Plus, common mistakes to avoid.
These finishes allow the natural grain and character of the wood to show through beautifully.
“So its important to clean these surfaces carefully.”
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“Greasy build-up combined with household dirt and fingerprints are the biggest culprits.”
According to Ron Shimek, President ofMr.
“Its hard to put a timeframe on this sort of routine maintenance,” says Marshall.
“When your cabinets start to look or feel grimy, let that be your guide.”
Damp, to slightly wetter than that, is just fine."
Marshall suggests using the mildest cleaning solution first because it might be all the cleaning power you need.
Let the water and soap do the work."
You dont need to scrub hard and vigorously.
Then, dry the area and see if any greasy residue remains.
Another thing to note is that vinegars acidity can sometimes damage certain finishes on wood cabinets.
“For grimy hinges, spritz some WD-40 on a paper towel or cloth and carefully wipe them clean.
It will cut through dried, oily residue and help prevent rust.”
“Mineral oil can help condition and restore shine to some wood types,” says Shimek.
“Look for polishes that are compatible with your cabinet finish (e.g., oil-based, water-based).”
It will provide a much longer-lasting shine, but it also involves more time and effort on your part.
“The silicone seeps into tiny cracks in the finish that you cant see,” says Marshall.
“Once its in the wood, its tough to remove.
Olive oil also can loosen organic grime such as cooking grease so its easier to wipe away.
But, the residue olive oil leaves behind can attract dust.
“Dish soap diluted in water is the easy, gentle, and economical solution,” explains Marshall.
“Murphys Oil Soap is a mild and effective store-bought cleaner with quite a fan following.
“Harsh abrasives such as steel wool or harsh chemicals can create a dull finish,” explains Shimek.
“Leaving moisture on wood can also lead to water spots or damage.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Try simply wiping wet grease off with a paper towel or soft cloth.
That may remove most or all the residue.
If that still doesnt do the trick, add some white vinegar to the solution.
Vinegars acidity can cause damage, so its important to test a spot before using vinegar.
This depends on how much they are used and how quickly they get dusty and grimy.
Every situation will be different.
“Deep-clean when you think its necessary.”
The safest way to restore shine without damage is to use high-quality wood polish, according to Shimek.
Waxing refers to applying a thin coating of furniture paste wax to the wood surface.
Polishing is the process of buffing off the excess wax to create a shine.
