(Butcher Block) Wood Countertop Maintenance

OVERVIEW on Kitchen Countertops:
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and the right choice for kitchen countertops is key to the successful execution and ongoing use of the space. Now more than ever, you can choose from a diverse range of kitchen counter materials. For each aspect of home design and remodeling you can also strive to make choices that are 1) Functional, 2) Stylish, 3) Cost-Effective, and 4) Environmentally Sustainable. These are the four key guiding principles in the GREENandSAVE strategy. You will find that in certain cases, one or two of the criteria take precedent over others. However, as you review the home improvement options that are right for your home, you may be surprised to learn that reaching all four is more achievable than you thought.

Selection Tip: In choosing a kitchen countertop material make sure to think through its integration with your kitchen cabinets, appliances, and the backsplash that will work best for your design and installation. Solid surface and natural stone materials typically need to be precut prior to installation versus tiles that can be cut and set right on the job site. Kitchen countertop backsplashes sometimes look great when they match the countertop material, but you can alternatively enhance the countertop material by choosing a different tile to run from the top edge of the counter all of the way up to the underside of the head cabinet. If you decide on the tiles, also take care in choosing the right color grout and look for new tile grouts that are stain resistant.

DETAILS on (Butcher Block) Wood Countertop Maintenance:

Cleaning your top:

1. Scrape any heavy food particles or foreign matter that may have adhered to the surface with a steel scraper or spatula.
2. Brush or scrape any loose particles from the top surface.
3. Dip a wash cloth in warm soapy water and wash the top.
4. Wash out the dishcloth in clear warm water, wring it out, and go over the surface again.
5. Take a dry cloth and go over the entire surface. Dry it thoroughly.
6. Apply a coat of mineral oil to all surfaces once a month or as needed.

How to oil your countertop:

1. Let the oil warm slightly. This can be done by placing it in a pan with hot tap water. Do not heat the oil over the stove.
2. Pour a small amount of mineral oil onto a paper towel or directly onto the top.
3. Wipe the oil onto the wood leaving a thin layer of oil (remember to oil all sides of the top, paying special attention to any end-grain surface).
4. Let the top sit for 20-30 minutes, then remove excess oil with an absorbent paper towel.
5. Dispose of the paper towel.

Problem Solving:: Almost all problems on solid wood countertops, island tops, and butcher blocks are due to dryness. Your butcher block will look great and last for many years if properly treated with mineral oil on a regular basis. For specific problems see the following:

1. End checks or splits: (separation of the joints along the end of the top or block). This situation is caused by excessive dryness or because the top is not oiled frequently enough. To repair this, melt a 1 to 4 mixture of paraffin and mineral oil and fill all checks or splits. Make sure that paraffin mixture seals any split thoroughly. Continue oiling the top on a regular basis.
   
2. Warping: This situation is caused by an uneven moisture content between the top and the bottom surface of the wood. To correct this situation, liberally apply mineral oil to the concave side of the top. This may need to be done several times to correct the problem.
   
3. Stains: Water spots, food stains, etc, can occur when food is allowed to remain on the top for too long. To correct this situation, use light sandpaper or fine steel wool on the stain. Then oil the surface liberally and continue regular maintenance practices. Staining can be minimized by applying a paraffin/mineral oil mixture to the top as described under End Checks above.
   
4. Color Variations: Dark streaks can occur in wood. These are caused by a natural discoloring of the wood due to mineral deposits in the tree. Other color variations are natural characteristics of the wood. This is not a flaw or problem. It is normal and adds to the individuality of your top.
   
5. Nicks, Gouges, etc; Knife wounds or other environmental damage can be repaired or minimized by sanding and re-oiling the top. Remember to oil liberally, then continue regular maintenance practices.
   

GREEN Considerations:
When it comes to cleaning your countertop look for products that have ingredients that are not hazardous to humans or the earth. Many cleaners are now produced without phosphates, chorine, borates, phenol, ammonia, formaldehyde and nitrates Also look for cleaners that have low or zero volatile organic compounds, the chemicals that produce noxious toxins and air-pollution. Make your home the safest place in the world without sacrificing cleanliness. Finally, help save the environment by looking for concentrated cleaners so that we collectively reduce the shipping and transportation cost of moving heavier products that are pre-hydrated (just add water!). Overall, this new generation of concentrated, toxic-free, and biodegradable cleaning agents save the environment, you family's health, and your money.

Click here to see the range of top choices for environmentally friendly cleaners.