How do I protect my new wood worktop from damage? A brief care guide

Move aside marble, wood is back in town!

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people wanting to have a wooden

addition to their kitchen.

And why wouldn’t they? Wood is a timeless classic and requires little care when compared to stone surfaces like marble or granite. And of course, the cost comparison is also a great reason why many people are now turning to wood.

When looking online, you are likely to discover a number of polishes and varnishes which are deemed suitable for repairing a wooden worktop UK, especially if it is stained. However, with a few simple tricks, you can keep your wooden worktop from your supplier in perfect condition, saving you some pennies and headaches!

So, how should you protect and care for a wood-based worktop?

Spills

OK, an obvious concern that many people have about a wooden worktop when they have one is that its surface is quite porous. In other words, it absorbs stains.

And as stains are a key reason for people needing to have their worktops cleaned professionally, a bit of common sense can go far.

If you spill something acidic like coffee or juice, wipe it up quickly with a damp cloth. If your wooden countertop is sealed correctly, you can even use vinegar or lemon juice to remove the stain.

Oiling

And as part of the aforementioned sealing, it is important to regularly apply oils to the countertop to keep it sealed and hygienic. It also prevents the wood from warping and cracking when it is exposed to hot temperatures, such as a frying pan.

When applying the oil of your choice, make sure it is slightly warmed, to ease the sealing process. Do not use any cooking oils, instead, aim for mineral-based oils like Danish oil instead. Applied sparingly every 6 weeks or so, this will keep the countertop stain proof and looking new.

Wax

It goes without saying that if you have a wooden countertop, you are probably going to be preparing food on it. And as a consequence of this, the surface will probably develop cracks and chips.

Instead of leaving these exposed, fill them with an appropriate hardening wax, such as paraffin or beeswax. Reapply it once a month to maintain the integrity of the surface. Not only will this prevent the wood from rotting, but it will also make the surface easier to clean and polish.

Potholders

While a wooden surface is fairly resistant to scorch marks, it is usually best to play it safe and purchase some heat resistant pot trivets. These will allow you to place hot pots and pans onto the wooden surface without needing to worry about warping or heat marks.

As stated before, this is not a necessity, more of a precaution to ensure that the wood lasts as long as the kitchen does!

Humidity

Wood is prone to warping due to damp, so to keep your countertop in good shape, purchase a small, reusable dehumidifier.