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Protect their shine.
Caring for wood cabinets is a little more of a challenge than maintaining wood furniture. While both can become damaged by water and scratches, wood cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms are exposed to steam, spills, food, grease, and oily fingerprints that leave a dark, sticky residue. It’s no wonder they could use a refresh from time to time. Before you grab cleaners and tools to spiff up your painted or stained wood cabinets, there are a few things you should never use to clean them. Protect the finish by avoiding these items during your next cleaning session.
Abrasive Tools
It’s tempting to scrub away stains and gunk from your cabinets with force, but you could also scrub away the finish. Steel wool, melamine sponges, wire brushes, and scouring pads can all scuff the surface, damaging paint and protective or shiny finishes. Fine scratches can attract more dirt and buildup and make the surface prone to more damage later. Use soft sponges or microfiber cloths for safe cleaning.
Harsh Cleaners
Cleaners with harsh chemicals can dull or etch finishes or even strip them. Some of these go-to cleaners may be too tough for wood surfaces.
Rubbing Alcohol
It may be effective at cleaning glass, but rubbing alcohol can strip paint and varnish from wood cabinets, leaving the finish dull and discolored. It has a drying effect that can cause wood to crack.
Undiluted Vinegar
Undiluted vinegar is too harsh for many finishes around your home, including painted or stained cabinets. Its strong acidity etches and dulls wood. If you want to use vinegar, make sure to dilute it and don’t use it every time you clean. Save it for really tough stains.
Ammonia
Don’t use ammonia or any products containing ammonia. It’s great at tackling tough stains and grease, but it’s too harsh for wood finishes. It can strip the finish and leave your cabinets dull and cause the wood to deteriorate.
Bleach
Like ammonia, bleach is too harsh and can damage the protective finish. Wood is porous and bleach can discolor the finish, dry out the wood, and weaken wood fibers over time.
Waxes And Polishes
Paste wax or silicone-based furniture polishes can actually build up and damage wood over time. The sticky residue can attract dirt and dust that’s difficult to get rid of. While silicone can give wood cabinets a temporary shine, with time the wood underneath the silicone layer can dry out. Oil-based products used on the cabinets can react with the silicone and cause it to turn hazy and milky.
Too Much Water
While water is safe to use on wood cabinets, it’s not safe if you use too much of it. That includes any liquid cleaners. Excessive moisture can cause wood to warp, split, crack, swell, and possibly mold. Painted cabinets may peel or bubble. Don’t use soaking wet rags to clean your cabinets. Use cloths that are only dampened with water or cleaner, and make sure to completely dry the cabinets after cleaning to get rid of all moisture.
What You Should Use To Clean Wood Cabinets
For general cleaning, mild dish soap and soft microfiber cloths and towels are the safest and gentlest way to clean your cabinets. Dampen a cloth with warm, soapy water, and wipe down the surface of your cabinets. Follow with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soapy residue, then dry the cabinets with a clean, soft towel. Cleaning more frequently will keep the grime from building up too thick and make cutting through grease easier.
Read the original article on Southern Living
