What should you do to keep butcherblock surfaces clean and in top shape?

Answer 1

Wood butcher block can take much hard wear and tear, be resurfaced or repaired, and continue looking good for many years. Before using a new butcher block, season it to prevent staining and absorption of food odors and bacteria. A mineral oil finish is preferable to polyurethane or varnish because the oil finish is easy to maintain and to repair if the wood surface is damaged. An oil finish helps to prevent the wood from cracking or pulling apart at the seams. Although boiled linseed oil will work, mineral oil is preferred because it will not turn rancid. Before applying oil to butcher block, warm the oil slightly. Apply oil with a soft cloth, in the direction of the grain, allowing the oil to soak in between each of the four or five coats required for the initial seasoning. After each treatment, wait about four to six hours and wipe off oil that did not soak into the wood. Re-oil the butcher block monthly or as often as needed. Wood butcher block counters have all the characteristics of solid wood. They will shrink or expand as the moisture content of the wood changes. Extreme dryness may cause cracks. Any cracks that appear should be filled with wood filler, sanded smooth, and the entire block given a good coat of oil. [Info from the Home Maintenance And Repair Database at the Michigan State University website] In UK slaughter houses butchers blocks are cleaned using soapy water and scrubbing hard with a wire brush