The kitchen cabinets are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. Grease, food residues and dust accumulate on surfaces and become difficult to remove; for this reason it is worth cleaning the wall units often. When you need to do a thorough job, use natural products like baking soda to keep the wood finish from peeling off. Finish the procedure by polishing the cabinets to bring them to their former glory.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Daily Cleaning
Step 1. Make a vinegar solution
Mix 240 ml of white vinegar with the same amount of water. This mild cleaner is perfect for daily wooden kitchen hygiene, as it does not deform the wood and does not damage the finish.
- If you don't like cleaning with vinegar, you can make a soapy solution. Mix 5ml of mild soap with 240ml of water.
- Do not use an aggressive universal cabinet cleaner as it can stain and deform the surfaces.
Step 2. Scrub the cabinets after cooking
Grease and food particles build up on these surfaces every time you cook. If you rub them with a cloth at the end of each meal, then you will keep them in good condition. Dip a rag or tea towel into the vinegar solution and use it to clean the cabinet doors and bases.
- You don't have to get the cabinets wet, as moisture damages the wood. Wring out the cloth you are using so that it is damp but not soggy.
- The vinegar smell will disappear when the surfaces are dry.
- If the vinegar solution doesn't work, you may need to purchase a degreaser.
Step 3. Dry the cabinets with a clean cloth
Since the moisture that remains on the wall units can deform the wood, wipe them with a clean dry cloth to remove all traces of cleaning solution.
Step 4. Also clean the inside of the cabinets regularly
Spices and other foods you store can sometimes leave residues, so wash the inside every few weeks as well. Remove everything in the cabinets and wipe them with a cloth soaked in a solution of vinegar or soap. Then dry them with a clean rag and put away everything you removed from the shelves.
- If there are a lot of food residues, you should invest in good quality food containers. Glass or plastic jars are perfect for spices and other dry foods, protecting them from insects and minimizing spills.
- The internal coatings for the wall units make the cleaning process very simple. Consider purchasing rubber pads or mats; when it comes time to clean, just remove them from the cabinets, wash and dry them before putting them back in their place.
Step 5. Dust regularly
To remove normal dust build-up and to polish, use a soft, dry cloth suitable for both the inside and outside of the cabinet. It is very important to dust the outside of the cabinets regularly, because the grease and steam that are produced while preparing the food cause the dust that is already on the surfaces to encrust, thus making it more difficult to remove it.
Part 2 of 3: Deep Cleaning
Step 1. Purchase an oil-based wood cleaner
It is a product specially formulated to eliminate grease and encrusted dirt without damaging the wood. It's stronger than vinegar or soapy solution, so it's perfect when you want to deep clean the kitchen. If the cabinets are covered in a layer of sticky, crusty grease, an oil-based cleaner is just the thing for you.
- Murphy's Oil Soap is one of the most popular products in the USA.
- If you need a more powerful product, try an industrial degreaser.
Step 2. Test the cleaner in a hidden corner of the kitchen
If the finish becomes dull or white, then do not use the product and try an alternative cleaning solution.
Step 3. Apply the oily cleaner to the cabinets
Use a soft cloth and scrub the surfaces in circular motions. Do not apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the finish. Keep scrubbing until the caked dirt is removed.
Step 4. Go over all surfaces with a dry rag
In this way you eliminate any residue of dirt and detergent, so the cabinets will be perfectly clean.
Step 5. Use baking soda for very thick layers of encrusted substances
Food residues that have been neglected for a long time harden and become difficult to remove. Baking soda works as a mild abrasive and removes scale without damaging the wood. Mix the baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste. Dip the rag into the paste and use it to scrub the grime.
- If the encrustation doesn't come off, apply some paste and let it sit for 15 minutes before trying again.
- You can also use a thin spatula or other similar tool to remove the dirt. Be very careful not to scratch the cabinet.
Part 3 of 3: Polishing
Step 1. Choose a polish or furniture wax
When the external surfaces of the wall units are glossy, they make the kitchen environment warm and shiny, bringing out the true character of the wood. Most of the products designed for this purpose are available in different levels of "brilliance", so choose the one that best suits your preferences and the style of the kitchen.
Step 2. Make sure the cabinets are clean before polishing
If you apply the wax or polish on an oily or dusty surface, it creates a nice mess, so remember to clean the kitchen before continuing. Remove any grease and encrusted food residue and then wipe all surfaces with a clean cloth to remove all traces of dust.
Step 3. Apply the polish with a clean dry cloth
Use one made of soft fabric or microfiber to avoid scratching the wood.
Step 4. Rub the product on a small area outside the cabinet
Work on areas no larger than 10-12cm at a time, so you're sure to polish the entire cabinet evenly. Make circular, gentle movements.
If you are using wax to polish the doors, leave it on for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step
Step 5. Polish the area with a second clean rag
By doing this you eliminate the excess product and leave a shiny and shiny surface.
Step 6. Continue to apply the treatment and polish
Move to the next area until you have polished the entire outer surface of the cabinets.
Advice
Rubber gloves protect your hands from damage caused by harsh detergents
Warnings
- Do not use natural turpentine on lacquered surfaces, as it will leave a sticky residue.
- White spirit and synthetic turpentine are flammable products. Do not use them near sparks, open flames or when you smoke.
