Will Wood Countertops Stain?

Wood countertops provide a warm look and a beautiful appeal to your kitchen and home. They are a great choice for a kitchen countertop because they are available in different shades, textures, and finishes. Hardwoods like maple, oak, and walnut are commonly used in wood countertops because they are strong and durable. Wood countertops are smooth, easy to clean, and quick to repair when damaged. However, they are not resistant to heat, cuts, cracks, scratches, and stains, but a few quick do-it-yourself cleaning and repairs can do the trick in restoring them to their natural state.

Food and drink spills are the major causes of wood countertop stains. Coffee, tea, red wine, ketchup, lemon juice, and soy sauce are some of the many liquid spills that can stain the surface of wooden countertops. Since food and liquid spills are usually unintentional or by accident, wood countertop staining is generally unavoidable.

Spills and stains on wooden countertops are easy to clean. Cleaning and maintaining the surface should be done regularly to avoid staining. Listed below are some practical tips on how to keep the surface of your wood countertop from staining and maintain its smooth and flawless surface:

Always use a chopping board and a place mat when preparing food on your wood countertop to prevent food juices, extracts, and other liquids from directly penetrating the surface. If a liquid spill gets on the surface of your countertop, wipe it off right away.

Always keep your wood countertop dry. Wipe off spills right away. After cleaning the surface, dry with a soft cloth immediately. Staining, especially water staining, start with wet substances that are left standing on the surface. The wet spots can penetrate deep into your wood countertop if they are not tended to right away.

Rub oil onto the surface of your wood countertop regularly to protect it against moisture build-up. You can use boiled salad oil and linseed oil as treatment for your wooden countertop.

Remove wood countertop stains by using a solution of one-fourth cup of chlorine bleach and a quart of warm water. Wipe it on the surface of your wood countertop, rinse, and then dry. Coat the surface with oil afterwards.

Some stains absorbed by your wood countertop can leave an unpleasant odor. To get rid of the smell, rub a slice of lemon or other citrus fruits on the surface of your countertop.

Make it a habit to regularly clean your wood countertop. You can do this by mixing a half-cup of baking soda in a quart of warm water. Rub the resulting paste onto the surface of your wood countertop using a synthetic scouring pad. Rinse well with water, and blot up the excess moisture. As soon as the surface is dry, you can restore its finish by applying boiled salad oil or linseed oil on it using a fine steel-wool pad.