Maple block is a strong material that many people choose for their labs, workbenches, office settings, and other commercial facilities. When cared for properly, maple block is incredibly durable and adds a great aesthetic value to your facility. However, proper maintenance and cleaning are essential for keeping maple block countertops in excellent condition.
Here’s what you need to know about caring for maple block countertops:
Cleaning Maple Block for Daily Use
If you face any light spills, cleaning maple blocks is fairly quick and simple. All you need to do is dampen a rap with water. Wipe off any food crumbs, dirt, or light spills. Use a dry towel to wipe off excess moisture.
Thorough Cleaning
For a more thorough cleaning, wet a clean rag and add dish soap. Use this to remove larger spills or more stubborn remnants. Wipe down the rest of the maple block countertop with the soapy rag, and then use a clean, damp rag to remove the excess soap. Wipe down the clean countertop with a dry rag. This method works well for removing:
- Sticky crumbs
- Juice or other large spills
- Stubborn food remnants
To Disinfect
If you’ve used the maple block countertop to handle raw meat or other biohazardous materials, you will want to disinfect it. Use a regular damp cloth to remove crumbs or debris. Then, dampen a clean rag with vinegar and thoroughly wipe down the dirty area. Dry the countertop with a clean, dry towel after disinfecting.
Butcher Block Stain Removal
Even with daily care, you may face stains on your butcher block. Fortunately, there are simple, safe stain removal methods you can try. Both methods are safe for food preparation surfaces and can work well when cleaning stained butcher block countertops. Butcher block countertop care for stains includes:
- Sprinkle coarse salt onto the stain. Use half of a lemon to rub the salt in. For many stains, the salt and lemon method will remove the stain immediately.
- For tougher stains, try the baking soda method. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda onto the star. Using a cloth soaked in vinegar, rub in the baking soda. If necessary, apply another layer of baking soda to the stain. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes after each layer, then wipe off the baking soda with a clean, damp cloth.
Refinishing Maple Block Countertops
Part of butcher block countertop care is refinishing with the correct oils. If the butcher block gets too dry, it may crack or split. Most users will need to apply a butcher block oil monthly, although those who use the countertop heavily may need to oil every two weeks to prevent drying.
However, it’s critica not to over-oil butcher block as well, as over-oiling can prematurely break down wood fibers. Here are the steps for refinishing butcher block countertops:
- Use coarse-grit sandpaper (100-150 grit) to remove any deep, lingering stains.
- Smooth the surface with fine-grit sandpaper with grit 180-220. This ensures the butcher block is smooth and even.
- Oil the maple block countertops with food-safe oil and a clean rag. Let the oil sit for 30 minutes before wiping away any excess. If you do not have lingering stains, you can simply practice the daily care methods for how to clean maple block countertops before oiling them.
Oils to Use on Maple Block Countertops
When it comes to butcher block countertop care, only some oils are suitable. Other oils may not be able to protect your countertops. You should avoid vegetable oil or olive oil and instead use food-grade mineral oils like:
- Raw linseed oil
- Walnut oil
- Almond oil (however, do not use nut oils if anyone is allergic).
Butcher Block Countertop Care Tips
Butcher block is fairly easy to clean and care for. Even major stains can be removed through refinishing. However, there are some easy tips that can help prevent stains and damage, helping you keep your countertops in the best condition. Some important tips for butcher block countertop care include:
- Do not use synthetic finishes on butcher blocks used for food preparation. Instead, opt for other safe waterproofing finishes.
- To avoid uneven wear, use different parts of the countertops each time you prepare a meal or chop on the countertop.
- Avoid prolonged water exposure. Wood absorbs moisture quickly, so any damp cloths or prolonged stains will cause damage. Keep the butcher block dry by wiping down with a dry cloth and cleaning up spills quickly.
The Best Butcher Block Countertops
When you know how to clean maple block countertops, it’s easy to keep them in pristine condition for many years. OnePointe Solutions can supply maple block or butcher block countertops for all of your industrial and commercial needs.
Our experts can help you see if maple block is the right material you, pros & cons of butcher block and more. If you’re interested in a different material, we also offer a wide variety of other chemical grade and industrial countertops including epoxy, resin, phenolic resin, stainless steel, solicitor-cr, solid surface, esd laminate, and plastic laminate. View our gallery or get your quote today HERE.
Need maple block countertops?
Call as at (866) 222-7494 to speak to a lab consultant today to help you with your maple block countertops and any other chemical countertops you may need.