How do you clean butcher block?

[princess pooh]

I'm having trouble cleaning my butcher block cutting board. I read somewhere to use a mix of dishwashing soap and water, but the garlic smell and strawberry stain are still there. Is there any other way to clean it? I don't want to get rid of it but I don't like my fruit smelling of garlic either

 

[liamsaunt]

Try scrubbing it with lemon and salt. When you are done, apply a thin coat of mineral oil--this keeps the wood moist and prevents it from warping.

I flip my butcher block over depending on what I am cutting--onions, garlic, etc get chopped on one side, vegetables and fruits on the other.

 

[hydster]

Use a fresh lemon. Squeeze it on the top and let it sit there for about 20 min then wipe dry. We had a butcher block island for awhile and we had this problem so we ended up sanding it down a little bit to get to the newer fresh wood. Also make sure you oil it once a month with vegetable oil. That will help the wood not dry out and make it a little harder for stains and juices to get into the wood. I loved mine but we finally got rid of it and got granite because I hated all the work. Of course mine was a whole island not like a cutting board.

 

[princess pooh]

Thanks!!! I'll try the lemon and vegetable oil

 

[liamsaunt]

Don't use vegetable oil, use food safe mineral oil. Vegetable oil can turn rancid on your board (it seeps into the wood) and impart that taste to your food.

 

[jbdreamer]

I spray it down with vinegar after every use. It disinfects, and kills smells.

 

[helenabear]

Don't use vegetable oil, use food safe mineral oil. Vegetable oil can turn rancid on your board (it seeps into the wood) and impart that taste to your food.

I can easily find mineral oil at Bed Bath & Beyond!