Wood butcher blocks are beautiful additions to any kitchen, providing a sturdy work surface for food preparation. However, to maintain their beauty, keep bacteria out, and promote food safety, you’ll need to give the surface regular care and maintenance. Plan to oil your butcher block once a month using this step-by-step guide.
Materials Needed
Gather all the necessary materials before diving into the cleaning and oiling process.
- Clean cloths or paper towels
- Lemon juice
- Natural soap or dish soap
- Mineral oil or other food-safe sealing oil
- Scrubbing sponge
- Scrub brush
- Table or kosher salt
- White vinegar
Butcher Block Oils
Homeowners should use “food-safe” oils to seal wood butcher blocks and avoid contamination, including these options:
Food-grade mineral oil, the main ingredient in most commercial products, is a popular choice for butcher blocks. It gives the wood a light honey color. Save money by purchasing the solution from your pharmacy’s laxative section rather than the hardware store.
Made from tung tree nuts, pure tung oil is a greener but more expensive alternative to petroleum-based mineral oil. It cures to a durable, darker amber finish. We recommend using only pure tung oil and avoiding products with added chemicals.
Raw linseed oil, a type of flaxseed oil, is another natural option. Use raw rather than boiled linseed oil, which contains metallic dryers that are unsafe for food.
Gourmet grocery stores often sell walnut and almond oils* for butcher blocks. You can also opt for coconut oil. However, for the best wood penetration and to avoid a waxy coating from the residue, warm the coconut oil. *May cause allergic reactions for those with nut allergies.
How To Clean and Oil Your Butcher Block
In total, you’ll need just over a day to clean and oil your wooden butcher block. Remove all items from the surface before you start.
- Prepare a cleaning solution. Make a cleaning solution of two cups of warm water, a few drops of dish soap, three tablespoons of vinegar, and two tablespoons of lemon juice. The acidity helps to remove grease, odors, and oil buildup.
- Scour the surface. With your scrub brush, apply this solution generously across the surface, paying extra attention to any grooves or stains. Allow the solution to sit for about five minutes for better penetration.
- Use a sanitizing paste. Mix kosher salt with lemon juice. Scrub the paste over the entire surface thoroughly with a sponge or brush. The salt’s abrasive properties lift stubborn particles.
- Rinse and dry. Rinse the butcher block. Pat dry it with towels or allow it to air dry. Don’t move onto step five if the surface isn’t dry, or you could seal in moisture and prevent oil absorption.
- Apply the oil. Apply the food-safe oil to the butcher block’s surface using a cloth. Rub it into the wood grain with circular motions.
- Allow the oil to sit. Wait 30 to 60 minutes for better penetration.
- Wipe away excess. Use paper towels to wipe away any excess oil to avoid a gummy or sticky surface.
- Wait 24 hours. Allow the oil to cure for 24 hours to fully saturate the wood.
You should repeat this process more often for heavy-use areas. Proper oiling seals the grain to repel stains, resist moisture damage, and prevent bacteria in grooves and cuts.
How Often Should I Oil My Butcher Block?
You should clean and oil your butcher block roughly once a month or every four to six weeks. Oil the surface more if it sees heavy use. If you don’t use your butcher block often, you might be able to get away with caring for it just a few times a year.
Oiling your butcher block helps to protect the wood from stains, drying, cracking, and moisture, extending its lifespan. It also keeps bacteria out and highlights the natural colors of the wood, enhancing its grain.
How Can I Maintain My Butcher Block?
With routine care, a wood butcher block can last for decades. Use cutting boards and pads to protect the finish when chopping or placing hot pots. Wipe up any spills and debris promptly to avoid staining. Apply light coats of oil weekly to frequently used areas to sustain the finish.
FAQs About Cleaning Butcher Blocks
Scrape off dried glue with a plastic scraper, then scrub the residue away with a baking soda and water paste. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Scrub away mold with a bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water). Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before oiling.
Use a toothbrush and toothpicks to scrub out debris. Then, spray with hydrogen peroxide to sanitize.
Wax resists water but doesn’t penetrate and condition like oil. For best protection, use food-grade oils.
Gently rub marks with super fine 0000 steel wool and apply fresh oil to blend the finish.
Oil your butcher block monthly or more if used daily. I recommend oiling high-use chopping surfaces weekly.
