Butcher Blocks on Countertops: How to Clean Them

Most people love having a butcher block in their kitchen, especially if they are planning to give it a contemporary look. An ideal butcher block is made of hardwood with a thickness of one and half inch. You can use this butcher block just for decoration, or even can use it for regular work. No matter what you do, you will find it difficult to keep clean and stain free. But if you follow certain steps, your work can become a lot easier.

Use a hook scrapper to clean the butcher block surface initially. With it, you will be able to get rid of the dirt. It works better than ordinary sandpaper. If possible use a scrapper with a sharp blade to get your work done more efficiently. The scrapper should be held tightly and should be pointed perpendicularly towards the block. You have to press the scrapper downwards. While doing this, never loose control of it. The blade can be swiftly lifted on the return stroke. Once the first scrapping is done, look for other areas, which might need further attention.

Now, you can now use sandpaper. Use it properly with your palm to get rid of the excess dust. It is very light and easy to handle. To use sandpaper you have to follow certain rules. You should start sanding with 80-grit papers. Keep changing them frequently, if required. The sandpaper should be used efficiently all along the edges. Once the work is done, change your sandpaper to a 120-grit. This sanding should be done carefully. You will find that some areas are getting cleaner easily while other areas are not. All you need is to give good effort along with patience.

After the sanding is done, you need to clean the area with fresh water. Add bleach with water in 1:1 ratio and apply on the area. For a better result, use an old toothbrush. But remember that it will not be possible for you to get rid of all the dark stains. Once you complete it, soak a rag in white vinegar and wipe the surface of the block. Vinegar neutralizes the effects of bleach. Finally you need to re-use a 120-grit sandpaper to give it a final touch. To make the surface glossy, use some mineral oils. Put the bottle of the oil inside boiling water for 15 minutes and they apply it on the surface of the woods with a piece of rag. You can keep on applying several coatings of oil till the wood surface is capable of absorbing it. At last, use a paper towel to clean the surface.