How to Clean Red Oak Kitchen Cabinets

Clean red oak cabinets using mild dish soap and water.

All types of wood kitchen cabinets, including a red oak finish, get dirty from grime, fingerprints and general use. But it doesn’t take much to keep them clean. You won’t need to buy any special cleaning products, as mild soap and water will do the trick. If the red oaks begins to wear with age, you can spray the cabinets lightly with polish about once a year.

Things You'll Need

• Mild dishwashing soap Soft cloth Water Oil soap

Instructions

1. Mix liquid dishwashing soap with water to make a soapy solution.

2. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and gently rub your red oak cabinets. Thoroughly clean all areas, including around the cabinet handles, to remove dirt and grease.

3. Rub the entire cabinet with an oil soap, such as Murphy’s Oil Soap, for extra cleaning. Oil soap is a gentle cleaner and is safe to use on wood.

4. Wipe the cabinet with a clean, soft cloth to remove all the soap. Immediately wipe the cabinet dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Always make sure to immediately wipe off spills, including water, chemicals and food, to prevent wood damage. When cleaning, don’t use any abrasive cloths or cleaners. A soft cloth and mild cleaner will prevent scratches and chemical damage.

References

• Kitchen Cabinets and Hardware: Cleaning Wood Kitchen Cabinets
• Merry Maids: Cleaning Tips
• Homecrest Cabinetry: Caring For Your Cabinetry