If the kitchen has earned the endearing designation of the heart of the home, being a space for cooking and meal preparation as well as a place of gathering and bonding for the entire family, then the cabinets are the heart and soul of the kitchen, since they contain all the essential tools and supplies while also setting the style and ambience of the space.
Appliances, utensils and accessories may deteriorate or break and be replaced with new ones without having much of an impact on the overall look and feel of the room, but the cabinetry is the one element that can transform the whole space both in terms of functionality and design.
As such, caring for your cabinets is essential if you want to maintain your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal and extend its lifespan, ensuring it remains functional for years to come.
However, that’s a lot easier said than done, considering that kitchens are exposed to all sorts of damaging agents through daily usage, such as cooking fumes, heat, oil and grease, moisture, scratches and environmental factors that can alter the aspect and integrity of furnishings.
Besides, things can get even more complicated once you realize that not all cabinets are created equal and care requirements differ depending on the materials they’re made of.
Wood kitchen cabinets, in particular, require special attention, being made of a natural material that is easily impacted by external factors. If you’re not careful, you can ruin wooden surfaces while trying to clean them.
So, if you’re wondering what techniques and solutions you should use to clean and care for your oak kitchen properly and protect it against everyday stressors, this guide will answer all your questions.
Gather Your Supplies
You don’t have to buy all the products in the cleaning supply aisle to make your wood cabinets spotless, but you do have to arm yourself with some basic cleaning solutions and utensils so you can remove the dirt and debris thoroughly, easily and safely. So, before you get down to business, make a list with all the items you’re going to require.
This should include:
- A cleaning solution made of equal parts white vinegar and warm water mixed with a few drops of liquid dish detergent. You’ll find this mixture does a great job at getting rid of the dirt and cutting through the grease.
- A vacuum with a crevice accessory to reach into narrow spaces.
- Clean microfiber cloths to wipe surfaces clean.
- A multi-purpose cleaner and a nylon brush for stubborn stains.
The Pre-cleaning Process
As we’ve already mentioned, wood is a porous material and reacts when it comes into contact with certain elements. That’s why wood furniture is usually covered with a protective coating that makes it sturdier and able to withstand wear and tear, including the action of cleaning products.
To make sure your cabinet’s finish isn’t going to have a negative reaction to your cleaning solution, you need to do a patch test first and apply the substance in a hidden area. If no visible damage occurs, it means the products is safe and you can proceed to use it on the entire surface.
Step-By-Step Cleaning
The first thing you need to do is to empty your cabinets of all the items you store inside. This is also a good opportunity to declutter and get rid of expired goods or things you no longer need. Next, you should vacuum inside the cabinets to remove dust and debris using the crevice attachment.
The next step is to pour the mixture of white vinegar, warm water and dish soap into a bucket, dip a clean cloth into the solution and start wiping across the exterior of the cabinets, insisting on the areas that have dirt buildup.
You can also use a spray bottle to cover the cabinets with the solution, let it sit for a couple of minutes, and then clean it with a microfiber cloth. After doing that, you should wet a clean cloth with water and remove the cleaning solution. As a final step, use a dry cloth to dry the surfaces. Repeat the process on the inside of the cabinets.
If your kitchen units have glass doors or inserts, use a special window cleaner for them. It’s best to apply the solution on a cloth rather than directly on the glass.
Removing and Preventing Stains
Despite your best efforts, you might notice that some stains have resisted your cleaning session. In these situations, you need to bring out the big guns, namely the multi-purpose cleanser and the nylon brush.
Spray the solution directly onto the stain, wait for a couple of minutes for it to work its magic, and then scrub with the nylon brush, making sure you don’t apply too muchl pressure since you don’t want to damage the finish. Once you’ve gotten rid of the stain, rinse with water and dry the surface with a clean cloth.
If you want to make your life easier and avoid stubborn stains altogether, consider applying a thin coat of wood furniture wax on your kitchen cabinets once every six months or so. This will create a protective barrier that will seal the furniture and prevent stains from forming in the first place.
How Often Should You Clean Your Wood Cabinets?
When it comes to cleaning frequency, it’s generally recommended to give your kitchen furniture a good deep-clean once a month, and wipe surfaces regularly in the meantime. However, the cleaning schedule largely depends on how often you use the kitchen and how dirty it gets while using it, so you might want to adapt the frequency based on your specific circumstances.
Finally, make sure you always dry your cabinets after cleaning, since moisture can be very damaging to natural wood. Follow these tips and steps diligently and you’ll be able to keep your oak kitchen looking like new for years on end.
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