How to Clean and Maintain Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block is a popular choice for countertops because it's touted as something you can cut directly on, replacing the need for a cutting board. While this is true, doing so can degrade the porous material faster and make it more susceptible to stains. But knowing how to clean and maintain butcher block will keep your countertops in tip-top shape. While there are many products designed for restoring butcher block to its former glory, you can easily clean the material using a few common household supplies.

How Often to Clean Butcher Block Countertops

Like all countertops, butcher block gets dirty quickly from crumbs, spills, and dust accumulation. "Because butcher block counters are touted as a work surface you can cut and chop on directly, they will also get dirty in the same way plastic cutting boards do," says Mary Gagliardi, in-house scientist and cleaning expert for Clorox. For this reason, butcher block countertops must be cleaned daily.

You should also remove crumbs, excess liquids from meat, and other food debris as soon as possible to prevent bacteria growth and keep pests away. "This helps avoid cross contamination, which is more likely due to the porous surface, and to avoid from stains setting in," says Michael Silva-Nash, VP of operations for Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.

The Best Way to Clean Butcher Block

There are cleaners you can buy that are designed to clean butcher block countertops, but a combination of dish soap and warm water is also highly effective, says Silva-Nash.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand before you get started.

• Dish soap
• Microfiber cloth(s)
• Sponge
• Salt
• Lemon
  

Instructions

Once you have your materials, you can begin cleaning your butcher block countertops following the steps outlined below.

1. Remove any items on your countertops.
2. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any debris.
3. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
4. Dip a sponge into the solution.
5. Scrub the countertops with the solution.
6. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
   

Stain Removal

If your butcher block countertops have any stubborn stains you can't get out, salt and lemon should do the trick. "Always test a small, inconspicuous area of the butcher block before cleaning the entire surface," says Audrey Pariès, social media manager for Aspen Clean. "That way, you will ensure the lemon doesn’t cause discoloration or damage."

1. Remove any items on your countertops.
2. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any debris.
3. Sprinkle salt over the surface of the butcher block countertop, especially on the stains.
4. Cut a lemon in half and scrub it over the stain.
5. Let it sits for a few minutes.
6. Use a damp and warm microfiber cloth to wipe away salt and lemon residue.
7. Wipe dry with a clean microfiber cloth to avoid letting excess water sit on the wood.
8. For tough stains or grime, repeat the process.

How to Maintain Butcher Block Countertops

Proper maintenance of butcher block countertops is essential to keep the material looking its best. First, you should avoid cutting directly on butcher block surfaces. "Using a separate cutting board you can just put in the dishwasher after use will prevent scratches and cuts from marring the surface, which contributes to a worn or dirty appearance," says Gagliardi.

Additionally, because butcher block is a porous material, it needs to be resealed about once a month. "Any scratches, cuts, and stains that have absorbed into the wood’s pores need to be sanded away and the wood re-oiled with a food-grade mineral oil," says Gagliardi.