How To Clean Butcher Block Surfaces

Butcher block surfaces can bring a touch of warmth and practicality to your kitchen, but they need a little TLC to keep them looking their best and lasting for years. Whether you’ve got a butcher block countertop, cutting board, or table, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep it clean, protected, and beautiful.

Understanding Butcher Block Surfaces

Before diving into cleaning methods, you need to understand the type of butcher block you have. The wood species, finish, and construction of a butcher block surface can all make a difference in how you should care for it.

Wood Species

Butcher block is typically made from durable hardwoods like maple, oak, or walnut. Regular cleaning and re-oiling help prevent stains and bacterial growth. Oiling also creates a protective barrier against moisture, which can cause warping and cracking.

Different wood species have varying levels of hardness and porosity, which dictate how often they need to be oiled. Denser woods like maple or walnut are less absorbent and require less frequent oiling compared to softer woods like cherry or beech, which need more attention. Denser woods are also generally more resistant to staining and scratching, meaning you can use slightly more vigorous scrubbing when it’s needed.

Finish

The finish on your butcher block also plays a role in its maintenance. Most butcher block surfaces have an oil or wax finish, though there are other options. As you might guess, oiled surfaces benefit from regular re-oiling to maintain their protective layer, while waxed surfaces may need periodic waxing. Both finishes need gentle cleaning to avoid stripping the finish.

You can also leave butcher block surfaces unfinished. Unfinished butcher block is the most susceptible to staining and calls for extra care to keep it looking its best. However, it can handle slightly harsher cleaning solutions.

Construction

Butcher blocks are usually constructed by gluing together strips of wood in one of two ways: with the end grain facing up (end-grain) or with the long grain of the wood facing up (edge-grain). End-grain construction creates a self-healing surface where knife cuts tend to close up on their own, minimizing damage to the block and your knives. Edge-grain blocks, on the other hand, are less prone to trapping food particles but may show knife marks more readily.

These two different types of butcher blocks—end-grain versus edge-grain—have different care requirements. End-grain blocks, with their increased surface area, may require more frequent oiling. Since they also tend to trap more food particles and liquids, they may also need more thorough cleaning to prevent bacterial growth. Edge-grain blocks are less absorbent, making them easier to care for.

Essential Tools and Materials for Cleaning Butcher Block

You’ll need a few key supplies and tools to best clean and maintain your butcher block surfaces:

• Mild dish soap
• White vinegar (for occasional use)
• Kosher salt
• Lemon juice
• Baking soda
• Food-grade mineral oil
• Clean, lint-free cloths
• Paper towels
• Dough scraper or plastic putty knife
• Scouring pad or stiff scrubbing brush
• Fine-grit sandpaper (120–220 grit)
• Razor blade scraper (for stubborn residue)

We prefer natural cleaning supplies for butcher block surfaces because they are safe for food preparation areas and gentle on the wood. Synthetic chemicals can damage the wood over time, while natural ingredients often offer the same cleaning power without the risk of harm.

Preparing Your Butcher Block for Cleaning

Before you start cleaning, use a dough scraper or plastic putty knife to gently remove any food particles or debris stuck to the surface. This step prevents scratching the wood during the cleaning process.

Next, examine the surface for any stains, cuts, or areas of discoloration. Identifying these issues early will help you target problem areas during cleaning and decide if other treatments are necessary.

Step-by-Step Butcher Block Cleaning Process

Keeping your butcher block clean involves both daily maintenance and periodic deep cleaning, typically every few weeks. Follow these steps to keep your butcher block in top condition.

Daily Cleaning Routine

If you use your butcher block countertop or cutting board for food preparation, be sure to clean it after each use. This helps prevent bacteria buildup and cross-contamination. Here’s what to do:

1. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth after each use.
2. For light cleaning, use a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
4. Dry the surface completely with a clean towel to prevent water absorption.

Deep Cleaning Techniques

Plan to give your butcher block a deeper cleaning and refinishing about once a month or every couple of months, depending on your usage and the type of wood. The lemon and salt method is excellent for disinfecting and deodorizing:

1. Sprinkle kosher salt generously over the surface.
2. Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub the salt into the wood, squeezing gently to release the juice.
3. Let the mixture sit for several minutes.
4. Scrape off the salt and lemon juice with a dough scraper.
5. Rinse the surface with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Addressing Tough Stains

Stubborn stains may require a different approach. Baking soda is gentle but powerful for cleaning and deodorizing, particularly with tough stains. This is how we recommend using it:

1. Create a paste with baking soda and water.
2. Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for several minutes.
3. Gently scrub with a scouring pad or brush.
4. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry completely.

Using Deodorizing Agents

Deodorize your butcher block after cutting onions, garlic, or other strongly scented foods. Typical household agents like lemon, salt, or vinegar solution can neutralize odors. Here’s how to use a vinegar solution on butcher block:

1. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water and wipe down the butcher block.
2. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Although vinegar is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant, it can damage the wood over time and may even dissolve the glue in some butcher blocks. If you go with vinegar, be sure to dilute it properly and use it sparingly.

Maintaining Your Butcher Block Surface

Regular maintenance of the butcher block can extend its lifespan. 

Oiling Your Butcher Block

Oiling helps protect the wood from moisture and keeps it looking fresh. Only oil your new butcher block surfaces once a day for the first week. After that initial treatment, oil the surface once a month or when the wood appears dry. Here’s how:

1. Clean and dry the surface thoroughly.
2. Apply a thin layer of food-grade mineral oil using a lint-free cloth.
3. Let the oil soak in for at least an hour.
4. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth.

Dealing With Scratches and Cuts

Over time, your butcher block may develop scratches or cuts. For small scratches, lightly sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper. Clean off any dust with a damp cloth, then apply mineral oil to the sanded area.

Deeper cuts may require an extra step. After sanding the area, fill deep gouges with wood filler. Once the filler is dry, sand the area again and apply mineral oil.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

A few simple measures can prevent early wear and maintain the wood’s integrity. Follow these tips to avoid the most common butcher block mistakes:

• Clean spills immediately to prevent staining and moisture damage.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and alcohol-based products.
• Don’t put hot pots or pans directly on the surface.
• Avoid cutting raw meat directly on the surface to prevent bacterial growth.
• Don’t use cooking oils like vegetable or olive oil, as they can become rancid.

When To Consider Professional Restoration

If your butcher block has extensive damage, deep stains, or warping, we recommend hiring a professional. They can refinish the surface by removing a thin layer to reveal fresh wood underneath. This keeps your butcher block looking great for longer.