What You Need to Know to Care for and Maintain Your Wood Counters

by Soapstone Products Admin October 3, 2024

Caring for and Maintaining Wood Countertops

Wood countertops bring warmth and beauty to any kitchen. Unlike other countertop materials such as marble or quartz, wood has a rich, organic texture that only gets better with age if you take care of it properly. While wood countertops do require some maintenance, the effort is well worth it for the character and charm they add to your space.

If you're considering wood countertops or already have them in your home, understanding how to care for and maintain them will ensure they stay beautiful for years to come. In this guide, we’ll cover all the best practices to keep your countertops looking stunning and functional.

Routine Cleaning

Daily maintenance of wood countertops is relatively simple and mainly involves keeping them clean. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Wipe down after each use: After preparing food or using the countertop, wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth or sponge. Warm water and mild dish soap are ideal for regular cleaning. Avoid harsh or abrasive chemicals as they can damage the finish and wood fibers.
Remove spills immediately: One of the keys to maintaining wood countertops is ensuring spills—especially water, wine, and oil—are wiped up immediately. Remember, wood is porous and can absorb liquids, leading to stains or warping over time.
Cleaning thoroughly: We suggest using Rubio’s spray cleaner to ensure your counter is clean without harming chemicals.

Protecting the Surface

Wood countertops, like any natural material, can be susceptible to scratches, dents, and stains. Here’s how to protect your countertop surface:

Use cutting boards: While wood countertops can handle minor chopping tasks, it’s best to use a cutting board for slicing and dicing. Cutting directly on the wood can create deep grooves, which may harbor bacteria and require more frequent refinishing.
Utilize trivets and hot pads: While wood can resist heat to some degree, placing hot pans or pots directly on the countertop can cause burn marks or discoloration. Always use a trivet or hot pad to protect the wood from high heat.
Avoid standing water: Prolonged exposure to moisture can damage wood countertops. Never leave wet cloths, sponges, or dishes on the surface for extended periods. Additionally, make sure areas around the sink are dried off regularly to prevent water stains or warping.

Oiling the Countertop

One of the most important steps in maintaining wood countertops is applying oil regularly. This helps seal the wood, prevent moisture absorption, and maintain its luster. You should be applying wood oil to any wooden cutting boards you have, as well, to protect them from food liquids and juices.

Use a recommended wood oil: The Original Wood Oil™️ is food-safe, 100% organic, and made of natural ingredients to keep your counters in great condition.
Apply oil regularly: When you first install wood countertops, it’s recommended to oil them once a week for the first month. Afterward, you can reduce the frequency to once a month or as needed. If you notice that the surface appears dry or dull, it’s a sign that it needs more oil.
How to apply oil: To oil your countertops, pour a small amount of food-safe oil onto the surface and use a clean, soft cloth to spread it evenly. Work the oil into the wood by rubbing in the direction of the grain. Let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes, allowing the wood to absorb the oil. Afterward, wipe off any excess oil with a dry cloth and buff the surface.

Sanding and Refinishing

Over time, wood countertops may develop scratches, dents, or stains that cleaning and oiling can’t fix. The good news is that wood countertops can be sanded down and refinished to look as good as new.

Sanding down the surface: If your wood countertops have small scratches or markings, you can sand the surface using fine-grit sandpaper (usually 120-220 grit). Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid creating cross-scratch marks. Start with a coarser grit and work your way to finer grits for a smoother finish. Finish sand to 150 grit, which is the best for Rubio Monocoat finish oil.
Cleaning after sanding: After sanding, clean the surface thoroughly with a cloth to remove dust and debris. We recommend Rubio Monocoat cleaner. Let the surface dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Re-oiling after sanding: Once your countertops are smooth and clean, apply oil as described in the previous section. This step will restore the protective layer and bring out the rich tones of the wood once again. Continue to oil about once a week for the first month after sanding.

Dealing with Stains and Scratches

Even with the best care, accidents happen. Here’s how to deal with common issues like stains and scratches on wood countertops:

Light scratches: For minor surface scratches, you can often smooth them out with fine steel wool or a non-abrasive scrub pad. Rub gently in the direction of the grain, then follow up with a coat of oil.
Water stains: If you have a water stain, try gently sanding the area with fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool. Be sure to reapply oil after sanding to retreat the wood.
Deep scratches or gouges: If you have a deep scratch or gouge, you’ll want to talk to your wood countertop fabricator to ensure it’s repaired properly.

Long-Term Care and Maintenance

In addition to routine cleaning and oiling, consider the long-term care of your wood countertops:

Re-oil periodically: While monthly oiling is a good rule of thumb, the frequency depends on how heavily the countertop is used. High-traffic areas, such as around the sink or stove, may need more frequent oiling than less-used parts of the kitchen.
Inspect for damage: Regularly inspect your countertops for signs of damage, such as cracks, warping, or deep scratches. Addressing small issues early can prevent them from becoming larger, more expensive repairs.
Professional refinishing: If your wood countertops have significant wear and tear, consider asking your installer to refinish them. Professional refinishing can restore the wood to like-new condition and ensure it remains durable for years to come.

Installing Wood Countertops in Your Home?

While wood countertops may require a little more maintenance than stone options, they add a warmth to your kitchen that you can’t get from any other material. If you’re considering adding a wood countertop to your space, get in touch with Garden State Soapstone, Slate, and Wood Countertops to see all your options.