What is a good way to clean a butcher block table?

Question

I have a butcher block table with drop leaves on both sides. It was custom made for me over 27 years ago. I want to know the safest way to clean and possibly condition the butcher block top and all parts of the table...the legs are cherry wood.

Answer 1

Use olive oil or another oil that you like the smell of!

http://www.total-knowledge.com/~willyblues/

Answer 2

Wood surfaces should be maintained by applying a boiled oil such as linseed oil or mineral oil or even olive oil product monthly to prevent the wood from drying out. You cannot oil a butcher block too much.

http://www.roundblocks.com/care.htm

Here is an article from my research notes on cutting boards:

(start) Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) to produce its long­awaited national food hygiene standards.Cutting boards - is plastic better than wood?

Recent studies indicate little difference in the risk of ontamination from plastic or wooden boards, provided both are adequately cleaned.

New, plastic boards are generally easier to clean than wooden boards but plastic boards that have extensive knife scars are
difficult to clean manually.

Some wooden boards have been reported to exhibit antibacterial properties. After a short period of time, fewer bacteria have
been recovered from these boards than from identically treated plastic ones. (end)

NOTE: The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the United States Department of Agriculture did a similar test and had conflicting results, but other tests agree with the ANZFA.

Also DO NOT USE BLEACH!!!!!!!!!! It has been proven that a mild bleach solution will decontaminate plastic and other surfaces. But even at full strength, bleach does not sanitize wood cutting boards. The disinfectant quality of bleach is neutralized by the organic composition of wood. Just scrub it thoroughly with hot water and soap.

http://www.hhp.ufl.edu/faculty/pbird/keepingfit/ARTICLE/BOARDS.HTM

Answer 3

I would avoid strong detergents, since small residues may get stuck in the grain and not get thoroughly rinsed. Use a light soap and water and scrub well, rinse really thoroughly, then treat with a FOOD GRADE mineral oil, rubbing a light coat into the grain. Do not use cooking oil, because it eventually goes rancid and you don't want that in your food. Mineral oil will stay clear, so it won't stain the wood, and it won't go rancid -- just don't use too much, or your table will actually feel oily (and if too much of it gets into your food, it can give you diarrhea)

Answer 4

Soap and water to clean it should work. My dad always would use mineral oil (it works to help protect wood and is a medicine for your stomach) -- I think it was mineral oil -- to keep in moisture. You just apply a coat and let it air dry.

Answer 5

I had the same problem...first you need to sand it..start with a rough grip paper.then use a fine paper to smooth it out. Wipe it with vinegar to remove any particles or dust. Then after all that you want to wipe vegatable oil on it to soak in it will last much longer

Answer 6

http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=tvs7389&contentGroup=TV&site=living

Try this site out. Miss Martha always has the answers!!

Answer 7

always use a mixture of bleach and water to kill the bacteria.

Answer 8

bleach it, then wipe it off with warm water.

Answer 9

yeah...or you can use table cloth if that doesnt work!

Answer 10

that's what it,s made for, the finnish wont last for ever,