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How To Care For A Butcher Block Counter Top
Written by Paul white   
Saturday, 24 July 2010 07:58
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.
by PaulWhite


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.

Although kitchen butcher blocks are perfect for food prep, being made out of wood makes them susceptible to stains and odors. The simplest and fastest way to care for one is to clean it off after each use. A fresh sponge and a little soapy water will be perfect. Afterwards, make sure to pat the block off with a dry cloth.

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 block's natural look also makes it susceptible to absorbing stains of foods being prepped on it. A large amount of lemon juice will remove most unpleasant stains. Let the juice soak in on top of the surface for a couple minutes before rinsing it off. Certain stains on this kind of surface are inescapable and simply mean that the wood is getting darker.

To keep the blocks looking nice and clean, pour oil on them once or twice a week. Mineral oil works great and should be applied evenly and left soaking for several minutes. Clean off the mineral oil with a towel and dab the counter top dry. Be sure you wait twelve to fourteen hours before you use the blocks after treating them.

You refrain from using abrasive or harsh chemicals to clean your butcher block no matter how tempting it may be. Products like these may contaminate food that is prepared on them by seeping into the wood. Harsh chemicals can also damage the wood's integrity.

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