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While you might already have experience with wood cabinets or flooring, butcher block countertops require a maintenance routine of their own. This is partly because of the type of wood they’re made from as well as the messes that cooking surfaces are subjected to. If you’re hoping to keep your rustic countertop in pristine condition, take advantage of these simple maintenance tips.

3 Easy Ways to Care for Butcher Block Countertops

1. Spot-Cleaning

Whether you’re pouring a glass of red wine or whipping up a turmeric latte, it’s easy to spill highly pigmented ingredients on your kitchen countertops. Since wood is porous, spot-clean the area as soon as possible when you have an accident.

Minor stains will respond to natural ingredients—sprinkle salt on the stain and use the moist end of half of a lemon to rub it in. After allowing it to set in overnight, clean it with a sponge in the morning. 

2. Harsher Stain Removal

butcher block countertopIf this doesn’t work, rub in a small mound of baking soda, let it absorb for a few minutes, and wipe it clean.

Really stubborn stains might respond to a mixture of water and bleach applied with a rag and allowed to sit overnight. Once you wipe it away, apply some vinegar to neutralize the bleach, but keep in mind that the wood may be lightened.

If these tactics aren’t working, you’ll have to sand down the entire surface, using more force on the stained area. Luckily, this is not a major chore, and part of the beauty of wood is how it looks better with age.

3. Waxing to Perfection

Once you’ve sanded down the top layer, use a slightly damp rag to remove the dust. Next, run hot water over a bottle of wax to soften it, and deposit some zig-zag lines across the butcher’s block. Use a paper towel to rub in an even layer, allowing it to soak into the wood.

Finally, remove the wax with a clean paper towel, and let it sit and dry for about 15 minutes. In addition to improving the sheen and texture of your cooking surface, this will also prevent it from absorbing more stains in the future.

 

If you’re hoping to enhance your kitchen with beautiful wooden countertops or cabinets, turn to Surplus Sales of Corbin, KY. They’ve been providing stunning materials for home improvement projects since 1995. From flooring materials to butcher block countertops, you’ll find everything you need to make your dream living space a reality. To learn more about their offerings, visit the website. Call (606) 523-9730 to schedule a consultation today.

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