If you have wood cabinets in your home, it’s important to know the proper maintenance routine to keep them in tip top condition. Harsh chemicals and cleaners can damage your cabinets, leaving them looking less than ideal. Follow these simple cleaning tips to prolong the life and beauty of your cabinets for years to come.
Regular Care
The most important thing when it comes to the routine cleaning of your wood cabinets is to make sure you wipe up any spills or splatters right when they happen. Messes like these that are left on your cabinets for a prolonged period of time can cause permanent discoloration.
Your average duster will work perfectly for getting off any dust that accumulates, and a solution of warm water and mild detergent is generally all that is required to clean your wood cabinets. Use a soft, lint free cloth and always be sure to dry the cabinets after washing.
Long Term Care
Waxing your wood cabinets is not recommended, as it leaves behind a residue that not only attracts dust, but can sometimes cause your cabinets to appear discolored or streaky.
Once a year, consider polishing your cabinets with a light coat of a high quality, oil-based furniture polish. This will protect your cabinets and make them shine.
What About the Hardware?
Typically a good cleaning with warm water and mild detergent should take care of the majority of grime on your cabinet hardware; however, if you’re dealing with tough grime, it’s best to take the hardware off the cabinet and soak it in warm, soapy water. Make sure you let each piece dry completely before reinstallation.
Products to Avoid
The following products can damage your wood cabinets and should be avoided:
- Harsh detergents, steel wool or any sort of abrasive cleaners
- Any products that include bleach or ammonia
- Silicone-based cleaning products
- Petroleum based products (paint thinners, nail polish remover, etc.)
Looking for New Cabinets?
Stoneworks Granite & Quartz offers top quality cabinets made right here in Canada and expert installation. If you’re thinking about adding new cabinets to your home, give our team a call!
