Daily Care of Your Heritage Wood Countertop
A wood countertop is one of the most durable kitchen work surfaces available. Taking care of your new countertop is easy. Simply follow these guidelines:
1. To clean and disinfect your top, use a vinegar/water solution that is approximately 20% white vinegar. Do NOT use ammonia-based cleaners. Over time they will soften and cloud the finish.
2. The top can also be wiped down with a mild detergent that does not contain ammonia. Rinse the top with clean water and let dry. After it is dry, mist the top with the vinegar solution, let dry. There is solid evidence that the vinegar solution will disinfect the top.
3. Never let water stand on the countertop.
Re-Oiling Your Top
The two most common reasons to re-oil your wood countertops are:
1. The top is damaged by deep scratches, cut marks (if you are using the top for food preparation), discoloration of the finish by a chemical, etc.
2. Some of the oil has rubbed off during the course of everyday use and cleaning. It is time to re-oil when setting a cold drink on the top creates a faint discoloration (water ring). How long this takes will depend on the amount of use. Based on our customers' experience, this ranges from every eight months (for a customer with six children who cooks all day) to never. With moderate use, the top should be re-oiled every 18 months to three years.
Repairs Are Easy
Follow these easy steps to remove any marks, scratches or stains:
1. Lightly sand any areas with minor scratches or abrasions using 400 or 600 grit sandpaper. Always sand in the direction of the grain of the wood. Do not use steel wool. Remove all sanding dust using a damp rag.
2. Apply Waterlox tung oil finish to the sanded area with a soft cotton cloth, such as an old T-shirt. Wear a latex glove when applying the finish to make clean up easier.
3. Reapply at least one additional coat of Waterlox to the affected area in four hours.
4. Waterlox dries to the touch in two to four hours. You may notice a smell for the first 30 minutes. Wait approximately 12 hours before using the surface for food preparation. The treated surface is food safe after the 12-hour drying time. To rejuvenate your Heritage Wood countertop, re-oil it with Waterlox tung oil finish.