Wood is quite porous. Since a butcher block cannot be sealed or varnished, bacteria from meats and foodstuff is absorbed and a great place to flourish. Please follow these steps to properly maintain your butcher block:
- Wash well with a mild solution of clean dishwashing solution after every use, then rinse and wipe dry. Be certain that it is thoroughly dry BEFORE putting away in storage
- After you cut meat and poultry on it, wet it down will with a
disinfectant cleaner(see our website) or a 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 part water solution. Allow the solution to work for approximately 10 minutes, rinse well with clean water and allow to air dry. - Occasionally, deodorize surface with fresh lemon juice. Allow it to sit on surface for about 15 minutes. Then rinse, and dry.
- Butcher block requires an 'oiling' from time to time to keep them from getting brittle. When the block is clean and dry, use mineral oil as a coating. Apply it and allow it to sit for about an hour. Wipe away excess, clean with a mild detergent, and allow to air dry. "Butcher block" that's not used for food preparation should be oiled occasionally with any store bought product designed for oil-finished furniture..
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Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our
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