by Alden Smith
Back to Cleaning Kitchen Countertop Surfaces
Wood butcher blocks add charm and utility to the kitchen. All come in a variety of sizes and finishes, with everything from a stand alone large butcher block to a countertop unit that is used for general purpose cutting on a daily basis. Smaller wooden blocks can be used for jobs such as cutting garnishes or cheese.
Upon purchase of a new butcher block, it is important that the block be seasoned to prevent staining and absorption of oils and odors. One of the best things to use for this purpose is mineral oil, not to be confused with mineral spirits, which is a pain thinner. Mineral oil never turns rancid, is non toxic, and protects the wood. For the treatment, use a mixture of mineral oil and beeswax, which gives the surface a soft, satiny feel, and helps to keep the wood water proof. Shave a half teaspoon of beeswax into a cup of mineral oil, warm in the microwave for about 45 seconds to mix the solution thoroughly and melt the beeswax, and apply to the surface of the cutting board. To be safe, the board should be reseasoned at least once a week.
Cleaning is best done with hot soap and water. If cleansing a countertop cutting board, never submerge in hot dishwater. The board may warp and crack on drying. To remove offensive odors, such as garlic, onion or fish, use either coarse salt or baking soda. Sprinkle on the board, allow to stand for a few minutes, and wipe off the residue. Wash with hot soap and water, and dry. A good disinfectant for wood cutting blocks is vinegar. It kills many harmful germs and bacteria, and is a good alternative for people who have chemical allergies. Simply keep a spray bottle handy filled with full strength white vinegar and spray the block after use, wiping off excess and cleaning as normal. The use of vinegar necessitates reseasoning on a more regular basis.
Vitreous china is used at times in the manufacture of kitchen sinks. They often have a decorative pattern embedded into the front apron. They are extremely hard, are non-porous, and highly scratch resistant. The smooth glazed surface will not rust, fade, or discolor. It is best cleaned by using a soft scrub abrasive cleanser. Avoid harsh abrasive cleansers, as they will mar and scratch the surface. To avoid water spots, use a dry absorbent cloth to wipe the surface after a thorough rinse.
Porcelain enamel is a highly durable glass which is fused to metals such as steel, cast iron, or aluminum. It is a good protective surfaces for items such as cooking utensils or range tops. It is acid resistant, and used also as a decorative surface on things such as glass or pottery. Although very durable, it is expensive to apply and is slowly being replaced by plastics and synthetic enamels, which are cheaper to manufacture. You will often see porcelain enamel in many older homes. If cared for properly, it lasts for generations. To keep porcelain enamel looking shiny and new, never use abrasive cleansers. Plastic scouring pads work well on these surfaces for scrubbing, using hot suds and water. For burnt on food spills, use a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda to one quart water. Let the solution stand for a few minutes and scrub with hot soap and water. If great care is taken, a single edge razor blade can be used to eliminate heavily baked on grease. Commercial brands of "soft scrub" cleansers are readily available on the market, and take a lot of elbow grease out of caring for porcelain enamel surfaces.
Marble countertops, although elegant and highly decorative, are considered by some builders to not be a good choice for the kitchen. As it is more porous than granite, it does not resist staining like granite does. It is preferred by most builders to be used in the bathroom. If, however, you wish to use marble as a countertop, the most highly recommended cleanser is Ivory liquid dish soap and a soft absorbent clot. Any cleanser harsher than this will harm the surface of the marble. It is also very important to dry the surface after cleansing, as water leaves a mark on any marble surface. Vinegar and citrus based cleansers should also be avoided, as the acid in these compounds will damage the surface easily. Hydrogen peroxide may be used to safely clean marble, and there are cleansers, wipes, and disinfectants available at stores and online that can be used for the care of a marble surface. Always insure any type of cleanser you buy for marble countertop care specifically states it is safe on marble.
With care and a regular cleaning schedule, and knowing what type of cleanser to use, your kitchen can always be sparking and clean. Always refer to any store bought cleanser to insure that it is safe for the specific cleaning job you wish to do.
. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our "