Our clients often ask us what will happen if they get their wood countertops wet. It depends on the type of spill and how long the wood remains wet. There are common dampness situations that occur with wood countertops. You can take care of most of them easily yourself, but some will require professional attention.
Get Your Wood Countertops Wet? Easy Water Cleanups
Most people panic the first time they get their wood countertops wet. There’s no need to worry about water or a spilled drink when you have our custom hardwood countertops. If you don’t intend to place food directly on your countertops while preparing meals, we’ll use a waterproof oil-based finish. It’s permanent, so you don’t have to worry about re-oiling your countertops after a spill.
If you get your wood countertops wet with water, just be sure to dry it thoroughly. Dry the area around your sink every time you do dishes. Use coasters with glasses, and put a hand towel under damp serving bowls to prevent water rings. We also recommend putting a hand towel under your drying rack if you do dishes by hand.
Cleaning Up Sticky Spills
After water, coffee and soda are the most common countertop spills. Just use soap and water on a dishcloth to wipe up the spill. It’s best to use cloth when cleaning your wood countertops because it’s more absorbent than paper towels.
Dried sticky spills should clean up easily with soap and water. We can give you suggestions for wood soap products to use if you get your wood countertops wet and need something stronger. We don’t recommend using antibacterial wipes or sprays because they may mar the finish.
Cleaning Your Butcher Block Surfaces
You can’t avoid getting your wood countertops wet when you’re preparing food. The finish we use on butcher block is food-safe. It’s not waterproof, but the type of moisture that touches butcher block shouldn’t damage the wood as long as you clean up immediately after preparing your meal.
Never use a spray with bleach on any wood countertop. Our butcher block doesn’t require special cleaning products. Hardwood has a natural resistance to bacteria. Just remember to always use a clean cloth when you get your butcher block wood countertops wet, and put it directly in the laundry when you’re done.
Water Rings and Water Damage from Getting Your Wood Countertops Wet
If you find water rings on your wood countertops, remember that we can sand and refinish wood. If a plumbing accident gets your wood countertops wet while you’re away and you find serious damage like mildew, call us for recommendations for cleaning it up safely.
Caring for wood kitchen countertops is easier than you think. To learn more about keeping wood countertops looking their best, contact Maryland Wood Countertops at 443-840-7373 today.
