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While a butcher block is very useful in the kitchen it must be kept clean or it can spread germs from raw meat to other foods. These germs can cause severe gastric problems.
Before the first use of your new block, make sure that you oil the surface using only mineral oil. Never oil a block with vegetable oil as it may become rancid and ruin the block. Find mineral oil in the laxative section of most pharmacies and other stores.
After each use, take time to wipe down the board using a clean damp sponge. Use a clean towel to dry the board after cleaning it. This will keep the board clean for several weeks.
Over time the block may need a deep cleaning. To deep clean the block begin by scraping the wood. You can use and old butcher knife that is dull or a utility knife. An even better choice is a wood workers scraper. This flat piece of metal with straight edges will keep the surface of your board flat. Next rinse with a vinegar bath. Pour vinegar over the surface of the cutting board and allow it to soak for about five minutes. Finally, scrub the block with a paste made of lemon juice and salt. In addition to removing any bacteria, this will also bleach the board of any stains that remain from cutting meats. Once you have wiped the salt and lemon juice off your board and rinsed it a final time, you will want to re-oil the board.
If a block has been abused and has not been cleaned, you may need to sand it down to bare wood and start over again. This procedure can be used in order to remove wood that has been damaged by vegetable oil as well. Once you reach the bare wood the block will need to be treated with fresh mineral oil. Be sure that you take better care of the board in the future.
A butcher block is a large investment for a kitchen tool. However, if properly cared for, it can last a lifetime.
Finding the perfect butcher block for your counter, table, or island is easy when you have a wide selection from which to choose. Adding a matching knife block will bring your entire kitchen decor to life easily!
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