How to Clean and Oil a Butcher Block Countertop

Wood butcher block counter tops add natural warmth, color and timeless beauty to your kitchen. Unlike plastic cutting boards or laminate surfaces, a butcher block top made from real wood combines durability, elegance, and natural beauty. With the right regular care, your wood surface can last for decades—possibly becoming a family heirloom passed down for generations.

To keep your butcher block surface clean, smooth, and sealed, it’s important to use the right products and techniques. Follow this guide to learn how to clean a butcher block, apply food-grade oil, and maintain it safely for years of use.

Always make sure you’ve read the label on the product.

Important Tips Before You Begin

• Always read the label on any product before applying it to your butcher block.
• Avoid using vegetable cooking oils (like olive or sunflower oil)—they can turn rancid and produce an unpleasant odor.
• Skip varnishes, polyurethane, or similar sealants; they create a film that can chip or flake, and the residue may contaminate food.
• Stick to food-grade oils or WOCA Worktop Oil, which are safe, effective, and designed for porous wood materials like butcher block.

Luckily, the process of oiling butcher blocks doesn’t involve extensive sanding and refinishing. To rejuvenate and revitalize your wood counter, follow these steps.

Design Tip: Choosing the Right Oil

• For Walnut and Oak butcher block counter tops, use WOCA Worktop Oil in Natural. 
• For Maple butcher block counter tops, use WOCA Worktop Oil in White to preserve the wood’s light tone.

Materials You’ll Need

• 180- grit sandpaper
• WOCA Intensive Wood Cleaner Spray (or similar wood surface cleaner)
• WOCA Worktop Oil, Natural or White
• Paint brush
• 280-400 grit sandpaper
  
• Red or white polishing
• Cotton terry cloths or dry cloths
• Optional: soft-bristled brush, paper towels, plastic scraper, and spray bottle of clean water for spot cleaning

Step-by-Step: How to Oil and Refinish a Butcher Block

Step 1 – Sand the Wood (if necessary)

If your countertop is new and smooth, lightly sand with 180-grit sandpaper.

For older or finished blocks, remove any varnish or polyurethane before re-oiling.

Sand gently along the wood grain until stains and marks disappear.

Wipe away all dust with a clean, dry cloth.

Step 2 – Clean and Prepare the Wood

Spray the surface with WOCA Intensive Wood Cleaner and wipe clean. Let dry for 6–8 hours.

Benefits of cleaning before oiling:

• Removes food particles, soap residue, and surface dirt.
• Opens the wood pores, helping the oil penetrate evenly.
• Neutralizes tannins in woods like oak, preventing water stains.

Tip: If you notice knife marks or scratches, a little light sanding before cleaning will help smooth the wood fibers and prep for oiling.

Step 3 – Oil the Butcher Block

1. Stir the oil well and apply an even coat with a brush.
2. Don’t forget the edges and end grain, which are especially prone to moisture.
3. Let the oil soak for 20–30 minutes.
4. Sand wet with 320–400 grit paper following the grain.
5. Polish using a red or white pad.
6. Wipe clean with a cotton cloth to remove excess oil—the surface should not appear shiny or sticky.
7. For very porous wood, apply another generous coat and repeat until the surface no longer absorbs oil.

Allow to cure for 24 hours to achieve a smooth, matte, sealed finish.

Butcher Block Cleaning Tips

For everyday cleaning and regular maintenance:

• Use WOCA Natural Soap Spray, a pre-mixed soap cleaner safe for food-grade surfaces.
  
• Wipe with a soft dish cloth or paper towel—avoid soaking the wood.
  
• Clean spills immediately, especially liquids like lemon juice, vegetable juices, or hot water.
  
• Dry the surface completely with a dry cloth to prevent warping or mold.
  
  

Butcher Block Maintenance Routine

• Re-oil regularly to prevent the wood from drying out and cracking.
  
• Expect to oil more often during winter or near sinks, stoves, or heat sources.
  
• Use WOCA Worktop Oil or WOCA Maintenance Gel for best results.
  
• Keep your butcher block countertop clean and dry between uses.
  
• Avoid leaving meat juices or vegetables on the wood surface for long periods.

Quick Tip: If stains appear, sprinkle salt and rub with a cut lemon to lift the mark—then clean and re-oil the area.

Final Thoughts: Protect the Natural Beauty of Your Butcher Block

Your butcher block is more than a kitchen work surface—it’s a living piece of wood that improves with age and proper care. By following these steps and using WOCA Denmark’s professional wood care products, you can maintain its smooth finish, protect against moisture, and preserve its natural beauty for years to come.

Ready to refresh your butcher block?

Shop WOCA Worktop Oil and Wood Care Products today and enjoy safe, sustainable protection that keeps your wood surfaces looking beautiful and performing perfectly.