How to Take Care of Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Wood cabinets are often prominent in residential kitchens.

Recognized for their custom designs, versatile styles and durability, wood cabinets provide kitchens with functionality and aesthetic appeal. As with plastic or metal cabinets, wood cabinets require a regular maintenance routine to preserve their beauty and prolong their lifespan. Kitchen cabinets are frequently exposed to skin oil, grease and food splatters. Take care of wood kitchen cabinets using basic techniques.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tbsp. hand dishwashing detergent
• 2 bowls
• 3 soft cleaning rags
• 1/4-cup oil soap
• Terry cloth towel

Instructions

1. Mix 1 qt. of warm water with 1 tbsp. of hand dishwashing detergent in a bowl.

2. Moisten a soft cleaning rag in the soap solution. Twist the rag to squeeze out excess liquid. Wipe the soapy rag over handles and wood where grease and gunk buildup is most prevalent.

3. Dampen a second soft cleaning rag with clean warm water. Wring the rag to squeeze out excess water. Wipe the damp rag over the freshly washed portion of the cabinet to rinse away the soap.

4. Focus on cleaning the entire cabinet. Create a mild soap solution by mixing 1/4-cup of oil soap with 1 gallon of warm water in another bowl.

5. Moisten a third soft cleaning rag in the oil soap solution. Squeeze out excess solution and lightly wipe the rag over the entire cabinet to remove surface grime. Wipe parallel to the wood grain lines.

6. Buff the damp cabinet until it is completely dry. Do not rinse the oil soap solution off the cabinet. Using circular motions, rub a terry cloth towel over the entire wood surface to absorb moisture and restore the wood's shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Lightly mist the cabinet with furniture polish yearly to revitalize the wood.

• Remove stubborn, excessive buildup from the cabinet using mineral spirits.

• Abrasives, acids and caustic cleaners will damage wood cabinets.

• Test all soap solutions on a concealed section of the cabinet to prevent discoloration.

References

• About Furniture: Benefits of Wooden Kitchen Furniture
• Merry Maids: Kitchen Cabinets
• Home Furnish: Kitchen Cabinet Cleaning And Maintenance
• Kitchen Cabinets and Hardware: Cleaning Wood Kitchen Cabinets