Holiday Kitchen Prep: 3 Essential Wood Care Tips for Tabletops, Countertops, and Butcher Blocks

The holidays bring joyful gatherings, festive meals, and plenty of time spent in the kitchen. As you plan your menus and prepare your home for guests, your wooden surfaces work harder than ever. Tabletops, countertops, cutting boards, and butcher blocks all see increased use, and without the right wood care, they can show wear, stains, and moisture damage.

To help you maintain beautiful, durable wood surfaces throughout the season, here are three essential wood care tips to follow during your holiday kitchen prep.

1. Cleaning and Protecting Wooden Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards are timeless kitchen tools. They are gentle on knives, naturally durable, and often far more hygienic than plastic options. With proper wood maintenance, they can last for many years.

To keep your wooden cutting board in excellent condition, follow this simple care routine.

How to Clean Wooden Cutting Boards

• Gently remove dust or food particles using a soft cloth.
  
• Clean the surface with a high-quality wood-safe cleaner such as WOCA Natural Soap Spray.
  
• Wash both sides to prevent uneven swelling.
  
• Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, or steel wool, which can damage the wood fibers.
  

Moisture is one of the biggest threats to wood. If too much moisture affects only one side of the board, it can swell unevenly and begin to cup or twist. Thorough but mindful cleaning helps protect the board.

How to Oil Your Cutting Board

Once your cutting board is completely clean and dry, oiling is essential to protect the wood and maintain its durability during heavy holiday use. Regular oiling helps prevent stains, moisture absorption, and cracking while enhancing the wood’s natural appearance.

Follow these steps for best results:

• Apply a generous amount of WOCA Worktop Oil directly to the surface of the cutting board.
• Use a clean cloth or applicator to spread the oil evenly across the top, bottom, sides, and any grooves or incised details. Treating all surfaces helps the wood absorb moisture evenly and reduces the risk of warping.
• Allow the oil to penetrate the wood for three to four hours, giving the fibers time to absorb what they need.
• If the wood absorbs the oil quickly or appears dry, apply an additional light coat to ensure full saturation.
• After the soaking period, gently wipe away any excess oil with a clean, dry cloth. The surface should feel smooth and nourished, not sticky.
• Stand the cutting board upright with both faces exposed and allow it to rest before returning it to regular use or storage.

A properly oiled cutting board will resist stains, odors, moisture, and scratches, making it easier to clean and better protected throughout the holiday season and beyond.

2. Care for Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops offer the warmth of natural wood furniture with the functionality of a full work surface. They require a bit of regular care to stay beautiful, especially during the holidays.

Cleaning Butcher Block Countertops

Use WOCA Natural Soap Spray for a thorough clean.

• Scrub against the grain to loosen dirt and stains.
  
• Rinse using a clean, damp cloth or sponge.
  
• Dry completely with a soft towel.
  
• Avoid too much moisture, which can cause swelling and cracks.
  
  

How Often to Oil Butcher Block Surfaces

• Butcher blocks benefit from oiling every six months.
  
• Busy and well used surfaces may need more frequent oiling.
  

Applying Worktop Oil provides a strong, protective layer that helps resist stains, scratches, water rings, and other damage caused by heavy holiday use.

3. Maintain Flooring, Tabletops, and Other Wooden Surfaces

Your kitchen floors and dining furniture also need attention before the holidays. Increased foot traffic, cooking spills, and shifting temperature or humidity can affect wood surfaces.

Tips for Protecting Wood Floors and Furniture

• Clean with Natural Soap or other WOCA-approved cleaners.
  
• Use a soft cloth to wipe away dirt, dust, or stains.
  
• Apply a high-quality finishing oil to protect against moisture and minor scratches.
  
• Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching.
  
• Avoid setting hot dishes directly on wood.
  
• Keep wooden surfaces away from heating and cooling vents, which can cause cracks.
  
• Address small stains promptly to prevent further damage.
  

These habits help maintain the rich appearance of your wood while preventing long-term issues caused by dryness, spills, or environmental factors.

Enjoying the Natural Beauty of Wood During the Holidays

The holidays are time to celebrate, gather, and create new memories in your home. With a bit of preparation, your wooden surfaces will be ready to shine throughout the season. Clean, protected wood not only looks warm and inviting but also stands up better to heavy holiday use.

Give your kitchen a head start and protect your investment with high-quality products designed specifically for safe and effective wood care.

Prepare your kitchen for the holidays! Explore WOCA’s complete selection of interior woodcare oils and cleaners and keep your tabletops, countertops, and butcher blocks looking their best.