Wooden butcher blocks are a wonderful way to add both warmth and functionality to your kitchen, but these stellar surfaces require a little extra attention. Whether you’ve got a fully integrated butcher block countertop, a collection of cutting boards, or an island that’s as utilitarian as it is aesthetically pleasing, here’s how to care for butcher block countertops. Learn what you need to know—and do—to keep your butcher block in tip-top shape.
Seal and Protect Your Countertops
The first butcher block care step is to seal them. Wood is a porous material, and it’s crucial that you keep germs and moisture at bay to preserve your family’s health and safety. Food-grade oils, like our Tung Oil, cure wood without adding dangerous chemicals that could leach into ingredients while you chop vegetables or knead dough.
Use all-natural to give your butcher block a lustrous finish. The ingredients are FDA-approved as safe for food contact, meaning you can utilize it in your kitchen without worry, and its natural honey color is ideal for integration in all kinds of color schemes.
Hemp Oil, which is food safe and dries to a matte finish, is another option. It’s a wonderful choice for sealing newly made blocks or for reviving vintage pieces and the oil’s lightly nutty aroma gives your workspace a pleasant smell.
Both oils work as sealants, but pure tung oil has a slight edge in terms of durability and water resistance. Choose whichever option works best for you—however we always recommend avoiding cooking oils, oil-based stains, and polyurethane on your butcher blocks as they can go rancid or secrete dangerous chemicals.
Avoid Food Grade Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is often touted as a good way to protect and condition wood surfaces. But mineral oil can actually cause more harm than good when used on a butcher block surface. We do not recommend using Mineral Oil on a butcher block because it can make it swell and warp. While Mineral Oil is food safe, it does have a few downsides. For example, food safe mineral oil is a non-drying oil, so some residue can get into your food, be ingested, or spread around the house. This also means it needs to be consistently reapplied as it is being removed from the wood over time.
Food-grade mineral oil, also known as white mineral oil, is a petrochemical – meaning it is derived from petroleum. While some may be comfortable with petrochemicals being around their food prep surfaces, it’s not something we would recommend.
Similarly, Mineral Oil does not leave a waterproof finish (since it’s a non-drying oil), it allows water and other liquids to reach the counters, cutting board, or other butcher block countertops below.
We highly recommend using Tung Oil to properly care for your butcher block counter top because it’s a food safe, drying oil.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Sealing Butcher Block Countertops with Tung Oil
Materials Needed:
- Pure Tung Oil (Real Milk Paint Co.)
- Clean, lint-free cloths
- Fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit)
- Natural bristle brush or sponge
- White vinegar and water (for cleaning)
Steps:
1. Clean the Surface:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Wipe down the butcher block with a damp cloth to remove debris and bacteria.
- Allow the surface to dry completely (at least 4-6 hours).
2. Lightly Sand the Surface (If Needed):
- Use fine-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections, knife marks, or scratches.
- Always sand in the direction of the wood grain.
- Wipe away dust with a clean, dry cloth.
3. Apply the First Coat of Tung Oil:
- Pour a small amount of Pure Tung Oil onto the surface.
- Use a natural bristle brush or cloth to spread the oil evenly, working it into the grain.
- Allow the oil to penetrate for 20-30 minutes.
- Wipe away any excess oil with a clean, lint-free cloth.
4. Apply Additional Coats:
- Repeat the application process until the wood no longer absorbs oil.
- Wipe off excess oil after each coat.
5. Let the Oil Cure:
- After the first 12-24 hours, you can add an additional thin coat to ensure your butcher block is fully saturated with Tung Oil.
- Allow the countertop to cure fully for 7-10 days with no-to-light use.
- Allow for 30 days of cure time before regular use.
Pro Tip: During the 30-day cure time, you can cover your butcher block countertop with wax or parchment paper if you need to use the countertop. Just remove the wax or parchment paper after you complete your task.
How to Clean Butcher Block Countertops
While sealing butcher block surfaces is important, it doesn’t eliminate the need for regular cleaning. Here are important butcher block care instructions to prevent staining and maintain food safety:
- Use a sponge or a damp cloth with mild soap to remove hot pots stains, food debris and other potential contaminants.
- Rinse off any residual cleanser, then wipe up excess moisture.
- If the dirt still hasn’t fell off, try using a fine grit sandpaper to clean butcher block tops. You may need to do a touch up with oil again if you do this step.
Surprisingly, a mild dish soap may help with general cleaning and keep the surface clean, but it won’t necessarily aid in sanitation. Bacteria is almost as common in the kitchen as salt and pepper; stock a spray bottle of white vinegar near your other kitchen essentials and give your hardwood surface a spritz to kill bacteria, then wipe away the excess once a week. The acid creates an inhospitable environment for pathogens, giving you a safe surface to use when you exercise your culinary talents.
Maintaining Butcher Block Countertops
Daily:
- Wipe down the countertop with a damp cloth and mild dish soap.
Weekly:
- Inspect for any stains, scratches, or water rings.
- Use white vinegar as a natural disinfectant for food prep surfaces.
Monthly:
- Perform a thorough cleaning:
- Lightly sand stubborn stains or knife marks.
- Buff the surface with a clean cloth to maintain a smooth finish.
Annually:
- Deep clean and reseal the entire countertop:
- If you have damage from scratches, lightly sand the surface to remove them using 220-grit sandpaper.
- Apply 1-2 very light coats of Pure Tung Oil or Hemp Oil to ensure long-term protection.
Ensure Longevity with Butcher Block Countertop Maintenance
Review from Ryan M.
When installing butcher block into your kitchen, remember they require some care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Using and reapplying finishing oils or wood wax whenever necessary will make your butcher block more durable, but there are other steps you can take to increase protection:
- Avoid sitting wet dishes or paper towels on the wood
- Try to keep harsh undiluted chemicals away from natural wood grain tops. Also work to keep food products known to stain off the entire surface
- Use a plastic cutting board for raw meat, fish, or any other wet or dark-hued ingredients (beets, for instance)
With a modicum of foresight and a touch of elbow grease, your gorgeously new butcher block countertops and cutting boards will stand up round after round of holiday bakes, chili cook-offs, and family brunches.
Common Issues with Butcher Blocks and Solutions
1. Stains and Discoloration:
Cause: Food spills, wine, or water left on the surface.
Solution:
- Mix baking soda and lemon juice into a paste.
- Apply to the stain, let sit for 5 minutes, and wipe clean.
- Lightly sand the area if the stain persists.
- Reapply finishing oil with a rag to “heal” the area.
2. Water Damage or Warping:
Cause: Excess moisture exposure.
Solution:
- Place a towel or paper bag over the water-damaged area.
- Use a hot iron on the bag or towel in short bursts, checking frequently to see if the water damage is being removed.
- If needed, reapply a light coat of Tung Oil to restore protection.
- Avoid leaving wet items on the surface.
3. Knife Marks and Deep Scratches:
Cause: Cutting directly on the countertop.
Solution:
- Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out scratches.
- Reapply Hemp Oil or Tung Oil to restore the surface.
4. Foul Odors:
Cause: Bacteria buildup or lack of cleaning.
Solution:
- Disinfect with white vinegar.
- Sprinkle salt and scrub with half a lemon to neutralize odors naturally.
Keep Your Butcher Block Beautiful for Years to Come
How to care for butcher block countertops doesn’t have to be complicated. With regular cleaning, proper sealing using food-safe oils like Pure Tung Oil or Hemp Oil, and a little preventative maintenance, your countertops can stay functional, beautiful, and safe for years to come. Whether you’re reviving a vintage butcher block or maintaining a newly installed countertop, Real Milk Paint Co.’s food-safe oils provide the perfect solution for long-lasting protection.
Shop Butcher Block Oil here and experience the difference that eco-friendly, food-safe protection makes!
