We sell a lot of John Boos butcher blocks and furniture with butcher block tops at 125West.com, and often we get customer questions about caring for their new butcher block. By following a few easy usage rules and maintenance steps, butcher block life is almost unlimited! Firstly, butcher blocks are made from real wood. Wood is a natural material that responds tochanges in temperature and humidity. These changes set up tremendous internal forces in the block. Their shape and dimensions will change with the seasons. If warping or edge cracking appears it is related to uneven changes in temperature or humidity. Keep your block dry, away from heat and allow it to dry evenly. Regular oiling helps to prevent these problems because it keeps water from entering the board. Sometimes this finish will give the impression that the block is wet, the topis ready to use. Wash your block by hand only using anti-bacterial dish soap and warm water. Do not submerge the block! Add a small amount of bleach or vinegar to the water for extra bacteria killing power after chopping bacteria carrying foods such as raw chicken. You can also rub the block with a half a lemon to kill bacteria. Our blocks are not dishwasher safe. Thoroughly dry the block after washing. When possible allow the block to dry standing up on edge to help the block dry properly and prevent warp. Periodically oil the block with mineral oil, Glumber Oil, or our Block Bros. All-Natural Block Oil. Letting the block dry out because of a lack of oil is the #1 cause of problems with the block. You can't oil your block too much! Oiling will help keep that beautiful sheen. Do not allow liquid to stand on the block for a long period of time, it will stain the block and cause the wood to expand, causing glue joint failure and warp. Use a steel scrapper or sandpaper as needed to keep the top smooth and free of deep cuts and food buildup, then re-oil the top. Work with different areas of the block to help it wear evenly. Both sides should be used if the design allows to extend the life of your board. Do not use a razor sharpened edge on your clever it will chip out the wood. Do not expose tops to excessive heat, cold or moisture! Never put in microwave or dishwasher. Never place on stove burners.
No comments:
Post a Comment