Your kitchen is your space. And if there’s anything about this space it’s that it can take effort to keep it clean—there are always dishes to clean, a microwave that needs a few good wipes, and trash that needs to be taken out.
But what about your kitchen cabinets? Kitchen cabinets are the last thing most people think about cleaning, but they need care and attention too. So let’s take a look at how to care for your kitchen cabinets with these ten tips.
1. Clean Spots/Stains Right Away
It’s best to clean off your kitchen cabinets quickly when they get dirty. Especially if your kitchen cabinets are made from real wood, those stains or spots can become permanent if they go uncleaned.
2. Avoid Harsh Cleaners
Cleaners that contain ammonia, bleach, organic solvents, and citric acids are going to potentially eat away at the finish of your cabinets. Steer clear of these when cleaning your kitchen cabinets.
3. Opt for Mild Soap and Water
Cabinets are exposed to a decent amount of grease depending on how much activity takes place in your kitchen. To avoid this buildup, wipe down cabinets with a soft, gentle cloth using mild soap–such as dishwashing soap–and warm water to clean off surfaces.
Be sure to wipe in the direction of the wood grain. If the soap and water approach doesn’t work, you can create a cleaning paste by mixing baking soda with water. Use a sponge to scrub a little harder at the stained area.
4. Steer Clear of Waxing
You might be tempted to use wax as a moisturizer for your cabinets. The reality is, commercial furniture waxes cause more damage than good to kitchen cabinets. They can seal off the wood, making it very difficult–if not impossible–to properly touch up or refinish cabinets. Not to mention, waxes can attract dust and buildup.
5. Polish
If you want to leave your cabinets looking shiny and fresh, use a furniture polish after cleaning. Apply the polish with a soft, clean cloth and rub it in thoroughly. Good polishes will also clean your cabinets a bit as you use it and leave a protective coating of minerals.
6. Watch Out for Light Damage
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause cabinets made from just about any material to fade. And once that happens, there’s very little that can be done to correct it. If any of your cabinets are in the path of direct sunlight, try using curtains or some other type of covering to block out some of the light.
7. Use a Touch-Up Pen
Wondering how to touch up glazed cabinets? Or any cabinet? A touch-up paint pen can be a great tool for fixing the nicks and chips that happen often to cabinet doors and corners. Find the right pen in the color you need, and use it sparingly. A little will go a long way.
8. Avoid Moisture
Don’t leave wet things hanging on or near your cabinets. This will damage the finish on the cabinets. For those that are close to the sink and dishwasher, keep an eye out for droplets and keep a cloth handy to wipe away any residual moisture.
9. Take Care of Spills Quickly
Similar to the concept of moisture, if spills of any sort on the cabinets aren’t taken care of quickly, there’s a higher risk the cabinets will absorb the stain and it will be more difficult to remove.
10. Be Aware of Temperature and Humidity
Wood responds to extremes in temperature and humidity. It’s important to keep your home climate controlled so that your kitchen cabinets don’t warp, contract, or swell.
Find the Right Kitchen Cabinets with Cabinet Corner
Cabinet Corner’s cabinets are easy to install and care for. Learn more about what we have to offer in our line of RTA cabinets today.
