Butcher block countertops are generally often used and beloved accessories in many homes. They are built to withstand severe heat and repeated slices from sharp knives. They are also advantageous and convenient surfaces to prepare snacks and meals on. A lot butcher blocks that look to be in horrible shape or in disrepair in fact, only need to be restored with some simple household items.

Gently, with a steel scraper, scrape the surface and marred areas of the butcher block. Remember that, to avoid deep gashes by rubbing with the grain of the block. Carefully wipe away the leftover wood shavings into a trash receptacle when you are all finished.

Then, fill up a sink or plastic tub with hot water mixed with a mineral spirit. Soak the butcher block in the mixture for five minutes, or just dab the counter top in it. After five minutes, remove the wood block from the mineral substance or wipe away the remaining fluid.

Next, sand the butcher block gently all over. Periodically spread more spirits over it as you sand it. The spirit substance should help to smooth and lubricate the butcher block’s rough and damaged surface. The spirits can be obtained at grocery stores and will help keep your block in a great condition for many more years of usage.

For especially burned and darkened areas, more drastic measures can be taken. Go over these areas with a clean ball of cotton and small amounts of bleach. The bleach will help lighten up any marred areas and make them a little less noticeable. For burned spots that are particularly bad, you may have to fill the damaged area in with similar wood.

Finally, apply a few coats of plain mineral oil. To make sure the oil absorbs into the block deep enough, be sure that it is heated before anointing it. The mineral oil will help to treat and protect the butcher block countertop. The mineral oil itself can be simply purchased at a hardware or home supply store.

To prevent future damage to the butcher block counter top, make a habit out of treating it after every use. To start, wipe food particles off of it and treat it daily with water and mineral oils. Every few days, cover or soak the entire surface of the block with a mixture of water and soap as well.

Redoing your kitchen means choosing new counter treatments. Find a great selection of butcher block countertops or granite tile countertop choices by searching on the Internet.