I have a butcher block wood breakfast table and I would like recommendations on what to use for cleaning/disinfecting it? Of course I don't want to use anything that's going to damage the surface, but I would like to make sure it's clean enough to eat off of. I've been using a soapy sponge, then rinsing the soap off with a damp rag, but I just don't feel that's good enough. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
My kitchen table is wood as well with a clear finish on the top. I simply use soap and water on a sponge to clean it.
I googled "cleaning butcher block" and got a lot of good info. You can use a 1 part bleach to 10 parts water solution to disinfect. Allow to sit for 10 minutes then rinse thoroughly... this is mostly for blocks that are used for cutting meat, though. Most of what I read said for non-food prep blutcher blocks, they can be wiped down w/ soap and water and need to be oiled occasionally. Try google - Hope that helps!
I use Rustic Touch by EcoSense (Melaleuca) If you would like to know how to purchase. It's naturally derived.
Wash wood with warm/hot soapy water followed by a mild bleach solution. You should use a dedicated sponge, not your kitchen sponge, otherwise germs will get into the wood. If the butcher block is unsealed, oil it once a month. There are several safe, non-toxic oils on the market for just that purpose.
Have you ever tried Mrs. Meyers cleaning products? They have a great all purpose cleaner that is good for my wood table.
BarbaraJ
clorox makes a bleach cleaner now that is so safe you can even spray it in your veggie draws in the fridge........ i use it all over my kitchen and it has never been cleaner!!!!!! hope you find something that works for you!
If you put a few drops of tea tree oil in your water it will sanitize naturally. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties, yet is natural enough to use on your body as well (like on small cuts or bug bites). I just replaced using that as a daily after shower spray on tile and it works great, no chemicals or products to continually buy in big plastic bottles. For a spray cleaner like that I mix twenty drops with about 20oz. of water.
Did you also know you can sanitize your kitchen sponges in the microwave? Put it in very wet for a minute or two (if it's dry it may catch on fire...saw that on one of those discovery channel shows...)but wet it can kill the germs. Of course then the microwave smells like a wet sponge, so out comes the tea tree cleaning spray again! Man, I'm always scrubbing something! :)
P.
Yikes! I went through this - you want to deep clean that surface but with wood, you need to keep oiling it to keep it in proper condition - it just isn't a good combo for a table you eat meals on - pretty but impractical as heck!
I have wood tables for both breakfast and formal dining, and I put glass on top of them - here's why: Way too hard to keep clean, sanitized - without ruining the wood. If you have a circular table top, then you may be able to go to . . . if I remember right, I think Pier 1 has pre-cut circular glass for table-tops, in a few common sizes-36",48" (I think under $100.00); otherwise you can go to a glass/window shop and have one made to your measurements. It may cost you $100.00 - $150.00 but it is so worth it, from my experience!!! It will last years and years!
It is SOOOOO much easier to clean the glass. And they smooth the edges/corners - they aren't sharp at all. The look is nice too - very finished and clean.
And here's a final tip on this - If you need to, you can go to Home Depot or Lowes and get clear spacers (Scotch brand) that stick or not, are thick or thin, and place 4-6 of these(or more if your table is large), spaced accordingly, under the glass. This ensures that it sets right and won't wobble - clear will barely be noticeable and they work great for balance and won't slip. This is only for wobble-issues - it totally solves the problem!
That is how I solved my wood-table top problems - it keeps the wood beautiful-looking and keeps me totally happy with regard to cleaning.
I hope this is helpful to you - Good luck!
Alli
I use an AMWAY product called PURSUE (disinfectant) or LOC (an organic cleaner). Both are excellent cleaners, but very safe when it comes to "possible" ingestion. Good luck!
I use a Norwex antibacterial microfiber cleaning cloth and water.
Good luck!
Murphy's Oil Soap. you can get it near the pledge. It's the only thing to use on a good wooden table, and it keeps it clean. Good luck!
I use vinegar/water to disinfect the whole kitchen/bathroom/floor. Cheap and no chemicals :)
Here's a link for homemade household cleaners:
http://organizedhome.com/pantry-recipes-homemade-cleaning...
:) Well someone beat me to it. Tea Tree oil- and don't be frightened by the cost. I've been using it in my diaper washing for a year and still have well over half a bottle!
S
