How to Keep Your Butcher Block Clean
The name Butcher block was derived from their initial purpose. Butcher blocks were commonly used in butcher shops or meat stores, allowing butchers to easily cut several larger pieces of meat into smaller pieces. These surfaces have since been found in homes and chef kitchens all over the world.
Butcher blocks are one of the most requested items for a kitchen. These blocks can be built into a countertop, or they can be moveable items. Butcher blocks provide a solid wood surface for cooks, allowing them to cut meats, vegetables, and other food items without damaging the rest of the counter top surface.
Butcher block surfaces are quite difficult to clean, when comparing to other surfaces. These blocks are solid wood surfaces, thus being extremely porous. If not properly treated, the pours in the wood absorb liquid and bacteria very easily. It is recommended that the user applies a mineral oil coating to the butcher block when the surface is dry and clean, about one time every four weeks. If the surface has a lot of deep scratches, use a fine grain sand paper to smooth out the surface before you apply the oil. This will prevent the board from becoming brittle. If you choose a hard rock maple or an Appalachian Red Oak, you do not have to worry about bacteria or germs, because these surfaces are extremely hard and do not allow these harmful elements to soak in.
After each use, wash the block with a mind disinfectant cleaner, composed of one part bleach to ten parts water. After you disinfect the board with this solution, continue to clean the board with a mild dish detergent, and wipe dry. Make sure the block is completely dry before you store it away.
It is recommended that you do not cut more than one type of food on a butcher block at a time. Never cut meats or poultry with vegetables, as this can cause contamination of the food. Simply disinfect the surface between products in order to create the cleanest environment to work.
Properly caring for your butcher block will allow you to use it for many years to come.