How To Clean Wooden Island In Kitchen?

[abby03]

So we have a huge antique wooden island in the middle of our kitchen that we do pretty much all of our food preparation on. I know that wood is not safe but we really don't have much more counter space...certainly not enough to prepare full meals. I'm the only one in the house that's gluten free and we don't prepare food directly on the counter. If something falls on to the counter I don't eat it but I still feel like even using the island at all is unsafe with breadcrumbs and beer being dropped or spilled and simply being wiped with a paper towel or Lysol wipe. My mom doesn't see the issue and if she's helping prepare dinner on it and something falls on to it she says it's fine and it won't hurt anything. So, my question is this: Is there anyway to get it clean or at least keep it clean enough to not have to worry about using it as a work surface? I could possibly ask my mom to use the tiny section of counter space we have to pour beer and make sandwiches and such but I'm afraid she'll get mad and call me crazy lol.

[jerseyangel]

So we have a huge antique wooden island in the middle of our kitchen that we do pretty much all of our food preparation on. I know that wood is not safe but we really don't have much more counter space...certainly not enough to prepare full meals. I'm the only one in the house that's gluten free and we don't prepare food directly on the counter. If something falls on to the counter I don't eat it but I still feel like even using the island at all is unsafe with breadcrumbs and beer being dropped or spilled and simply being wiped with a paper towel or Lysol wipe. My mom doesn't see the issue and if she's helping prepare dinner on it and something falls on to it she says it's fine and it won't hurt anything. So, my question is this: Is there anyway to get it clean or at least keep it clean enough to not have to worry about using it as a work surface? I could possibly ask my mom to use the tiny section of counter space we have to pour beer and make sandwiches and such but I'm afraid she'll get mad and call me crazy lol.

The first thing that came to my mind is--can you sand it down a bit? Enough to remove the top surface of the wood and any scratches. I'm thinking that way you would be creating a new clean work surface. The problem with wood is that gluten gets stuck in the pores and scratches, so even if you can do a thorough cleaning/sanding, if beer and breads are going to still be prepared there I would use a plate or safe cutting board under my food at all times.

[ravenwoodglass]

You could try putting a plastic tablecloth on top of the island when meals that you will be eating are being prepared. When finished wipe it down and put it away until the next time. If the island is rather small place mats might work also.

[MitziG]

Yeah, its not safe. If they are continuing to use it for gluten, sanding won't help because it will just keep getting contaminated. I think the plastic tablecloth when you use it is the only way to go.

[Bubba's Mom]

I'm the only gluten-free person in my household, and the others aren't the least bit careful. I have plastic place mats that I put on my counter top to ensure a cc free work surface. They're easy to put in place and can be wiped down and stored until next use.

The plastic table cloth is a good idea, but if your household is like mine, there's other things on the island that would have to be moved to use one. Sort of a bother. Try the plastic place mats.