How to Clean Wooden Cabinets in Your Kitchen

Kitchen cabinets are a vital part of your kitchen but do you know how to care for your kitchen cabinets? Kitchen cabinets need maintenance to look their best and last for years to come. When properly maintained your cabinets will look better and last for years to come. 

A basic cabinet cleaning involves a microfiber towel that is dampened and a dry microfiber towel to fully dry the cabinets. This process is used to clean off grease, spills, fingerprints and other contaminants. If the cabinets are especially dirty you may need to use a mild detergent and water and follow with a dry cloth. Dishcloths and sponges are not ideal because they may contain harsh detergents and can scratch the delicate finish on the cabinets. Avoid soap with dye, self-polishing wax, abrasive cleaners and ammonia based cleaners. These can damage your cabinets and leave a film. Furniture polish is not advised for cabinet cleaning. 

Spills should be cleaned up quickly. Cabinets are made of wood and can become damaged if too much water is left on the cabinets. Spills should be wiped up immediately with a dry towel, blotting up the water not rubbing it around. If water is common in certain areas like around the dishwasher or sink you will want to take extra care to remove this water and protect your cabinets. 

Excessive moisture can cause problems for your cabinet finish and the wood. Wet towels should not be draped over the cabinet doors because this can cause excess moisture to penetrate the wood. Additionally coffee pots, tea makers and other appliances that create steam should be kept away from the cabinets. Over time this steam can ruin cabinets. If steam gets on your cabinets you will need to dry them immediately just like you do with a spill. Cabinets with sinks should be protected from interior spills. Adding a waterproof mat below the sink is a great way to protect the interior of your cabinets from water damage. 

Excessive heat can also damage cabinets. Appliances should be kept away from the cabinets and should not be put inside a cabinet unless designed to do so like an in cabinet microwave. The wood and finish on your cabinets can be damaged by excess heat. Direct sunlight can be a concern as well and blinds or window tinting are a great option for protecting your cabinets from the sun. The Idaho summers are hot and windows can really magnify the sun if you home is positioned in direct sunlight. 

Abrasive cleaners and tools can damage the wood finish. These tools can allow the surface to become damaged and make it easier for food, mold and moisture to penetrate your cabinets finish. Over time abrasive cleaners and tools can dull your cabinets. 

Cabinets are a huge investment in your home and caring for them can lengthen their life a great deal. Extending the life and beauty of your cabinets is an investment in your home. Water and heat are the two enemies of cabinet finish and if exposed to these for long periods of time your cabinets can become damaged. This sort of damage is not covered under warranties and will be your responsibility to repair. 

Sweetwood has specific instructions about materials and cleaning agents to use on our custom cabinets. Our years of experience in the industry has allowed us to come up with guidelines that help your cabinets look great for years to come. When the maintenance plan we provide is followed your cabinets can look beautiful for years and years. Sweetwood can help with repair damage to cabinets as well as replace cabinets that have become damaged. Call us today to discuss you custom cabinet project.