If a butcher block has been used and abused, refresh it by sanding down scratches and polishing it with butcher block oil or walnut oil. Either one is non-toxic and will hydrate the wood.
Butcher block oil also works well to restore wooden utensils like rolling pins, salad bowls, and wooden spoons.
When finishing children's toys, use lacquer. Because it is non-toxic, it is one of the few acceptable finishes for use on children's toys.
