface to restore moisture. Make sure you use food-grade oil and spread it all over your surface. We advise clients to use something nonporous instead of paper towels or cloths since they frequently tend to absorb a lot of oil. If the oil hasn’t completely soaked in by morning, you can simply wipe it off with a paper towel or gentle cloth.
House cleaning in Miami is now a cake walk with Extreme Maids. They ensure your butcher blocks are safe and tidy for a long time. Hire them to get your butcher blocks cleaned ASAP.
