Say Goodbye to Butcher Block Stains With These Simple Methods

The charm of a butcher block in the kitchen can’t be denied. They bring a warmth that other surfaces can’t. But what do you do when they absorb a stain? They aren’t like other surfaces that can be sealed.

Whether you have a butcher block counter top or just a cutting board, these surfaces can fall victim to stains and discoloration over time.

In this blog post, we’ll explore natural and effective solutions using three simple ingredients: salt, lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide. They actually work because butcher block counters have been around since before all of the strong chemicals that we use now even existed.

Three Tested Methods

I did a trial of all three cleaning methods. I intentionally made a strawberry stain on my butcher block cutting board to determine which cleaning method was most effective.

1. Salt – The Scrubbing Powerhouse: Salt is a versatile ingredient that can act as a gentle abrasive without causing damage to your butcher block. Its granular texture helps lift stubborn stains and grime without scratching the surface. I used the salt as an abrasive with a damp paper towel.
2. Lemon Juice – Nature’s Bleach: Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent with antibacterial properties. Its acidic nature makes it effective in breaking down stains and disinfecting surfaces. The fresh citrus scent is an added bonus.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide – Stain Fighter and Disinfectant: Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic that also works wonders on stains. It is particularly effective against organic stains like those from food and beverages.

The Cleaning Process

I used a combination of salt, hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice to clean a strawberry stain on my butcher block cutting board. I found that with the combination of all three ingredients I was able to clean the stain completely. I just used a damp paper towel to gently scrub the stain.

Conclusion – Which Worked Best?

I suppose in hindsight I could have made a paste with all three ingredients and let it sit for a few minutes to achieve similar results.

Be sure to oil your butcher block surfaces after removing the stain. I like to use Boos Block Mystery Oil after removing tough stains or just for maintenance on a monthly basis. This oil helps protect wood food prep surfaces and keeps it from drying out and cracking. It is easy to apply with just a damp cloth.

Maintaining the beauty of your butcher block doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals. By harnessing the power of salt, lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide, you can effectively clean and revitalize your kitchen surfaces naturally.