Simple And Safe Ways To Care For Your Stained Kitchen And Bathroom Cabinets

Your stained kitchen and bathroom cabinets really take a beating. From grease splatters to liquid spills to dishwasher steam your kitchen cabinets are regularly exposed to varying temperatures and messy substances that cause a great deal of wear and tear over the life of your cabinets. Shower steam and liquid spills can do the same in your bathroom.

If you want to keep the “like new” look of your cabinetry it is important to provide the proper care. That begins with proper cleaning with the right cleaner. What you may not realize is that many of the best cleaners can be made with things you probably have around your house right now.

Here are a few simple things that you can do to help keep your cabinets looking their best.

Daily Maintenance

1. Immediately clean up any spills, splatters, or water spots with a soft cloth. The sooner these spots are cleared off, the less chance they have of staining or discoloring the cabinetry. Grease and food particles also get harder to remove over time and removing dried-on residue may require tough scrubbing and harsher cleaners that can damage the cabinet finish
2. Use a proper homemade cleaner. Mix a cup of white vinegar with a cup of water. This is the perfect mild cleaning solution for everyday use on wooden cabinets. It won’t warp the wood or take off the finish. A solution of 1 teaspoon of dish soap and a cup of water will work as well.
3. Use a proper glass cleaner. You can make your own glass cleaner to take care of splatter by mixing one-part white vinegar with one-part warm water. If you would rather the use of a store-bought glass cleaner is perfectly fine if you follow the directions on the bottle.
4. Avoid using a dishcloth or a dish sponge on cabinets. These items may carry residue from greasy food or harsh cleaning chemicals on them, which may damage cabinet surfaces. Instead use cheesecloth, microfiber cloth, or old t-shirts.
5. Avoid using harsh all-purpose cleaners on your cabinets. This may cause discoloration and warping.

Semi-Regular Cleaning and Polishing

1. Deeper clean with a homemade oil soap cleaner.Making a homemade oil soap cleaner is as simple as mixing baking soda and water for a natural cleaner. This will help with the deep clean of your cabinetry and provide a surface that is easier to care for in the long run.
2. Polish your stained wood cabinets to create a shiny finish. Polishes can be made by mixing ½ cup of olive oil and 1 TBSP of lemon juice. Use a clean cloth to apply to the cabinets. This is to be done after your cabinets are both clean and dry.
3. Special considerations. If your cabinet is painted or sealed do not use a polish. The oil will not penetrate the finish and will attract dust and grime.

Annual Care

1. Beginning of the season cleaning. At the beginning of each season, clean the insides of cabinets, first removing everything within, including liners if possible; wipe interior surfaces with the mild dishwashing liquid solution mentioned above. After washing, wipe interiors well with a clean, damp cloth. Dry completely with a clean absorbent cloth before replacing liners and the cabinets’ contents.

As always if you have questions about cabinet painting or if it is time to update your existing cabinet paint job contact your local experts at Mission Painting and Home Improvements for all your kitchen and bathroom cabinet painting needs.