Keeping Your Wood Kitchen Cabinets Clean
October 22nd, 2007 by Home ProWhether you can afford to replace your cabinets, or whether you need an alternative solution, once you have decided on your design and you have your kitchen cabinets in place, here are a few good ideas to help you keep your cabinets looking great.
#1 Don’t Overdo It
You’ll probably be glad to hear that you shouldn’t over do it on the cleaning if you have one of the most popular types of cabinets - wood cabinets with a protective coating of catalyzed varnish.
Maybe part of the reason these cabinets are so popular is the ease with which they can be maintained. Just an occasional cleaning with a small amount of mild soapy water and a damp cloth will keep these cabinets looking good.
#2 Choose Alternatives to Abrasive Cleaners
A great solution to greasy buildup on cabinets, a common occurrence, is to use vinegar and water in equal parts to wipe down your cabinets. You’ll have a clean surface with very little effort. Always stay away from abrasive cleaners which will easily scratch your wood surface.
#3 Wax Products
The benefit of using wax products on your cabinets is not worth the effort. Although they don’t do any harm, there really isn’t an advantage for using them.
#4 Glass Panels
Use a good glass cleaner for your glass paneled cabinets and clean the wooden frames with a mild soap and water solution.
#5 Metal or Punched Tin Inserts
If you are consistent, a soft dry cloth can keep your metal inserts looking good. For a more thorough cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution. Don’t be tempted to use any type of abrasive or wax products.
#6 Cleaning Cabinet Hardware
Most all of today’s hardware has a protective coating on the surface to prevent corrosion and abrasion. Simply use soapy water and a soft cloth to keep your hardware looking like new.
#7 Dusting Keeps it Simple
If you wipe your cabinets off with a soft dry cloth regularly, you can save a lot of extra cleaning effort in the future. You will also find many handy throw-away dusting products on the market today that help to trap dust in hard to reach areas. Consistency is the key to easy maintenance.
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Tags: Cleaning Cabinets, Custom Cabinets, Kitchen Cabinets, Wood Cabinets
November 14th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Do you recommend using shelf liner on the inside of cabinets? Should you use soap and water to clean the inside or are there better products you would recommend? Thanks.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Hi Emily,
While there are differing opinions on the shelf paper issue, the majority of cabinetry experts suggest that if your cabinet shelves are not lined, you may want to consider lining them with rubber liners or sheets of butcher’s paper.
They’ll help protect your cabinets from damage like spills and debris build-up. Cleaning is easy, because the liners will catch crumbs and other messes, then you can replace them with fresh liners.
Just remember, it’s best to stay away from anything too sticky – you don’t want liners that are impossible to peel away. Also, before putting fresh liners on your cabinet shelves, be sure the shelves are completely dry. Moisture trapped underneath the liners can cause mold growth. Once your cabinets are dry, you can add the liners and put your items inside.
It may sound surprisingly simple, but soap and water are a safe way to clean the inside of your cabinets. Fill a bucket or your kitchen sink with warm, soapy water. Then, wet a sponge or a dish cloth in the soap solution and wipe the inside clean.
That said, also check with the manufacturer of your cabinets for specific products or maintenance methods they recommend.
November 21st, 2007 at 6:15 pm
I have new cabinets with glass panels. I worry about the glass cleaners harming the finish on the wooden frames. Any suggestions?
November 26th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Hi Dawn,
Glass cleaners may work wonders for dirty glass panels, but they shouldn’t mix with the wooden frames and hardware on your cabinets.
Cabinet experts say that you shouldn’t spray glass cleaner directly onto the glass panels or cabinet parts. The cleaner can easily spread into the wooden parts of the cabinet doors and cause wood to discolor. Instead, spray a small amount of cleaner onto a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel, then wipe the glass.
The best option to give your glass panels a thorough cleaning without damaging the rest of your cabinets is to remove the glass panels from the doors. Depending on the style of your cabinets, you will need to loosen the screws and lift the glass out. Although these glass panels are typically tempered to resist shattering or chipping, be careful!