Much like hardwood floors, maintaining wood cabinets requires special care to ensure they stay clean and pristine without causing damage to the wood. Wood cabinets are finished with various durable protective coatings such as varnishes, lacquers, and sometimes shellac on vintage cabinets. These finishes allow the natural grain and beauty of the wood to shine through. However, it’s important to note that these finishing layers are typically very thin, about the thickness of a couple of sheets of paper. Overzealous cleaning can harm the finish, and repairing it can be a challenging task for homeowners, as explained by Chris Marshall, a furniture builder, cabinet maker, and senior content creator for Rockler Woodworking and Hardware. Therefore, it is crucial to clean these surfaces with care.
Wood cabinets endure the daily wear and tear of life, including grime from hands, grease splatters, food stains, pet scratches, bathroom humidity, smoke, oily dust, and exposure to sunlight and oxidation. All these factors can lead to cabinets appearing dull, dirty, and discolored. Grease build-up along with household dirt and fingerprints are often the main culprits, according to Marshall.
Meet Our Experts:
– Chris Marshall: Furniture builder, cabinet maker, and senior content creator for Rockler Woodworking and Hardware.
– Ron Shimek: President of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly brand in Waco, Texas.
What You’ll Need:
– Vacuum with a bristled upholstery attachment
– Microfiber cloths
– Mild dish soap
– White vinegar (for deep cleaning)
– Mineral oil
– Warm water
– Spray bottle (for DIY solutions)
– WD-40 (optional)
Regular Cleaning for Wood Cabinets:
Using a vacuum with a bristled upholstery attachment can swiftly remove loose, dry dust without dispersing it back into the air. Another option is hand-dusting with a liquid or aerosol furniture polish on a soft rag, or using a damp sponge or rag with minimal moisture. Marshall advises that wiping down with a slightly damp applicator can effectively capture dust without creating a mess.
According to Shimek, cabinets should be cleaned as necessary, which may range from once a week to more frequently based on usage and environmental factors. Marshall suggests that when cabinets start to appear dirty, it’s time for a clean.
When cleaning, be mindful of the amount of water on your rag. Marshall recommends using enough water to dampen the wood surface, without it dripping down your arms. Once cleaned, dry each surface with a microfiber cloth or soft towel, working in sections to ensure thorough drying.
Deep Cleaning Methods:
A general rule of thumb is to conduct a deep clean on wood cabinets every few months, depending on use and visible grime buildup.
When cleaning wooden cabinet finishes, it is best to take a gentle approach. Start with a mild cleaning solution, such as a mixture of household dish detergent like Dawn diluted in water. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently rub the surface, allowing the soapy water to do the work. Avoid harsh chemicals like TSP, ammonia, or bleach, as they can damage the wood finish.
If grease residue persists, adding some white vinegar to the soapy water can be effective. However, be cautious as vinegar’s acidity may harm certain wood finishes. Test a small area first before applying the solution to all cabinets. For cleaning metal hardware like knobs and handles, soapy water is sufficient, but metal polish can restore their shine if needed.
When it comes to restoring shine, consider using products compatible with your cabinet finish, such as mineral oil or appropriate polishes. Avoid furniture polishes with petroleum solvents or silicone, as they may not provide long-lasting protection and could interfere with future refinishing efforts.
For a more durable shine, furniture paste wax can be applied, but it requires more time and effort. Be cautious with mineral oil, as it can leave behind residue that attracts dust. Ultimately, choose cleaning products wisely to maintain the beauty and longevity of your wood cabinets.
“Vinegar is an effective degreaser for removing stubborn grime, but if you’re not a fan of the smell of dill pickles, you might not enjoy using it for cleaning,” advises Marshall. “Always remember to wear protective eyewear and rubber gloves, and ensure good ventilation when working with vinegar.” Additionally, olive oil can help loosen organic grime like cooking grease, making it easier to clean. However, the residue left behind by olive oil can attract dust. Marshall cautions that while olive oil may not be the best cleaning agent and won’t enhance the wood’s protective finish.
When cleaning wood, it’s crucial to understand that you’re actually cleaning the thin coating on the wood, not the wood itself. Marshall recommends using a solution of dish soap diluted in water as an easy, gentle, and cost-effective cleaning solution. Murphy’s Oil Soap, a mild and effective store-bought cleaner, also has a loyal following. Certain liquid and aerosol furniture polishes can double as cleaners due to their solvents that remove greasy residue.
To avoid common mistakes when cleaning wood cabinets, be cautious not to over-wet them, as this can lead to warping or damage to the finish. Abrasive materials like steel wool or harsh chemicals can result in a dull finish, according to Shimek. Leaving moisture on wood can cause water spots or damage over time.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid using overly harsh cleaning agents on wood cabinets. If a product is not safe to breathe or use bare-handed, it’s likely too strong for cleaning wood cabinets. Marshall warns against using ammonia, bleach, acetone (fingernail polish remover), rubbing alcohol, kerosene, oven cleaners, strong bathroom cleansers, or abrasive scouring agents intended for pots and pans on wood cabinets.
In response to frequently asked questions, Marshall suggests wiping wet grease off wood cabinets with a paper towel or soft cloth, switching to a diluted dish soap solution for dried or sticky grease, and incorporating white vinegar if necessary. While vinegar can be used on wood cabinets, it’s essential to test a small area first due to its acidity.
As for how often to deep clean kitchen cabinets, it varies based on usage and environmental factors. Marshall advises deep-cleaning when needed, especially for cabinets in high-traffic or high-humidity areas. For restoring shine without damaging the finish, using high-quality wood polish is recommended by Shimek.
When it comes to waxing or polishing wood cabinets, waxing involves applying a thin layer of furniture paste wax, while polishing is about buffing off excess wax to create a shine. While not essential for maintenance, waxing and polishing can result in a longer-lasting shine, as per Marshall’s guidance.
Please follow the writing rules and ensure that you complete all sentences.
