In our line of work, we often wonder if people even know that "cabinet maintenance" is a legitimate component of home maintenance. When we begin bathroom and kitchen remodels, we're usually presented with cabinets that have rarely seen the clean side of a cloth or any attention whatsoever other than the necessary wipe down of an immediate spill.
Your cabinets do need a little attention on a regular basis in order to look their best. The good news is that when we say, "a little attention," that's really all we mean.
Simple Steps to Keep Your Bathroom and Kitchen Cabinets Looking Their Best
While you probably take time to clean up the more major and obvious stains, odds are your eyes sort of adjust over time to the more gradual accumulations of grime, dust and sediment that builds up on your cabinets and take their toll. Not only do they dull the overall look, this build-up can also damage the finish and erode the wood if left long enough.
Bathroom and kitchen cabinet maintenance is pretty darn easy, and the more regularly you give your cabinets a little attention - the easier it is overall.
Note: Moisture is the enemy! Do not let moisture accumulate. If there is a spill or moisture is beading around the stovetop or in bathrooms, give the cabinets a quick once-over with a clean dry cloth.
What NOT TO DO for Cabinet Maintenance. Never use harsh or abrasive cleansers, especially those with alcohol or ammonia as these can completely deteriorate your high-quality cabinet finish. Avoid using any "Miracle Cabinet Cleaners" since these are usually abrasive and will eventually strip the finish. Instead, check with your cabinet installer for recommendations. Don't wax your cabinets either. It just adds another tacky layer that grime can settle into.
We like Guardsman Wood Cleaner because it removes waxy and oily build-up but doesn't affect paint or finish. Their polish works well if you want to enhance your cabinets' shine.
Weekly Maintenance for Cabinets. Ideally, your cabinets would love a nice gentle bath once a week. All you have to do is wet a clean cloth with warm water and wring it out. Wipe the cabinets all over and then rinse and re-wring the cloth every few doors or drawers. Have a clean dry cloth on hand to wipe up any residual moisture drops.
Occasional Cabinet Maintenance as Needed. Do your kitchen cabinets look a little grimier than normal? Have you noticed some toothpaste or hair gel residue on the kids' bathroom cabinets? Sometimes it takes a little more than warm water to refresh your cabinet facing. For these occasions, we recommend adding one tablespoon of oil soap to a gallon of warm water. Use this solution - and the ol' rinse-and-wring tactic - to restore the "new" cabinet look. Then wipe the cabinets with a clean dry cloth to remove any residual moisture or oil.
Do you have questions about your kitchen or bathroom cabinet maintenance? Contact Kitchens & Baths Unlimited.
