How do I Clean my Wood Cabinets?
I know its 2 months away, but spring is really “just around the corner”! We all know that along with the warmer temperatures comes “Spring Cleaning”. The kitchen is at the top of that list.
Spring cleaning in the kitchen means opening the windows and releasing the winter air. The next step is the inside of the cabinetry. Start with the can and dry goods. Are they expired and ready for the trash? Or, are you ever going to use it? If you’re not going to use it, now would the best time to donate it to your local food bank.
How about the Tupper ware cabinet and the junk drawer (or drawers)? Don’t be surprised to finally find that missing lid or that special screwdriver you have been looking for! Now that the inside is organized, the exterior needs some “TLC” too.
The safest (most recommended) solution is liquid dish soap and water in a bucket. (1 part dish soap – 100 parts water) The cabinets are then wiped down using a soft cloth, immediately followed by drying with a soft dry cloth. The cleaning solution should never be “sprayed onto” the wood cabinets or allowed to set on the finish for any period of time.
Most cabinet manufacturers use a tough “catalyzed varnish” that acts as your cabinets protective coating. This varnish is designed to resist the normal everyday agents but not to stand up to “excessive moisture” or “abrasive cleaners”.
Spraying the cleaning solution onto the cabinets allows the “moisture” time to seep into the joints. Using an abrasive cleaner damages the finish causing a “scuffed-dull” appearance. (This is what you were trying to clear up to begin with!)
If your cabinets are still looking “dingy and dull”, contact the manufacturers’ customer service for their recommended action according to your specific cabinet and issue. This is the best way to avoid the chance of possibly voiding the warranty.
Sometimes homeowners do not know what brand cabinetry they have. Sometimes your cabinets are just in need of a check up from a refinishing professional. He or she would set an appointment to come to your home and assess the damage and recommend a solution.
Depending on the amount of build-up and “wear-n-tear” on the finish, course of action should always begin with the liquid dish soap solution.
Think Spring!!
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