Butcher blocks may be permanently installed in countertops; some form the entire surface of a table made for cutting, chopping and carving. Cutting boards are portable kitchen accessories used for the same purposes.

 

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Butcher blocks take lots of abuse, so they’re susceptible to dents, scratching, staining and burns. Whenever such damage occurs, cleaning butcher blocks becomes that much more complicated.

For routine cleanups, scrape food scraps away using the edge of a spatula; wipe the surface with a cloth covered in soap and water; wipe with a clean cloth, rinsing the cloth under a stream of fresh water a couple of times if necessary, and allow it to air dry.

If raw meat – beef, pork, poultry or fish – has been prepared on the block, clean it with a 100:1 water and chlorine bleach solution first. Apply diluted bleach and allow it to work for at least two minutes, then wipe thoroughly. Wring bleach solution out of the cloth completely, and then follow up by wiping down the surface with clean water.

 

Bleaching also can help clean up stubborn spots. Apply diluted bleach to the spot, allow it to work for a few minutes, then gently scrub the spot with a white nylon scrubbing pad.

 

Consider refinishing your butcher block if it has endured no more than the usual dents and dings over time. Lightly sand the dry surface with fine (180-grit or higher) sandpaper, vacuum the surface and then wipe up all sawdust up with a damp cloth. When dry, apply at least two coats of polyurethane. The sealer must be suitable for use on food-preparation surfaces; the can’s labeling will specify this property. The resulting surface will be easier to clean, and harder to stain.

 

Oil unsealed butcher block regularly to help prevent splitting. Warm some mineral oil in the microwave for a few seconds, or warm up water in a sauce pan and place the oil container in the pan for a few minutes. Use at least 1 ounce of oil per square foot of butcher block. Spread it over the cleaned butcher block with a brush or heavy cloth, and let it sit for several minutes. Wipe up any excess with a clean cloth. If the wood soaks up oil quickly, it’s probably a good idea to repeat the process.

 

Badly damaged butcher block should be refinished by a professional.

 

References:

 

Consumer Reports editors, How to Clean and Care for Practically Anything
Jeff Bredenberg, editor, Clean It Fast, Clean It Right: The Ultimate Guide to Making Everything You Own Sparkle & Shine.