How to Care for Wood Countertops

Wood and butcher block countertops are pretty popular right now in kitchens. These counters are not only attractive but are also quite affordable and durable. Plus, they are more sustainable than other countertop options. The only thing is, if you have wooden or butcher block countertops, you have to take care of them with regular care. If these wooden countertops aren't cared for properly and aren't maintained, they could be prone to cracking and warping. So if you want to keep your wooden countertops looking beautiful for years to come, there are just a few simple maintenance and cleaning tips you can follow to keep them looking great for years. One of the things that should be remembered about wooden countertops is to treat them as you would any other wooden surface. Much like a wooden table or floor, if you leave water standing on it for too long the wood absorbs too much moisture and can warp and crack. Your wood pieces could also be prone to staining and to mildew or mould as well when water is allowed to sit on the surface for too long. So a general rule to remember is to keep water off of your countertops as much as you can. So wipe up after spills and don't leave wet cloths on your counters too long.

Here are some cleaning tips using natural cleaners that will help you keep your wooden counter tops in great condition. You should oil your wooden countertops at least once every month with a quality mineral oil. Stay away from using cooking oils on your wood because they will eventually turn rancid. Also, don't use any acidic cleaners like vinegar, and clean up any vinegar spills right away on your countertops. The acids from vinegars will break down the glue that holds the wood together. To properly oil your countertops here is what Trent Johnson from Apartment Therapy recommends. First, you'll need these items, high-quality mineral oil, some 120 and 180 grit sand paper, a lemon, some salt and hydrogen peroxide. To take care of stains on your wooden countertops, use your fresh lemon. Cut the lemon in half and use the fruit side on the stain. Just rub the lemon all over the stain. Then, sprinkle on some salt and continue to rub the lemon on the stain. The salt will act as a gentle abrasive to lift the stain. If the stain still hasn't budged, try adding 1 tablespoon of the hydrogen peroxide to 1 cup of warm water. Then take a cloth and gently dab some of the peroxide and water solution on the stain. Hydrogen peroxide can act as a natural bleach and stain lifting product.

After you've dealt with any stains, you will then want to start cleaning the entire countertop. Use a cloth to wipe down the whole wooden countertop. You can use natural cleaners like a very small amount of dish soap in water or a natural cleaning solution to spray all over the counter. Allow the entire surface to dry completely, then start sanding lightly, going with the wood grain. Start with the 120 grit and then finish off with the 180 grit. Once you're all done sanding, brush any dust off of the countertop and then add your oil. Rub it in and use as much as you need but don't go overboard either. Then, let it soak in and dry for 20-25 minutes. You can then wipe it clean with a dry cloth and go about using your countertops in the same way as usual. Try out these cleaning tips and natural cleaners on your wooden countertops and see how great they look after.***