While wood has anti-bacterial properties, you should still disinfect a butcher block countertop. After you've cleaned it off, spray a mixture of white vinegar and water on the surface, spread it around with a damp cloth, let it soak in for a minute or two, and then wipe it off.
Disinfecting. To disinfect your Traditions butcher block after cleaning use Lysol® or Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes. These wipes are available at Lowe's, and report to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria when used as directed.
Because wood is porous, butcher block countertops can hold onto a lot more germs than other surfaces—though countertops are always dirtier than we'd like to admit. To combat dirt, grime and germs, make sure you clean the counter after every use with mild soap and water or vinegar (psst…
Sanitize with vinegar: Spray undiluted white vinegar onto the countertop, and let sit for a few minutes. Wipe off with a clean, damp dish cloth. Dry thoroughly: Using a clean dish towel or paper towel, thoroughly dry the countertop. You may also run the scraper down the countertop again to remove even more moisture.
Bleach: Bleach should be used as a last resort as it may discolor the wood and the smell may linger for days. If you must use bleach, create a solution using equal parts bleach and water and apply to your butcher block using a damp sponge or rag.
Maintaining butcher block is a breeze. You don't need a specialized product, and you can use just about any cleaner you have in your cupboard.
Undiluted vinegar will clean and disinfect the butcher block without leaving behind a strong smell. Simply spray the area with white vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, return to the butcher block and wipe it down with a damp dishtowel.
Any finish is safe to use on a butcher-block table or countertop that will not be used as a cutting surface. If the surface won't be cut on, the answer is simple: Any film-forming finish you would normally choose for durability and appearance will be just fine (Photo 1).
It's not advised to put a hot pan on your butcher block countertops, but the same goes for any other kind of countertop. Despite common belief, butcher block countertops are actually more resistant to heat than granite, and hardwood surfaces take longer to burn or char than any other countertop material.
When disinfecting kitchen cutting boards made of plastic, apply to the surface and leave for 10 minutes before wiping. Remember to always rinse your cutting board with water once complete. Please note: Please always use Lysol products as directed on the label.
Wood cutting board: When cleaning wooden cutting boards, use approximately 2 tablespoons of Clorox® Regular-Bleach per gallon of water to create a sanitizing solution. Scrub all food debris off the board then apply solution. Let stand 2 minutes.
Sprinkle the salt liberally over the board, then slice a lemon in half and use it to rub the salt into the board. The salt acts as an abrasive to lift stains and the lemon juice leaves everything smelling great.
Using. Avoid cutting raw meat or poultry directly on a butcher block or wooden cutting board. Instead, place a plastic cutting board on the wooden surface and use the plastic board as the cutting surface. This will protect the wood and prevent it from becoming contaminated.
If your butcher block is emitting an odor, wipe down its surface with warm water and liquid dish soap to remove food residue. Once it is dry, sprinkle baking soda on the block's surface and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Sealing Butcher Block Countertops with Mineral Oil
To seal butcher block with mineral oil, you simply apply the mineral oil generously, let it soak in, and wipe off the excess. You need to do it fairly regularly at first but then only about once a month after you've gotten through several applications.
Answer compiled from multiple comments to the question: Wood is dried just before being shrink-wrapped. The second the wood is unsealed, dust and moisture can start to absorb into the wood. Both cause issues with a clean finish and water can cause damage in some situations.
Proper upkeep of butcher block countertops that are finished with mineral oil or another natural oil is critical for a long, beautiful life. You may find the Rule of 7 for the initial application of the oil finish helpful — once a day for 7 days, once a week for 7 months, and then once a month for 7 months.
You will need to finish all surfaces (top, bottom and sides) of your unfinished butcher block or wide plank top with a commercial grade polyurethane or Waterlox finish.
Food-Safe Oils
Food-safe mineral oil is recommended for regular upkeep and helps keep the surface stain-repellant and looking its best. However, repeated applications won't build the surface or help repair minor wear like other products. Mineral oil also provides the most matte sheen of all our suggestions.
If you have an old, stained, or slightly damaged butcher block kitchen countertop, you can refinish it to make it like new again. The only tools required are sandpaper and mineral oil (a palm sander is optional). Here are some tips and tricks to refinish the butcher block countertop in your home.
Myth: Lemon juice and salt can be used to sanitize kitchen tools like cutting boards. Facts: Lemon juice and salt may leave your cutting boards smelling fresh, but the combo won't leave them germ-free.
Rub half a lemon over the surface of a wooden or plastic chopping board to remove strong odors and stains. Let it sit for as long as overnight then rinse and air dry.
Because vinegar is acidic, it helps disinfect the board by killing bacteria and mold and preventing their further growth. It can also help deodorize your board. Spray the board with a solution of 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar and wipe it down with a washcloth or sponge.
Plastic cutting boards work great with bleach. Bleach will not react with the plastic in any way, making it a good option. Bleach will safely sanitize the board and can even remove surface stains, making your boards look better as well.