How to Care for a Butcher Block

Sanding may be necessary if your block has cuts or abrasions of any kind as these can collect food and bacteria. Set your block on a sturdy, level surface and sand with the grain using a 60-grit sanding block or 60-grit sandpaper. Sand in straight lines with the grain until all cuts, scrape and gauges have disappeared.An orbital sander with 60-grit paper can also be used.

Sand once more, with the grain, using a 100-grit sanding block or 100-grit sandpaper on a sanding block. Sand until the block feels as smooth as glass to your hands. It is possible to use an orbital sander with 100-grit paper to achieve the same result.

Using a soft cloth, rub on a layer of good mineral oil. This will help protect your wood against water penetration and future damage. Use a clean cloth to buff the surface, removing any excess oil that has not penetrated into the wood.If your butcher block is more severely damaged, with splits between boards, then proceed to the next step.

Fill any cracks between boards with water putty, taking care to force the putty into the cracks with the flat tip of your putty knife. Make certain the putty is level with the surface of your board and allow it to dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Sand with the grain using a 60-grit block or sandpaper until the surface is smooth and level. Finish with a 100-grit block or paper.

Once the surface feels completely smooth, wipe it clean and then rub on mineral oil. Allow it to penetrate. Then, using a clean cloth, buff off theblock.