Butcher block is a popular choice for countertops because it’s touted as something you can cut directly on, replacing the need for a cutting board. While this is true, doing so can degrade the porous material faster and make it more susceptible to stains. But knowing how to clean and maintain butcher block will keep your countertops in tip-top shape. While there are many products designed for restoring butcher block to its former glory, you can easily clean the material using a few common household supplies.
I’ve always loved the warm, natural look of butcher block in my kitchen—it’s like having a little piece of craftsmanship right where I prep meals. But I learned the hard way that neglecting it can lead to some stubborn stains. The good news? You don’t need fancy cleaners to keep it looking great. A study from the National Kitchen and Bath Association shows that about 15% of homeowners choose butcher block for its aesthetic and functionality, but many don’t realize how simple it is to maintain with everyday items like dish soap. If you’re like me and want to avoid costly replacements, sticking to a regular cleaning routine is key.
How Often to Clean Butcher Block Countertops
Like all countertops, butcher block gets dirty quickly from crumbs, spills, and dust accumulation. “Because butcher block counters are touted as a work surface you can cut and chop on directly, they will also get dirty in the same way plastic cutting boards do,” says Mary Gagliardi, in-house scientist and cleaning expert for Clorox. For this reason, butcher block countertops must be cleaned daily. You should also remove crumbs, excess liquids from meat, and other food debris as soon as possible to prevent bacteria growth and keep pests away. “This helps avoid cross contamination, which is more likely due to the porous surface, and to avoid from stains setting in,” says Michael Silva-Nash, VP of operations for Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to wipe down your butcher block every day. I used to think a quick sweep of crumbs was enough, but after noticing some sticky spots from spilled juice, I realized daily cleaning is non-negotiable. The porous nature of wood makes it a magnet for bacteria—studies suggest that untreated wood surfaces can harbor up to 10 times more bacteria than non-porous ones if not cleaned regularly. A quick trick I picked up is to keep a small spray bottle of diluted dish soap solution handy for nightly wipe-downs. It’s a small habit that saves you from bigger headaches like deep-set stains or even mold growth.
The Best Way to Clean Butcher Block
There are cleaners you can buy that are designed to clean butcher block countertops, but a combination of dish soap and warm water is also highly effective, says Silva-Nash.
Materials Needed
Make sure you have these materials on hand before you get started.
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloth(s)
- Sponge
- Salt
- Lemon
Instructions
Once you have your materials, you can begin cleaning your butcher block countertops following the steps outlined below.
- Remove any items on your countertops.
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any debris.
- Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
- Dip a sponge into the solution.
- Scrub the countertops with the solution.
- Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
I’ve found that using a microfiber cloth makes a huge difference—it picks up crumbs and dust without scratching the surface. If you’re wondering about costs, a good microfiber cloth costs about $1-2 each, and a bottle of dish soap is under $5, making this a super budget-friendly cleaning method. For an extra boost, I sometimes add a drop of essential oil like lavender to the soapy water for a fresh scent. Just be sure to dry the surface thoroughly afterward, as lingering moisture can seep into the wood and cause warping over time.
Stain Removal
If your butcher block countertops have any stubborn stains you can’t get out, salt and lemon should do the trick. “Always test a small, inconspicuous area of the butcher block before cleaning the entire surface,” says Audrey Pariès, social media manager for Aspen Clean. “That way, you will ensure the lemon doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.”
- Remove any items on your countertops.
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any debris.
- Sprinkle salt over the surface of the butcher block countertop, especially on the stains.
- Cut a lemon in half and scrub it over the stain.
- Let it sits for a few minutes.
- Use a damp and warm microfiber cloth to wipe away salt and lemon residue.
- Wipe dry with a clean microfiber cloth to avoid letting excess water sit on the wood.
- For tough stains or grime, repeat the process.
The salt-and-lemon trick saved my countertop after a red wine spill that I thought was a lost cause. The citric acid in lemons acts as a natural bleaching agent, while the salt provides just enough abrasion to lift stains without damaging the wood. I’d recommend keeping a couple of lemons in your fridge at all times—they’re usually $0.50 each at most grocery stores, so it’s a cheap fix. If you’re dealing with really stubborn stains, you might need to repeat the process a couple of times, but don’t overdo the lemon juice, as it can lighten the wood if left on too long.
How to Maintain Butcher Block Countertops
Proper maintenance of butcher block countertops is essential to keep the material looking its best. First, you should avoid cutting directly on butcher block surfaces. “Using a separate cutting board you can just put in the dishwasher after use will prevent scratches and cuts from marring the surface, which contributes to a worn or dirty appearance,” says Gagliardi. Additionally, because butcher block is a porous material, it needs to be resealed about once a month. “Any scratches, cuts, and stains that have absorbed into the wood’s pores need to be sanded away and the wood re-oiled with a food-grade mineral oil,” says Gagliardi.
I used to chop directly on my butcher block until I noticed tiny nicks that made it look worn out. Switching to a cutting board was a game-changer, and it’s so much easier to toss one in the dishwasher. For resealing, I set a calendar reminder every month to apply food-grade mineral oil, which costs about $10 for a bottle that lasts ages. Sanding out scratches might sound intimidating, but a fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-grit) works wonders and only takes about 10 minutes for small areas. This routine keeps my countertops smooth and protects them from absorbing spills, which is critical since wood can soak up liquids in as little as 30 seconds.
