A fantastic butcher block is a fixture in any kitchen and contributes to the nature of the food that’s prepared there. It acquires a fantastic seasoning precisely the same way cast iron cookware does. Wood is durable but merciful to knives and can be refinished countless times. Take decent care of your butcher block, and it can eventually become an heirloom piece handed down by many.
Below are some tips to help maintain your butcher blocks and cutting boards in clean and appealing form.
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Butcher block counters and cutting boards are a helpful addition to any kitchen, but as with any meaningful connection, they need respect and care. Unlike standard wood finishes for furniture and cabinetry, wood made to come into direct contact with food is completed using oils free of harsh substances that can be harmful when ingested. And food-safe finishes are generally less durable. Combine less-durable finishes with frequent exposure to moisture and utensil abuse, and you end up with a dry, grainy board that absorbs water like a camel with a straw.
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Cleanliness. The most significant thing that you can do to help your butcher block is keep it clean. Unlike rock or laminate countertops, where it takes weeks for stains to really penetrate, wood will catch blemishes quickly and display them as a constant reminder of fail. The easiest way of preventing stains is to regularly remove all food waste and wash the block using mild soap free of any stubborn contaminants, then towel it off to eliminate excess moisture. Just by doing so, you will significantly prolong the life and endurance of your butcher block.
A mild wash might maintain your block aesthetically pleasant, but sanitation is of extreme concern. Since powerful chemical cleaning agents can render acrid and unhealthy residue on homework surfaces, use them only as a last resort. Rather, keep a spray bottle of undiluted vinegar useful. Various studies have revealed that acetic acids in white vinegar serve as a potent disinfectant, ridding butcher blocks of bacterias like E. coli and salmonella.
Working with a fine-edged steel scraper or spatula can also be handy to the cleanliness of your board. Only draw a scraper across the block not only to easily remove stubborn debris, but to also eliminate up to 75 percent more moisture than simply towel drying.
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Stain removal. You let that puddle of sauce sit on the butcher block as long? So have the rest of us. Even the tidiest kitchen keeper stumbles once in a while, and when you are a proud butcher block owner, you’ll inevitably come face to face with stubborn stains. There are lots of ways to take care of stains, and everybody has an opinion, but below are some proven techniques. With the exception of lemon, it’s a fantastic idea to re create a finish after all of these approaches, as they have a tendency to dry out wood.
Lemon. The most organic approach is table salt and lemon. Sprinkle the salt over the blot. Slice the lemon in half, and using the cut end, thoroughly rub the salt into the blot. Let this mixture set overnight or all day and wash it off using a moist sponge. This technique is also helpful for combating scents like garlic and onion that take residence in your cutting board. Baking soda. Cover the stain with baking soda and work it in the board using some elbow grease. Allow the baking soda stand for a few minutes before cleaning it off. The objective of this method is to essentially draw the stain out using all the baking soda. Bleach. As a final resort, combine equal parts bleach and water and apply to the block using a sponge or rag. Make sure that you wring out the sponge or rag so it is slightly moist. If the stain is stubborn, then let it float overnight. After wiping the surface clean, make sure to apply vinegar to neutralize the bleach. Note: Bleach may discolor the wood. Scrape. As mentioned before, a good scraping can do wonders for removing frustrating marks with no resorting to sandpaper. Sanding. When all else fails, stains can usually be sanded out. Using some coarse papers (80, 100) will save you a bit of perspiration getting the bulk of the blot out. Finer grits (180, 220) will return the block to its desirable smoothness. If you sand the stain, you’ll inevitably create a depression in the region. To relieve this effect, sand the surrounding region, waning as you get further in the stained area. This will achieve a more uniform surface. When you hit the board with the best paper you choose, sand the whole board. Leaving some regions unsanded will cause those regions to absorb more water and possibly warp. This method absolutely requires reapplying a finishing oil.
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Finishing touch. Food-safe finishes, like mineral oil and tung oil, wear over time and need reapplication. However, before you have a flashback of that old classic oak sideboard that took you a week to refinish, relax. If your butcher block is in good shape and requires nothing more than an oil increase, the procedure only involves cleaning the surface, then liberally applying the finish by hand or using a rag and wiping off the excess after a half hour or so.
Through the program, be sure to give attention to the sides — particularly the grain, as this area is most susceptible to moisture. After the oil sits for 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll observe the oil has absorbed more in some spots and pooled in others. Redistribute the oil, spreading it evenly, and let it sit for another 15 minutes. Then wipe off any excess with a clean rag. If you’ve noticed your block has absorbed the oil fairly fast, apply another coat to achieve proper coverage.
A common misconception is that cooking or vegetable oils can be used to take care of butcher block. These oils will eventually spoil and become rancid, leaving you with a sour prep surface. If you wish to use more natural oils, walnut, coconut and almond oil all have a higher resistance to turning rancid, but remain susceptible, so keep with a careful eye if you opt for this method.
Tip:One way to boost the repellency of your finish is to combine paraffin or beeswax into the oil. Heat a chunk of paraffin at a tin can on the cooker and mix it thoroughly with the oil. Since the wax will coagulate rather fast, be ready to move fast.
A useful method to get an even spread is to use a stiff plastic scraper. The problem with this method is the prospect of wax to accumulate in some spots, but that is not a catastrophe, since it can be scraped away after setting. On the other hand, the accumulation may disrupt a uniform sheen at the final outcome.
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How to Make a High-Quality Cutting Board From Scrap Wood
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