How to Safely Clean Wooden Cabinets
Keeping your kitchen spic and span can take a little bit of effort, but the results are more than worth it. The kitchen is a space where people eat and drink every day, so you want to avoid having dirt and bacteria hanging around. One of the most critical areas to keep clean in the room are your kitchen cabinets. They often see a lot of use so grime and gunk can build up quickly.
When you have custom wood cabinets, proper maintenance can keep them in great shape for up to 50 years. That’s an extremely long time when you think about the shorter lifespan of kitchen components like sinks, appliances, and certain types of countertops. The best part is that the maintenance needed isn’t time-consuming and it doesn’t require the use of expensive products.
However, without proper maintenance, this simply isn’t possible. Instead, wear and tear will start to set in, and your cabinets may need to be replaced within a decade or two. Then you’ll be in a situation where you need to start looking for custom cabinets replacement. Cabinet replacement can cost thousands of dollars, so taking care of your existing cabinets is crucial.
How to Handle Basic Cleaning of Wooden Cabinets
Daily cleaning of your cabinets will go a long way to keeping them in tip-top shape. This type of maintenance takes only a few minutes out of your day and requires only a few items that you likely already have sitting around in your kitchen. In fact, daily cleaning can be done with nothing more than vinegar and water. We’ll explain the specifics of how to do the cleaning below.
Create a Vinegar Solution
Start by making a vinegar and water solution using a cup of water mixed with a cup of white vinegar. This creates a mild cleaning solution that is ideal for use on custom wood cabinets. Unlike other solutions, this solution is not going to take the finish off your cabinets or warp the wood.
If you prefer not to clean with vinegar, you have options. A light soap solution can be used in place of it. All you need to do is mix together a cup of water with a teaspoon of dish soap. A household commercial de-greaser can also be used if you have access to one.
However, avoid using all-purpose cleansers on custom cabinets as they tend to be overly harsh. These types of products can warp the wood and result in discoloration.
Wipe Down the Cabinets After Cooking
Food particles and grease can reach the surface of your cabinets whenever you cook. Taking a few seconds to wipe them down after cooking is an excellent way to keep them in the best shape. Simply grab a washcloth and use it to apply a vinegar solution to the cabinet doors. Don’t forget to clean the underside of the cabinets, as well.
Don’t use too much solution since excess moisture can create warping. You’ll want to wring the cloth out, so it is damp rather than dripping. Also, keep in mind that the smell of the vinegar will dissipate as the cabinets dry. If there is still residue after using vinegar, a de-greaser may need to be used.
Dry Custom Cabinets After Cleaning
Once you’ve cleaned off the cabinets, you should also dry them off using a clean cloth. Since moisture can warp wood, you want to remove any excess moisture that may be remaining to prevent problems down the line. So take a few seconds to wipe off the vinegar, water, or de-greaser, and you won’t have to deal with these problems.
Clean Out the Inside of Your Wooden Cabinets
It stands to reason that herbs, spices, and other foods stored in cabinets may spill on occasion. That’s why it’s essential to keep the inside of the cabinets clean by wiping them out once every month or so. To do this, first, you will need to remove everything from the cabinets. Your next step is to wipe out the interior with a soap or vinegar solution. Once you’re done, dry the cabinets with a towel and then place items back inside.
If you often experience food spilling in your custom cabinets, investing in storage containers may be a good idea. Metal or glass jars work well to store dry goods and spices, which will keep spills down and protect the food from insects. You can also put down cabinet liners to prevent the need for cleaning on such a regular basis. When cleaning time comes, all you have to do is clean, rinse, and dry the liners before placing them back in the cabinets.
Make Sure to Dust the Cabinets on a Regular Basis
Dust can build up in custom cabinets, and it needs to be removed to keep your kitchen shining. A soft, dry cloth can be used for eliminating mild amounts of dust. It can also be used for buffing. The cloth can be used both on the interior and exterior of the cabinets. It’s most important to dust off the outside of the cabinets since cooking creates steam and grease which will attach to the cabinet surface. If you don’t get the dust off regularly, it can become caked on and be more difficult to remove.
How to Handle Deep Cleaning of Custom Cabinets
An oil soap wood cleaner is the best option for deep cleaning when you need to remove grease or other substances stuck to cabinets without damaging the surface. Oil soap is stronger than a soap or vinegar solution, so it makes an excellent addition to your cleaning supplies. If there is sticky grease on the outside of the cabinets, this is the best option for your cleaning needs.
Custom Furniture Done Right
At Knotty Nuff Wood, we offer a wide selection of custom cabinets and woodwork. If you’re located in Orange County or Los Angeles County, we can help you create a kitchen that you’ve always dreamed of. You can get in touch with us right now for a free consultation. Feel free to send us any questions that you have, as well!