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Care of your Butcher Block

Cleaning

Immediately after using your butcher block please wipe with a damp cloth using warm water and soap or detergent. Then rinse any soap residue using a warm damp cloth. WIPE DRY, IMMEDIATELY. Never let water pool on your butcher block. Always wipe up water immediately.

Regular Maintenance

Your butcher block is made of Asian hardwoods. Like any natural wood product, it will react to environmental conditions making proper care and maintenance essential

Repeated cleaning and use of your butcher block will erode its oiled finish. To keep it in good condition regularly season or oil with Mineral Oil*. For best results, slightly warm the Mineral Oil before application. Apply with a clean absorbent cloth or very fine steel wool. Apply in the direction of the grain to both the surface and edge of the butcher block. Allow the oil to soak in for a few minutes before removing any residual surface oil with a clean, dry cloth.

Note: It is important to oil after any intensive cleaning or sanding. Also, as with any wood, the wood of your butcher block will shrink and expand as the moisture content of the wood changes, In unusually dry environments you may need to oil the butcher block more often.

Smoking and expanding of the wood may also result in cracks to the wood. Cracks need to be filled using wood filler, sanded smooth, followed by an oil treatment as described above.

* Maintenance oil  is recommended for the preservation of your butcher block. Avoid the use of linseed or tung oil, as they become rancid and toxic. Also, we do not recommend the use of a polyurethane or varnish as application of these make it more difficult to both maintain your butcher block and to repair any possible future damage.

GUIDELINES for COMMON MAINTENANCE ISSUE
CONDITION CAUSE TREATMENT
Dents, Scratches, Gouges, etc. Environment Use mild sand paper (grade 220) or fine steel wool (AAA) and sand with the wood grain.  Wipe with a clean cloth after sanding and refinish with Mineral Oil.
End Checks:  Slight separations of the joints along the edge of the top Excessive dryness possibly caused by an arid atmosphere/environment Mold WOOD PUTTY into the separation.  Allow to dry.  Sand the area smooth using a mold sand paper (grade 220) or fine steel wool (AAA).  Sand with the wood grain.  Wipe with a clean cloth after sanding.  Refinish with Mineral Oil.
Splits/Separations:  Separation of a glue joint along the full length of the top Excessive dryness possibly caused by an arid atmosphere/environment Same Treatment as described above for End Checks.
Mineral Streaks:  Dark line of steaks in the wood grain Natural mineral deposits in the wood No treatment is required.  This is part of the natural beauty of wood.
Raised Rail:  One or more rails raised above the rest Raised rails have temporarily expanded at a faster rate Top will re-adjust to new humidity and correct itself.
Unwanted Stains:  food stains, water spots, etc. The stain causing food, liquid or item was allowed to sit on the surface too long Use mild sand paper (grade 220) or fine steel wool (AAA) and sand with the wood grain.  Wipe with a clean cloth after sanding.  Refinish with Mineral Oil.
Warping:  Product is bowing or cupping Moisture imbalance.  Uneven evaporation of moisture along the surface Seal the convex side with the same finish as the surface to balance out the top.


For more information call

Call us at 1.800.667.8721