How to Clean & Maintain a Wooden Worktop

A wooden worktop serves as the heart of your kitchen, exuding warmth, beauty, and a touch of nature. To ensure its long-lasting appeal, regular cleaning, maintenance, and occasional rejuvenation of your beautiful wooden worktop are essential.

In this guide, we will delve into the various aspects of cleaning and caring for your wooden worktop using natural products. From daily care routines to gentle cleaning methods, stain removal techniques, maintenance options like beeswax wood polish and oils, and even a DIY wood polish recipe. Let’s explore the secrets to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of your wooden worktop using toxin-free products you already have at home.

Daily care

To keep your wooden worktop in optimal condition, follow these simple daily care practices:

• Wipe down the worktop after each use with a damp cloth and mild dish soap to remove spills, stains, and food residue.
• Avoid exposing wooden surfaces to direct heat, moisture, or prolonged periods of standing water.
• Clean spills promptly and avoid using abrasive cleaners, bleach, harsh chemical cleaners that can strip the natural oils from the wood and damage the wood’s finish.
• Regularly inspect the worktop for signs of wear, scratches, or dents. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.

The area around the sink is often at risk from getting water stains. Make sure not to leave water sitting on the surface and treat the wood around the sink frequently with an oil or beeswax wood polish to protect the wood.

Gentle cleaning for your wooden worktop

Occasionally, your wooden worktop will require a deeper clean to remove ingrained dirt and grime. Here are some gentle and natural cleaning methods to consider:

Soap and Water

You can’t go wrong with the old reliables when cleaning your wooden worktop! Start by removing all items from the worktop and give it a good dusting with a soft cloth or a microfiber duster to remove loose dirt and debris. Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap in a bucket. Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the solution, wring it out well, and gently scrub the worktop’s surface. Rinse the sponge or cloth frequently and change the water as needed. Ensure that you don’t oversaturate the wood with water. Once cleaned, wipe the worktop with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess moisture. Allow it to air dry completely before placing any items back on the surface.

Vinegar Solution

Vinegar is a great ingredients in all DIY cleaning, not only for wooden worktops and chopping boards. To use it for your worktop, create a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Pour into a in a spray bottle if you want to keep it for longer. Spray or wipe the solution on the worktop and wipe it down with a soft cloth or sponge. Vinegar’s natural acidity helps disinfect the surface and remove bacteria.

Baking Soda Paste

Form a paste by combining baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with water. Apply the paste to stubborn stains or grease spots, gently scrub with a soft cloth, and rinse thoroughly. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive without harming the wood’s surface.

Lemon Juice

Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub the worktop. Lemon’s natural acidity aids in stain removal and leaves a fresh scent. Wipe off any residue.

Deep Clean and Stain Removal

Despite our best efforts, stains can sometimes find their way onto our wooden worktops.

The good news is that you can effectively clean and treat these stains using natural products found in your pantry. Here we explore six common stains on wooden worktops and chopping boards and provide you with natural solutions to restore their pristine condition. Say goodbye to stubborn stains and embrace the beauty of your wooden surfaces. Here are specific techniques to tackle common stains:

Oil and Grease Stains

For an oil stain, apply a layer of talcum powder or cornstarch to the stain and let it sit for a few hours to absorb the oil. Wipe away the powder and repeat if necessary.

Grease stains are a common occurrence in kitchens, especially on chopping boards. To remove grease stains naturally sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stained area. Then, using a damp cloth or sponge, gently rub the baking soda into the stain in circular motions. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the grease. Rinse the area with warm water and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

For stubborn stains, create a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing and wiping.

Water Rings

Water stains can leave unsightly marks on wooden surfaces. To remove water stains naturally mix equal parts baking soda and non-gel toothpaste to form a paste. Gently rub the paste onto the water ring using a soft cloth until the mark fades away. Wipe off the paste with a clean, damp cloth and dry the surface thoroughly.

Wine or Fruit Stains

Accidental spills of wine or fruit juice can quickly stain wooden worktops and chopping boards. To tackle these stains naturally sprinkle salt directly onto the stain to absorb the liquid. Using a damp cloth, gently rub the salt in a circular motion to lift the stain. Rinse the area with warm water and dry it completely.

For more stubborn stains, make a paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away. Repeat if needed.

Coffee and Tea Stains

Coffee or tea spills can leave dark stains on wooden surfaces. To remove these stains naturally create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and olive oil, sunflower oil or rapeseed oil. Dip a cloth into the mixture and gently rub the stain in circular motions. Continue rubbing until the stain begins to fade. Wipe off the mixture with a clean, damp cloth and dry the surface thoroughly.

Ink Stains

Accidental ink marks can be stubborn to remove from wooden surfaces. To eliminate ink stains naturally squeeze lemon juice directly onto the stain. Let the juice sit on the stain for a few minutes to break it down. Gently scrub the stain using a cloth or sponge. Rinse the area with warm water and dry it completely.

Metal Stains or Etching

Metal stains or etching can occur when metal objects, such as pots, pans, or utensils, come into contact with wooden surfaces. Natural solutions such as baking soda, water, cream of tartar, and lemon juice can help lift metal stains or reduce the appearance of etching. Remember to take preventive measures to minimize the risk of future metal stains or etching: use protective mats or trivets under metal objects to create a barrier between the metal and the wood.

To address metal stains or etching on wooden worktops and chopping boards create a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stained or etched area and gently rub it in using a soft cloth or sponge. Continue rubbing in circular motions until the stain or etching begins to fade. Rinse the area with warm water and wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

For stubborn stains or etching, make a paste using cream of tartar and lemon juice. Apply the paste to the affected area, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse and dry the surface.

Super-Stubborn Stains

Some stains just won’t budge. You might be able to make them less obvious with some of the methods described above. The remedy here is to sand down the worktop and reapply the finish.

If the stain is a surface stain, lightly sand just where the stain is and around it with a fine sand paper. Always work in the direction of the grain of the wood. wipe down the surface to make it is clear of dust and reapply finish in several layers.

For deeper stains, start with sanding down the coating of the wooden worktop where the stain is. Apply stain removers as described above and leave to allow to penetrate the wood. Wipe down and allow to dry before sanding again (if necessary) or reapplying the oil or beeswax finish.

Maintenance of your wooden worktop

To maintain the natural beauty and longevity of your wooden worktop, consider these maintenance options:

Food Safe Oils

Mineral oil or tung oil are common options for protecting and conditioning the wood. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and enjoy the benefits of these natural finishes. For a food-safe finish, choose a food-grade mineral oil or a pure tung oil.

Mineral oil is a popular choice for worktops as it is odorless, colorless, and easy to apply. It is suitable for chopping boards and countertops that come into direct contact with food. However, it should be noted that Mineral oil is a by-product from the petroleum and crude oil industry so would not be a suitable choice for some people.

Tung oil is a natural drying oil that provides a durable and water-resistant finish. It is made from the seed of the nut of the Tung tree (Vernicia fordii), so would suit Vegans and those not keen on using Mineral oil. Tung oil t enhances the natural beauty of the wood but can take longer to dry and requires more maintenance than mineral oil. Follow these steps to properly apply the oil finishes:

Preparation

Ensure that the wooden worktop is clean and free of any dust or debris. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. If the worktop has been previously finished with a different type of oil or sealer, you may need to sand it lightly to remove the existing finish. Use a fine-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the grain until the surface feels smooth.

Application

Pour a small amount of the oil onto the worktop. Using a clean, lint-free cloth or a brush, spread the oil evenly over the surface, working with the grain. Make sure to cover the entire worktop, including the edges and any visible end grains. Allow the oil to penetrate the wood for about 15 to 20 minutes. The end grains may require more oil as it soaks it up quicker.

After the oil has soaked in, use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess oil from the surface. This helps prevent a sticky or tacky finish. Continue wiping until the worktop feels smooth and there are no visible pools or streaks of oil. Let the worktop dry completely for at least 24 hours. Keep it in a well-ventilated area during this time.

For tung oil, multiple coats may be required. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific drying time between coats.Remember to always read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the oil you choose to use.

Maintenance of Oiled Worktops and Chopping Boards

To maintain the protective finish, reapply the oil every few months or as needed. This will keep the wood nourished and help prevent drying, cracking, or warping. Regularly clean the worktop with a mild soap or as describe above and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can strip the oil finish.

Beeswax Wood Polish

One of the best ways to maintain the beauty of your wooden worktop is by using beeswax wood polish. Beeswax helps nourish the wood, enhances its natural color, and creates a protective barrier against moisture and stains. Here is how to apply it:

• Apply a small amount of beeswax polish onto a soft cloth.
• Rub the polish onto the wooden worktop in circular motions, covering the entire surface.
• Let the polish sit for a few minutes to penetrate the wood.
• Using a clean cloth, buff the surface in the direction of the wood grain until you achieve a smooth, lustrous finish.
• For hard wearing areas, you can choose a polish with added Carnauba wax which adds durability and shine.

If you would like to make your own Beeswax Wood Polish, follow the instructions in my DIY Wood Polish Recipe.

Conclusions

Caring for your wooden worktop is a labour of love that rewards you with a beautiful and inviting kitchen space. From daily care routines to gentle cleaning methods, and maintenance options like beeswax wood polish and oils, you now have all the tools to keep your worktop in prime condition. Using only natural solutions and pantry staples like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil, you can also effectively clean and treat common stains on wooden worktops and chopping boards.

Whether you opt for commercial products or prefer a DIY approach, remember to regularly treat and protect your wooden surfaces to maintain their natural charm and durability. I hope you’ll enjoy the elegance and functionality of your beautiful wooden worktops and chopping boards in your kitchen, making it a focal point you’ll cherish for years to come.

Explore our selection of premium beeswax wood polishes to protect and beautify your wooden worktop.

Interested in trying our DIY wood polish recipe? Get step-by-step instructions here.

Hanna Bäckmo