Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500123
06/24/03

Wooden Blocks-Cleaning


Oil finished butcher block tops may be cleaned as
any other table top. A damp cloth with a detergent may be
used; followed by a damp cloth to remove the detergent.
Excessive water should be avoided. All water should be
wiped up immediately. Cut raw meat and poultry on a
smooth-surfaced plastic cutting board which can be
scrubbed thoroughly with hot suds afterward.

Repeated use and cleaning will remove the oil finish.
Periodically, warm mineral oil should be applied with an
absorbent cloth or very fine steel wool to the surface
and edges. Allow oil to soak in a few minutes, then
remove all surface oil with a dry, clean cloth.
Oxidation or hardening of the oil will take approximately
6 hours.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from Minnesota
Extension Specialist, Harold Alexander.

Go To Top of File        Michigan State University Extension Home Page        Main Page for this Data Base
This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08. Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact strausc@msu.edu .