Not only are wood countertops beautiful in any kitchen, but they’re also renewable and eco-friendly. Wood countertops cost about $30 to $60 per square foot, and while inexpensive, they can be easily damaged, so here is how you should care for them.
Wood countertops can harbor bacteria, be warped or split due to weather, and be easily scratched, dented, stained, and burned. You shouldn’t use regular chemical cleaners or let water sit on your countertop for too long as it can cause damage, and if you don’t want to worry about maintenance costs, quartz or granite countertops might be the better option.
To remove scratches, dents, and grooves, sand down wood countertops with sandpaper and follow up with food-grade mineral oil. Only natural cleaners should be used on wood, but as an alternative, you can use dish soap and a sponge, then disinfect it with white vinegar for 15 minutes, and lastly, apply a mixture of 1 cup lemon juice, and ½ cup of salt to remove stains.