Butcher Block Care and Maintenance

THE AVERAGE PERSON CAN LENGTHEN THE LIFE OF A BUTCHER BLOCK 5-10 YEARS THROUGH OBSERVING THE FOLLOWING RULES IN ITS CARE.

Periodically (once every several weeks, depending upon the use and household conditions), apply an even coat of mineral oil or Butcher Block Oil to the work surface of your butcher block. Sponge on with a rag!

DO NOT allow moisture of any type to stand on the butcher block for long periods of time.

Don't let fresh, wet meats lay on the butcher block longer than necessary. Brine, water and blood contain much moisture, which soaks into the wood, causing the block to expand, the wood to soften, and affects the strength, of the glued joints. Use a good steel scraper or spatula several times a day, as necessary, to keep the cutting surface clean and sanitary.

Do not use a steel brush on the cutting surface of your block.

DO NOT cut fish or fowl on the work surface of your butcher block, unless you have thoroughly followed the instructions in step #1...as the moisture barrier must be intact prior to cutting any type of fish, seafood, or fowl on the work surface of your butcher block.

ALWAYS CLEAN THE BUTCHER BLOCK THOROUGHLY AFTER CUTTING FISH OR FOWL ON THE WORK SURFACE. Be sure NEVER to cut continuously in the same place on the top of your butcher block. Distribute your cutting over the entire work surface so that it will wear evenly.

DON'T use a razor-edged cleaver. It will chip or splinter the wood and produce soft spots. Your cleaver should have dull sharpened edge for best results.

NEVER wash your butcher block with harsh detergents of any type and NEVER wash your butcher's tools or Cutlery on your butcher block.

At the conclusion of a day's work preparing meat or food on your butcher block, scraping the butcher block will remove 75% of the moisture. After scraping, immediately dry thoroughly with an absorbent towel. This assures an odorless, clean cutting surface for the next day, and prevents premature quick deterioration of the work surface.

Maintain the same bevel on the edge of your butcher block, as it had when you bought it. This prevents splitting or chipping of outside boards. If your butcher block is reversable then your block should be turned over periodically to allow even usage to both work surfaces.

Note: Butcher Block cutting boards are not dishwasher compatible.

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