Fall Care for Butcher Block Counters & Wood Worktops: Prepare for Baking Season!

Nothing says autumn like crisp, cool air, beautiful fall foliage, and the warm aromas of pumpkin spice and apple pie. It’s the perfect time to prepare your kitchen for the busy baking season. Whether it’s creating mouthwatering caramel apples during Halloween or preparing a lavish Thanksgiving feast, it’s vital that your kitchen surfaces, especially your butcher block counters and wood worktops, are not only clean but also prepped and ready to handle all the culinary action.

Your butcher block counters and wood worktops are the heart of your kitchen, and their care should be high on your priority list to be sure you’re ready for a season full of busy baking. Let’s dive into some tips that make fall care for butcher block counters and other wooden surfaces easy and effective.

1. Regular Cleaning Matters

Ensure your counters are always clean before you start working on them. A butcher block’s surface is porous and can absorb any liquid it comes into contact with, which can lead to discoloration. Make sure to clean the butcher block after each use and integrate WOCA Intensive Cleaner Spray into your cleaning regimen for an impeccable clean that removes grease on untreated, oiled, lacquered, or soaped indoor wood surfaces

2. Try an Oil Treatment

Autumn care isn’t complete without treating your wooden worktops with a high-quality, food-safe oil. Regular application of WOCA Worktop Oil helps moisturize the wood, reducing its porosity and maintaining its natural grain and color. This oil offers a hard-wearing, water-resistant surface that’s safe for food, making it perfect for your baking endeavors.

3. Prevent Liquid Damage and Stains

No matter how careful you might be in the kitchen, some spills and stains are inevitable. To prevent any potential damage, immediately wipe off any liquid that splashes onto your countertop surfaces, and make sure they're dry after the pie goes in the oven. Use WOCA's Stain Remover Kit to help considerably prolong the life of your butcher block counters and wood worktops.

4. Keep It Scratch-Free

Sharp knives, heavy pots, and hot pans can threaten your surfaces. Use chopping boards and trivets to protect your countertops from scratches, nicks, or scorch marks. A scratch-free counter not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also prevents any debris or bacteria from settling in.

5. Consider a Light Sanding

No matter how careful you are, sometimes scratches are inevitable. If the blemish persists, a light sanding can help restore your countertop's appearance. Remember to always sand in the direction of the wood grain, and once done, use WOCA's Worktop Oil Wood Countertop Kit, a handle bundle with everything you need to keep your surfaces safe and protected. 

6. Maintaining Your Counter

We recommend giving your butcher block counters and wooden worktops a thorough cleaning and oil treatment once a week during this intensely busy period. Doing this maintains their durability and enhances their natural beauty, creating a warm and inviting space that’s always ready for a fall baking marathon.

A Little Extra Care for the Season

As you prepare to work your culinary magic this baking season, remember that the care and maintenance of your butcher block counters and wood worktops require a little more effort with heavy use.

Keep them clean and well-oiled, be sure to keep them dry to prevent liquid damage, and always use trivets and cutting boards to protect wooden surfaces. If accidents happen, you can often restore your butcher block worktops with light sanding or applying WOCA Stain Remover.