Cabinet Care Guide

Have you noticed that kitchens and bathrooms tend to get messy quickly? To keep your cabinets in great shape, it’s important to know which cleaning methods work wonders, and which will age and scratch your surfaces. In this article, we’ll share our best cleaning tips and tricks that are perfect for both your kitchen and bathroom countertops.

Keep in mind that anything vertical is decorative, so treat it gently. Anything horizontal is a work surface, so it can handle a little more elbow grease.

Cabinet Care Basics

Anything abrasive, such as Comet powdered cleaner or a textured sponge, can scratch and wear away the finish and paint on your doors. Yes, you want to get those fingerprints and grease stains off, but being gentle will give you better results. You probably already have the perfect cleaning supplies at home. However, if you choose to use a store-bought cleanser, choose one that is specifically designed for cabinets. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, as they can break down the finish on your cabinets.

Begin by dusting your cabinet doors with a soft, lint-free cloth. You could also use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum, but avoid using the plastic hose directly as it could leave scratches in the finish. Try to move with the grain of the wood rather than against it, or the dust and dirt particles could create tiny scratches on your doors.

Our number one recommendation is to use gentle soap and warm water, even on the dirtiest cabinets. Many people use liquid dish soap with great success since they usually contain grease-fighting ingredients. They’ll work just as well on your cabinets as they do on your dishes! De-greasers even help remove sticky residue from hairspray or other toiletries in the bathroom. Got some stubborn residue? Try spraying on a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar on the cabinet, then rinsing it with a clean damp cloth.

As you wash your cabinets, wring out your towel a little so that it’s not sopping wet — too much moisture can damage the doors. Once all of the grease and grime is gone, give them a second wipe with clean water so that you don’t leave any soap residue on the doors. You should also follow up with a dry cloth to remove any streaks and excess water.

Finish up by gently buffing in a coat of polish. Not only will polish get your cabinets gleaming and gorgeous, but it will also provide a layer of protection against future splatters. Spills will be easier to wipe up, and your next deep cleaning will go quicker.

Quick Tips and Tricks

Some other helpful tips to keep your cabinets in great shape are:

• Wipe up spills and splatters right away. Your doors have a finish that protects them, but lingering liquids and oils can still seep through the finish to stain the wood.
• Wash grease off of the cabinets regularly. Leaving it for too long will make it more difficult to remove. If you put it off for too long, it may take some scrubbing to clean, which can damage the finish of the cabinet.
• Don’t drape wet wash clothes or towels over cabinet doors to dry. It can wear away the finish and damage the wood over time.
• Consider running a humidifier in your home if the air is dry to protect the wood from cracking.
  
  

Get in touch with S&S Woodcraft about your cabinets

If your cabinets need a little TLC, get in touch. We’re happy to answer questions about the best way to care for your cabinets. If you decide that even the best cleaning tips and tricks aren’t enough to make you fall in love with your bathroom or kitchen again, let’s start discussing your kitchen renovation vision. Our showroom in Cold Lake, AB (just a short drive from Edmonton) is packed with beautiful cabinets and countertop surfaces to create custom spaces that you’ll love.