How to Remove Stains From a Meat Block Countertop
Butcher blocks are large, thick pieces of wood ideal for cooking meat . Over time, they have also become a popular choice for kitchen countertops as their natural look and cooking durability make them an aesthetically pleasing and functional choice. But taking care of them takes a little effort in terms of cleaning and oiling, and staining the meat block is a nightmare – wood tends to absorb moisture no matter how much you cook it. If you don’t apply a heavy polish, you may soon be faced with unsightly wine and food stains, or even mold. But if you’ve already done so, there are several ways to clean and refresh your meat block countertops.
Lemon Salt Scrub
It looks like you are giving your meat block a spa day, but this method is effective in removing small stains. Sprinkle some salt on the countertop, then cut a fresh lemon in half and use the cut side to rub the salt into the stained countertop. ( According to HGTV, making a paste with lemon juice and salt will have the same effect.) After rubbing the lemon and salt into the stained area, let it sit overnight. Wipe down the rack in the morning with warm water and a cloth.
Lemon and salt can work on small water stains or small cooking stains, but deeper or darker stains like wine require a stronger approach.
Hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar
Mix one tablespoon of household hydrogen peroxide with one cup of warm water. Using a cloth, cotton ball, or cotton swab (depending on the size of the stain), apply the solution to the countertop . Then dampen the stain with white vinegar. Make sure both solutions cover the stain and let sit for two minutes or more. Then wipe the counter with warm water and a cloth.
Whitening and sanding
If the stains are found to be too stubborn, you can completely freshen the countertop with this careful procedure, especially if you have a mold problem. First, mix a teaspoon of bleach powder with one cup of hot water, making sure it dissolves in the water. Dip a sponge into the solution and rub the stained area for a couple of minutes (be sure to wear gloves). Let the bleach solution sit for ten minutes, then rinse the countertop thoroughly.
Deeper stains can also be removed – just remember to treat the wood again after sanding. This Old House advises using:
“A 60-grit coarse sandpaper or a sanding pad for sanding discolored wood, but don’t try to get rid of it entirely: too much sanding in one place will create a pitting. You can sand the grain initially, but make sure your finishing touches follow the coat. ”
Fill cracks with canning wax
This Old House also recommends melting the canning wax and filling any cracks in the meat block with liquid wax. When the wax is almost dry but soft, gently scrape off any excess drops. Be sure to seal and condition the wood afterwards before using it.