If you have a butcher block or butcher block countertops at home, sealing the wood is 100% necessary. If you aren’t sure how to seal your butcher block or even what sealant is, don’t stress! We’re going to give you the ins and outs of butcher block sealer and give you our top 6 recommendations for the best butcher block sealer options available based on price, quality, and longevity. Ready to get started? So are we!
3 Picks at a Glance
If you’re unfamiliar with butcher block sealers or are looking to shop for some of the best right now, let us introduce you to these 3 picks. In terms of design, size, and best quality, these butcher block sealers are our top choices. Any one of these would do the butcher blocks in your kitchen wonders.
- Best Overall: Culina Cutting Board & Butcher Block Conditioning & Finishing Oil
- Best Large Size: Waterlox 5284GL 5284-GL Sealant
- Best Bargain: John Boos MYSB Mystery Butcher Block Oil
What is Butcher Block Sealer?
We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, so let’s back up and talk about what butcher block sealer is. Butcher block sealer can either be an oil or wax that won’t spoil, such as mineral oil or beeswax. These nonperishable oils or waxes are rubbed into the surfaces of butcher blocks to strengthen the wood.
Why Do You Need Butcher Block Sealer?
Butcher block sealer is oh-so-important! Why? Here are some of the main reasons:
- The wood will dry out without sealer
- Sealer keeps bacteria from penetrating below the surface of the wood
- Sealer prevents butcher block wood from absorbing moisture
- Sealer keeps mold from being able to grow within the wood
- Sealer keeps the wood looking glossy and stylish
- Sealer can help keep your butcher block in prime condition for decades
How to Use Butcher Block Sealer
Using butcher block sealer is super simple! All you’ll need is a great butcher block sealer and paper towels. We’ll tell you how it’s done in the steps below.
Step 1-Choosing the Right Butcher Block Sealer
If you’re looking for a high-quality butcher block sealer, then we recommend choosing 1 of the 6 sealers we’re going to discuss later in the article. If you prefer, you can also choose to use beeswax or food grade mineral oil.
Step 2-Cleaning Your Butcher Block
When you notice your butcher block’s wood isn’t as glossy as it used to be, it’s time to seal the wood. Before you begin, handwash your butcher block with warm water and gentle dish soap, while never fully submerging the board under the water. Also, do not put your butcher block in the dishwasher. Once washed, let your butcher block airdry completely by standing it up on one side against a wall.
Step 3-Spreading the Sealer
Once you know your butcher block is completely dry, you can take your butcher block sealer of choice and liberally pour or spread it on the wood. Using a dry paper towel, rub the oil or wax into the wood in the direction of the wood’s grain.
Step 4-The Waiting Game
Once your butcher block is entirely coated, let it sit with the oil or wax for 15 minutes. Letting it sit allows the wood to soak up the oil, which will make it glossy once again.
Step 5-Catching the Excess
After 15 minutes are up, you’re going to need some more dry paper towels. Wipe off any excess oil or wax on the butcher block with paper towels.
Step 6-Let it Rest
Lastly, let your butcher block rest for the next 2 days. Letting it rest for the next 2 days without using it will ensure your butcher block has entirely absorbed the oil or wax it needs to maintain the strength of the wood.
How Often Do You Need to Seal Your Butcher Block?
How often you need to seal your butcher block is dependent on how often you use it. Are you an avid home cook who chops meat on your butcher block 1-2 times a day? You may need to seal the wood every couple of months. Do you only use your butcher block a few times a week, or a few times a month? You could seal your block every quarter of a year, or even half a year.
The best indicator of when you need to seal your butcher block is the dryness of the wood. If the wood is dry, it won’t be shiny anymore like when you pulled it out of the box. When the wood loses its glossy sheen, it’s time to wash your butcher block and seal it.
What Happens if I Don’t Seal My Butcher Block?
You put your butcher block at risk of growing mold or harboring bacteria and foodborne illnesses if you don’t seal it. How does this happen, exactly? Here’s a quick chart to explain.
Mold
| Bacteria
| Foodborne Illnesses
|
Types of Butcher Block Sealers
Not all types of waxes and oils can be used as butcher block sealers. We repeat: NOT ALL TYPES OF WAXES AND OILS CAN BE USED AS BUTCHER BLOCK SEALERS.
Popular oils around the kitchen, such as olive oil and vegetable oil, will go rancid and can make your butcher block unusable. To make sure you’re in the know about which kinds of oils and waxes are good for sealing butcher blocks, we’ve compiled a quick guide below.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil, or more specifically, food grade mineral oil, is an amazing butcher block sealer. Mineral oil, unlike other popular cooking oils that come from perishable foods, will not go rancid and damage your butcher block. Conveniently, food grade mineral oil can be bought in most grocery stores.
Beeswax
Beeswax is another top choice for a butcher block sealer. Beeswax won’t go rancid, it’s inexpensive, and you can buy beeswax in tons of stores. For an all-natural sealer, beeswax is a perfect choice.
Specially Formulated Oil
The power of science can do what plain mineral oil and beeswax cannot. By buying specially formulated butcher block sealers, you’re giving your butcher block a formula specifically created to strengthen wood. Out of the 3 options, we recommend a specially formulated sealer the most.
Top Butcher Block Sealer Options
We’ve searched and searched and found what we were looking for! These are the top 6 best butcher clock sealer options you can buy right now from the comfort of your home. Any of these options will keep your butcher block in top shape when dryness is starting to take a toll on the wood.
Howard Butcher Block Oil, Conditioner and Cutting Board Cleaner
Best for: Variety
This set contains 3 different products for keeping your butcher block in pristine condition. You’ll receive a butcher block sealant, a butcher block conditioner, and a butcher block cleaner. The set of 3 also comes with a free towel you can use an applicator for the sealant. If you’re looking for a set of products that encompasses every part of butcher block care, this is the best.
- Material: Oil and plastic
- Warranty: Please contact seller directly
- Best Feature: Set of 3 oils
Care
- Keep these bottles out of extreme heat and extreme cold. Store them in a dark cupboard until you are ready to use them. Follow the instructions on the back of each bottle.
Pros
- 3 oils in a set
- Comes with free yellow cloth
- Each oil has a different use
Cons
- 2 of the 3 bottles are not a sealant
Waterlox 2002-25 Sealer
Best for: Family-Owned Company
If you’re an avid user of sustainably sourced products, this is the brand for you. Waterlox is a 4th-generation family-owned company in Ohio that takes care to use responsibly sourced resources. With this bottle, you’ll receive an entire quart of high-quality butcher block sealant with a handle that makes pouring easy.
- Material: Plastic and oil
- Warranty: Please contact seller directly
- Best Feature: Family-owned company that uses sustainable resources
Care
- Store this bottle of butcher block sealer in cool, dark place. Do not expose the bottle to extreme heat or extreme cold.
Pros
- Large size
- Family-owned company
- Sustainably sourced resources
Cons
- Pricy
Waterlox 5284GL 5284-GL Sealant
Best for: Large size
This gallon-sized bottle of butcher block sealant will last you for a very, very long time. This is the same family-owned company from Ohio that uses sustainably sourced resources as the product listed above. The vintage metal canister advertises that their company has been around since 1910.
- Material: Metal and oil
- Warranty: Please contact seller directly
- Best Feature: 1 gallon of oil
Care
- Make sure this butcher block sealant is not stored anywhere where it can catch fire. Take care to store it in a cool, dark place like a cupboard.
Pros
- Large size
- Durable container
- High-quality
Cons
- Pricy
Cutting Board Food Grade Mineral Oil for Cutting Boards, Countertops and Butcher Blocks
Best for: Food Grade Mineral Oil
This food grade mineral oil is the perfect choice if you’re looking for an inexpensive product that is known to work wonders for butcher blocks. This mineral oil is food safe and multipurpose, so you can use it for more than just your butcher block. This bottle contains 12 fluid ounces of food grade mineral oil.
- Material: Mineral oil and plastic
- Warranty: Please contact seller directly
- Best Feature: High-quality mineral oil
Care
- Store your mineral oil somewhere where it won’t be too hot or too cold. We recommend storing it in the cupboard, because cupboards are cool and dark.
Pros
- Mineral oil is a wonderful sealant
- Inexpensive
- Multipurpose
Cons
- Specially formulated blends for butcher blocks are sometimes better
John Boos MYSB Mystery Butcher Block Oil
Best for: Low Price
John Boos is a premium, well-respected brand in the kitchen product industry. This butcher block oil was specially formulated to make your butcher block shine like the day you bought it. For a bottle that is 16 fluid ounces, this is sold for a low price despite the quality. If you don’t mind spending a few more dollars, you can buy this oil in a set with an oil brush applicator.
- Material: Oil and plastic
- Warranty: Please contact seller directly
- Best Feature: Premium brand
Care
- Store this butcher block sealant somewhere it won’t be a fire hazard. Also, be sure to store it in a cool, dark place.
Pros
- Premium brand
- Low price
- Preferred by chefs
Cons
- Only 16 ounces
Culina Cutting Board & Butcher Block Conditioning & Finishing Oil
Best for: Best Overall
This butcher block sealer is 100% natural, which is wonderful for those of us conscious of using all-natural products. This oil is a mix of coconut oil and other natural oils, so it is entirely plant-based. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, this is the best butcher block sealer option for you.
- Material: Plastic and oil
- Warranty: Please contact seller directly
- Best Feature: 100% natural
Care
- Be sure to store this butcher block sealer in the cupboard, or somewhere else cool and dark. Keep this bottle away from extreme heat and extreme cold.
Pros
- Respected brand
- 100% natural
- Stylish bottle
Cons
- Only 8 ounces
The Finish Line
You’ve officially crossed the finish line and become an expert on all the best butcher block sealer options! We’ve discussed what butcher block sealants are and why they’re important. If you ask me, I’d go with the Culina Cutting Board & Butcher Block Conditioning & Finishing Oil based on its rave reviews.