
What kind of oil do I use on butcher block?
- BEST OVERALL: Thirteen Chefs Food Grade Mineral Oil
- RUNNER UP: CLARK’S Cutting Board Oil
- BEST CONDITIONER: Howard Products Butcher Block Conditioner
- ALSO CONSIDER: Sanco Industries Premium Pure Food Grade Mineral Oil
How to clean and oil your butcher block?
How to Clean Butcher-Block Countertops
- Scrub the Countertop. Remove everything from the countertops. ...
- Apply the White Vinegar. Pour white vinegar onto a clean dish towel, and wipe the entire counter down to disinfect it. ...
- Apply Salt + Lemon Juice. After the vinegar wash has dried, mix 1 cup lemon juice with a 1/2 cup salt (Image 1 below). ...
- Wipe Off the Salt. ...
What is the best sealer for butcher block countertops?
- Waterlox Original Sealer Finish is a resin-modified tung oil/mineral spirits product that is food-safe and non-toxic when cured.
- Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac is easy to clean and cures to create a non-toxic finish.
- Polyurethane gives your countertop a plastic-like coating that’s preferred for heavy water exposure, like around sinks.
How to clean and oil butcher blocks?
To help maintain your butcher block surfaces, follow these steps:
- To apply the mineral oil, pour a small puddle right onto the surface and use a lint-free cloth to rub it into the wood.
- Let the oil sit for an hour. If it’s completely absorbed in that time, apply more oil, and repeat this process until the wood stops drinking the oil.
- Then use a lint-free cloth to wipe off the excess oil and you’re done!

Can I use olive oil on a butchers block?
Olive oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil, should never be used to maintain a cutting board or butcher block. As touched on above, these oils experience rancidification – a process that yields a rank smell and unpleasant taste. As a cutting board touches your food, substances that can turn rancid should be avoided.
Can you use vegetable oil on butcher block?
You should not use any type of cooking oil on your board, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, or regular coconut oil, because they will go rancid. Also keep in mind that excess moisture is bad for wood.
How do you oil a butcher block for the first time?
On new or raw wood surfaces, like cutting boards and butcher blocks, make sure to oil them with Cutting Board Oil. To properly oil new wood surfaces, apply at least 2 coats and let each coat soak in for at least an hour. For thick surfaces apply 3-4 coats.
What do you seal butcher block with?
Polyurethane for butcher block countertops. Polyurethane is a liquid coating that dries into a plastic film and is excellent for sealing the countertop, but then there's a layer of plastic between you and your pretty new wood.
How long do you leave oil on butcher block?
Allow the oil to soak into the butcher block for 20-30 minutes. Sand wet with wood grain with sandpaper grit 320-400. Next, polish the wood surface well using a red or white polishing pad. Then take a cotton cloth and wipe down the wood, removing any excess oil from the surface.
Is Baby Oil mineral oil?
Baby oil is a petroleum-based mineral oil. It's considered a byproduct of the process to refine crude oil. Baby oil is refined further for use in skin care products and is safe when used externally on the skin. It has been shown to effectively protect babies from diaper rash.
How do you treat raw butcher block?
To seal butcher block with mineral oil, you simply apply the mineral oil generously, let it soak in, and wipe off the excess. You need to do it fairly regularly at first but then only about once a month after you've gotten through several applications.
What is the best sealer for butcher block countertops?
Polyurethane is among the most durable wood finishes for floors, countertops, and furniture. Water based polyurethane dries faster, doesn't smell, and is easier to clean up.
What is the best finish for a butcher block countertop?
Oil and waxes are the better choices when using the butcher block for its functionality. It protects against the sharpness of a knife. And it's more water-resistant than a polyurethane coating.
What happens if you dont seal butcher block?
Answer compiled from multiple comments to the question: Wood is dried just before being shrink-wrapped. The second the wood is unsealed, dust and moisture can start to absorb into the wood. Both cause issues with a clean finish and water can cause damage in some situations.
What's the best way to finish a butcher block?
0:334:23Butcher Block Finishing Tips – Hardwood Reflections - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo this one here is actually a danish oil that gives you a very nice finish it's easy to apply you'MoreSo this one here is actually a danish oil that gives you a very nice finish it's easy to apply you'll wipe it on let it soak a little bit and wipe it back off again say in a little bit between coats.
Do you stain or seal butcher block first?
The process for staining butcher block has three steps. You'll prep the surface, stain the wood and then seal it.
Is vegetable oil a good finish for wood?
We use old vegetable oil on all our outdoor wood. It works better than paint or varnish. The sun here dries everything thing out in no time.
Can you use vegetable oil on wood?
Recently, heat treatment in oil has been proved to be an excellent approach to wood modification. Vegetable oils have long been used to protect woods from mold and fungi decay as well as to reduce its moisture accessibility owing to its non-toxicity and environmentally friendly nature [19].
Can you use vegetable oil for meat?
That said, there is nothing wrong with frying a steak in vegetable oil. It has a high smoke point so keeps the air clear and does a credible job of not sticking.
What oils are safe to use on cutting boards?
The best cutting board oil is a mineral oil rated for food contact. Linseed oil and beeswax can also do the job nicely. Some companies also make a wood board cream using these same ingredients.
What is the best oil for butcher blocks?
Food Grade Mineral Oil: This is the top choice for butcher blocks, and it’s the primary ingredient in commercial sealing products. Look for food grade mineral oil in your local pharmacy – it’s also sold as a laxative – and it’ll be much cheaper in the pharmacy than in the hardware store.
What oil to use for wood?
Walnut Oil* or Almond Oil*: These oils can be found at most gourmet grocery stores. Coconut Oil: While solid at room temperature (with the consistency of shortening), you can use a hair dryer to warm both the oil and wood as you rub it in.
What do you need to seal a wooden cutting board?
To complete this project, you will need: Natural soap or dish soap. Scrubbing sponge. Scrub brush.
Is tung oil a mineral?
Because tung oil is made from natural ingredients, it’s a greener choice than mineral oil, which is petrol eum based.
Do butcher blocks need to be sealed?
However, to protect both the wood and your health, it’s important to keep butcher blocks sanitized and sealed.
What do you need to put conditioner on a butcher board?
For the proper application of conditioner on your butcher board, you will need again clean and dry clothes, sandpaper and, of course, butcher block conditioner.
What do you need to put mineral oil on butcher block?
In order to properly apply the Mineral oil on your butcher block countertops, you will need clean dry cloth and a Food Safe Mineral oil.
Why do you use beeswax on butcher block?
The reason why you should follow this procedure is because the beeswax will fill in the gaps or even small cracks that are made either because of the age of your butcher block or simply of over-usage. The beeswax will help in further prevention of drying and cracking of your butcher block.
How long to wait to apply mineral oil to countertop?
Once you have cleaned and dried your countertop well, then you should apply the first layer of food-safe mineral oil on your block, once the oil is applied, use the clean cloth to equally cover the surface of your block, wait for 30 minutes and then perform the second application. 3. After the second layer has been applied, ...
When is butcher block good as new?
December 19, 2019. A “good as new” look for your butcher block doesn’t have to involve the hours of sanding that could lead to headaches just so that you could strengthen its surface.
Does beeswax help with butcher block?
The beeswax will help in further prevention of drying and cracking of your butcher block. Note: Make sure to gently sand the countertops before applying the wax for the first time.
Can you use mineral oil on a block?
Food safe mineral oil is highly recommended for your regular maintenance and it will help make the surface of your block to remain in the best possible shape. But you should know that if you apply it repeatedly on the already damaged block, it won’t help you repair or restore its previous look. If your block has a layer of varnish or polyurethane, then you should sand it before applying the oil because mineral oils can’t reach the surface well on them unless they are sanded properly.
What is greener chef?
Formulated from 100 percent pure, food-grade, non-GMO walnut oil, the product from Greener Chef reliably protects wooden surfaces—from butcher blocks and cutting boards to utensils and even furniture —with greater ease and comfort. The innovative 5-ounce spray bottle provides three types of dispensing methods: stream, mist, and drip. This flexibility in application means less waste and fewer opportunities for a mess when caring for a favorite butcher block or cutting board.
What is Sanco oil?
Sanco Industries offers an entire gallon of this American-made, food-grade mineral oil for a fraction of the cost of most other cutting board oil products. Not only is it an ideal choice for maintaining the look and durability of a butcher block or wooden cutting board, but it also has hundreds of other household uses. This cutting board oil is approved by NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), a global, independent organization that facilitates the development of public health standards, in addition to being certified by the USP (United States Pharmacopeia).
How long to wait to apply oil to butcher block?
If the edges are very thick, as with a butcher block, it might be necessary to add more oil to the rag. Wait 20 minutes, then apply a second coat of oil on the top and sides. After another 20 minutes , use a clean rag to wipe off any excess oil. If the board is double-sided, repeat the same process, minus the edges.
What is the USP for Chefs?
Thirteen Chefs has created a mineral oil using one of the highest available standards, which is approved by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). The USP is a scientific nonprofit organization focused on building trust in the supply of safe, quality, dietary supplements, foods, and medicines.
Why do you wash butcher block?
It’s essential that a butcher block or cutting board be washed regularly to prevent bacterial growth and contamination. However, all that soap and water will dry it out within a short time unless a cutting board oil seals and protects the wood.
How to apply oil to cutting board?
To apply cutting board oil, pour or spray a generous amount onto the board’s top surface to start. Using a clean rag, rub the oil into the entire top surface area, including the juice groove if there is one. Use the same rag to make sure the board’s edges are wiped down with oil as well. If the edges are very thick, as with a butcher block, it might be necessary to add more oil to the rag. Wait 20 minutes, then apply a second coat of oil on the top and sides. After another 20 minutes, use a clean rag to wipe off any excess oil. If the board is double-sided, repeat the same process, minus the edges.
What to consider when choosing cutting board oil?
When choosing the best cutting board oil for your needs, it’s essential to look at the main ingredients that make up the oil, its consistency, how it is applied to the board, and any other additives that may be included.
What is tung oil?
An oil derived from the tung tree originating in southern China, it is very popular in woodworking for creating a satin look with a slight golden tint. However, there are two reasons to be cautious: 1) some people are terribly allergic to tung oil as it is made from a nut tree. 2) The name “tung oil” is often used by paint and varnish manufacturers as a generic name for a product that contains a small amount of oil or provides a similar finish. Be cautions of tung oil varnishes and paints that very likely contain toxic chemicals not meant for human consumption. If you use tung oil, look for 100% pure tung oil.
What is the best wax for cutting boards?
Beeswax is also a popular choice for cutting board maintenance. Its a natural wax produced in the bee hives of honey bees and has a variety of applications. Use beeswax to hydrate, shine, and waterproof a cutting board.
How to disinfect cutting board?
High levels of bleach are toxic to humans, however. The good news that that a diluted bleach solution is safe for you and your cutting board. Add one teaspoon of bleach to one quart of water and flood the board. Rinse with hot water afterward and then towel try. By no means use undiluted bleach on your cutting boards or butcher blocks, as this is an unsafe concentration and could also discolor your board. Most importantly, never soak your board in any bleach and water mix.
Why does coconut oil smell?
Because of its high saturated fat content, it is slow to oxidize and is therefore resistant to rancidification. That said, there are reports of boards that have been treated with coconut oil beginning to smell after a long period of time.
What is mineral oil?
Mineral oil (sometimes called liquid paraffin) is a non-toxic, non-drying product derived from petroleum that is colorless, odorless, and flavorless. Its properties prevent water absorption, which makes food-grade mineral oil (as determined by the Federal Drug Administration) a popular choice for wooden kitchen items such as wooden spoons, bowls, and, of course, cutting boards and butcher blocks. The key word here is food-safe, as there are types of mineral oils that are not safe for human consumption; these are often used as lubricants for machinery or found in auto or hardware stores.
What can't you use baking soda for?
What can't baking soda be used for? You can safely use baking soda to remove stubborn stains from a cutting board or butcher block. Sprinkle baking soda over the offensive spot and rub with a cloth, brush, or sponge dipped in hot water.
Is coconut oil good for skin?
Coconut oils have recently become highly popular for a variety of purposes, especially in beauty, because it is rich is saturated fats that are good for skin health. Unfortunately, all fats exposed to air eventually go rancid and coconut oil is not immune (even though some bloggers claim otherwise).
Should i seal or add poly to my butcher block countertops?
This house has a shabby chic kitchen which I like, but for some reason I feel like the dry looking wood makes the kitchen look even older. I don't know if they are sealed already, but I feel like a little shine on the countertop will take the kitchen up a notch. I have two examples: one where they just used waterlox and it has a subtle but nice shine. The last pic is where they use envirotex which has SUPER shine. However, if I am to keep with the shabby chic look I'm wondering if using envirotex is too over the top. The first few pics are my home. I posted the bathroom because you get a better idea of the countertop in the kitchen, since it's more of a closeup. I don't mind the dry look in the bathroom, but I feel like the countertop needs some umph in the kitchen. 2nd to last pic is sealed with waterlox I think and the last pic is envirotex. Thoughts?
What is the best food grade protectant for butcher blocks?
Use Waterlox. you want something that is food grade safe on your counters. Poly is not! plus, poly is too rigid and will not move w/the contraction and expansion of wood. it will end up cracking over time. Waterlox or a similar protectant for food grade butcher blocks.
What is waterlox oil?
that's what's in Waterlox,,,tung oil! it's a natural wood protectant that hardens over time.
Can you use tung oil on tree nuts?
Just to point out that tung oil shouldn't be used if people with nut allergies are likely to be around, especially tree nut allergies.
Is Benjesbride tung oil the same as tung oil?
benjesbride,,,, that's tung oil finish ,,,it's little oil and full of resins and varnish. it's not the same as pure tung oil. sorry. research it for yourself. I think i read somewhere that it's 78% mineral spirits, mixed with very little actual tung oil.
Is waterlox tungoil safe?
waterlox is basically tungoil and a food safe solve nt. also comes in different sheens. https://waterlox.com/project-help/guide?id=8abadfea-3ef1-446a-8d80-33992c09f550. mineral oil is not enough to protect them from staining and water.
Is polyurethane safe for food?
if poly is cured, it is plenty safe for food. Poly also DOES stretch with wood movement, kind of ridiculous to think it will not considering it is what is used on wood floors.
