Cabinet refacing is a complex project that requires an eye for detail and comprehensive knowledge of woodworking. While many homeowners have experimented with DIY projects, San Jose Cabinet Refinishing is the best choice to ensure your kitchen cabinets will look stunning and last for years to come.
Keep in mind that abrasive sponges, harsh chemicals, and excessive moisture can damage your cabinets’ finish. Follow these tips to clean your refaced cabinets without damaging them.
Dish Liquid
The best and simplest way to keep your painted cabinets looking their best is to use the old standby of mild dish soap and warm water. This cleaning solution works well to remove light splatters and dust from your cabinets. When the job requires more effort, a damp soft or microfiber cloth can help clean away heavier grease and stain buildup. Remember to always rinse and dry your cabinets thoroughly after using any cleaning product to avoid soaking the wood. Leaving wood exposed to water for prolonged periods of time can cause it to expand and then shrink, which could result in splinters and cracks.
Many people are familiar with the popular brand of Dawn dish soap, which is effective at cutting through and removing greasy residue from kitchen utensils and cookware. It is generally considered safe to use on most surfaces as long as it’s used sparingly and rinsed well. However, it is best to test the product on an inconspicuous area first to be sure. If you notice any damage to the surface, you may need to try another cleaning method.
If you are battling heavier grease build-up or more serious stains, you can add some baking soda to your dish soap solution to help break up the grime. However, you should still rinse the surface thoroughly to prevent any damaging effects from the baking soda.
Some homeowners have also embraced the Magic Eraser, which is a powerful but slightly abrasive tool that can help remove stubborn stains. However, this same abrasive quality can damage the sheen on painted surfaces. Aggressive scrubbing with the Magic Eraser can leave visible scratches and even remove the sheen completely, which will cause your cabinets to look lackluster.
Hot Water
When regular cleaning habits are in place, your painted cabinets can stay beautiful and damage-free. If grime and grease buildup are becoming noticeable on your kitchen cabinet paint, however, it may be time to call a professional. Greasy stains on painted surfaces can cause dullness and make the wood crack and chip over time. Harsh scrubbing with scouring pads or Magic Erasers can also damage the finish and remove sheen.
A bit of warm water mixed with mild dish soap or white vinegar can be an effective cleaner for greasy kitchen cabinet paint. A small amount of baking soda can help break down stains and lift odors as well. Be sure to test any new product on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface. Microfiber cloths and soft sponges are non-abrasive and provide a safe way to clean high-touch areas like handles, knobs, and hinges.
Using a damp microfiber cloth daily can keep your cabinets looking fresh. Be sure to dry the wood promptly after cleaning to avoid excess moisture and warping. Avoid letting water sit on the surface for extended periods of time, as this can lead to mold and discoloration.
Neglecting weekly and monthly cleaning can allow grease and food particles to settle and harden on your kitchen cabinet surfaces, causing staining and dullness. Regular wipe-downs of high-touch areas with a mild degreaser can prevent this buildup. The best way to prevent paint damage is to choose the right cleaning products and use them sparingly. Harsh cleaning products, such as bleach and ammonia-based cleaners, can strip protective coatings and cause fading and dullness.
Vinegar
Vinegar is an acidic liquid that has been used for centuries as both a prized cooking ingredient and a household cleaner. Traditionally, the fermentation of dilute alcoholic solutions such as wine was used to produce vinegar. In the modern era, it is typically produced microbiologically from natural or synthetic sources.
Vinegar has a strong ability to dissolve grease and food residues that have been left behind on kitchen cabinets over time. It can be diluted with water and then used to wipe down cabinets to remove build-up of soap scum and hard water deposits. It can also be employed in a stronger concentration to tackle heavier grease or food stains. For best results, it is recommended that homeowners first use a non-soapy cleaning solution before turning to more aggressive forms of vinegar or commercial household cleaners.
Before using any type of vinegar or other cleaning product, it is important that kitchen cabinet surfaces be thoroughly rinsed and dried. Any moisture that is left on the surface of wood will quickly become an attractive breeding ground for mold and bacteria. It will also cause the wood to expand, which can lead to buckling and cracking over time.
For a non-soapy, gentle clean that is great for tackling stains and heavy grease build-up on refinished cabinets, try mixing together warm water with equal parts of white distilled vinegar. Dip a soft cloth in this mixture and work it into the heavier grease or stain areas on your cabinets. Be sure to rinse the solution from your cabinet surface thoroughly with a damp cloth afterward to ensure that any residual vinegar is removed and the kitchen cabinet surface is completely dry.
All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaners
Whether you’re cleaning a new set of cabinets or maintaining your old ones, it’s important to stick with gentle, nontoxic cleaners that are tough on grime but kind to surfaces. Bleach, ammonia, citrus-based products, and solvents like mineral spirits can strip or damage wood or painted surfaces. Even scouring pads and textured sponges can scratch and dull cabinet finishes. Stick to cleansers that are labeled safe for cabinets, and test any new product on a small area before using it on your entire surface.
Vinegar is a good choice for cutting through stubborn grease build-up, but it’s best to dilute it with water and use a soft cloth or sponge to apply. Also, if your cabinets have a glossy finish, vinegar can cause discoloration.
If you’ve exhausted all of the above options, a wood-friendly kitchen cleanser can help you get your cabinets squeaky clean without damaging them. Look for formulas that are low-VOC or nontoxic, and avoid alkaline cleaners that can dry out laminate surfaces.
Mistake: Over-saturating your cabinets with water can lead to warping and mold growth. Also, when wiping down your cabinets with a detergent or cleaning product, be sure to wipe in straight overlapping strokes rather than circular ones, which can leave noticeable swirl marks on the surface.
It’s best to tackle stains and spills as soon as they happen, so wipe up those food messes right away! This will keep them from setting in and becoming harder to remove. And don’t forget to wipe down the walls and appliances, too.
Wax and Polish
A bit of wax or polish can really enhance the finish on refinished cabinets. This is like sunscreen on your car – it protects against the sun and keeps blemishes at bay (and makes you feel good about yourself). There are natural (carnauba or beeswax) and synthetic products available in spray, liquid or paste form. You should be able to find one that fits your cleaning habits and budget.
Using an abrasive pad or steel wool on wood or laminate can leave scratches that will be difficult to remove. You can avoid this problem by cleaning with a cloth or sponge that has a soft side and a scrubbing side. Use this on a regular basis to help remove dirt and grime from daily build-up without damaging the finish.
If you want to go the extra mile, consider a furniture cream wax that will give your cabinets an even richer sheen. These can be found at many hardware stores and online. Be careful to follow the directions on the product label. Some may require a buffing wheel, while others need to be buffed by hand.
Keeping your cabinets clean on a regular basis will help maintain their beauty and prolong the life of your investment. Regular dusting with a lint-free cloth is a great start, but be sure to use a soft cotton cloth and avoid pre-moistened disposable wipes. Avoid over-dusting, which can trap and collect dust in the cracks of your cabinetry. It is also a good idea to move heat and steam producing appliances away from the cabinetry when they are in use. Lastly, be sure to open your windows occasionally to let your home breathe and to ensure proper humidity control for your cabinetry.