How To Care For A Butcher Block Counter Top
Butcher block counters help construct an appealing and friendly environment in the areas they occupy. They’re particularly popular thanks to their various color options and versatileness. Just like regular counters, taking care of them includes just a bit of cleaning and upkeep.
While butcher blocks are ideal for food preparation, being made of wood leaves them susceptible to stains and smells. The easiest and quickest way to care for them is to wipe them off after every use. A clean sponge and some soapy water will do the trick. Afterwards, be sure to dry the surface off with a clean towel.
Preparing raw meats and other foods can leave colonies of bacteria behind. Mix two tablespoons of vinegar into some water to keep yours protected from these dangerous invaders. Wipe the block off with a clean sponge and let the mixture sit for a while before you wash it off. The vinegar mixture will eliminate the bacteria safely without damaging the surface.
The woods natural beauty also makes it prone to absorbing the stains of foods being prepared on it. A generous helping of lemon juice will work out most unsightly stains. Let the substance soak evenly on top of the butcher block for a few minutes before wiping it off. Some stains on this type of surface are inevitable and just mean that the wood is darkening.
To keep your counter top looking new and elegant, apply oil to it on a weekly basis. A mineral oil will work best and it should be applied evenly and left sitting for at least five minutes. With a towel, wipe off all of the oil and pat it dry. After this process make sure that you wait 12 hours before preparing food on the surface.
Although it might be tempting, you should never utilize strong and irritating chemicals when caring for a butcher block. Some of these substances might seep into the wood and poison the food that is prepped on them. Other chemicals can damage the integrity of the wood.
The beauty and utility of a butcher block counter top attracts many. Butcher block is appealing to the eye and easy to care for.
