Cleaning Old Wood Cabinets

Rinse the paste off with clean water and dry with a clean towel.

Cleaning old wood cabinets.

Here s how to clean wooden kitchen cabinets with stubborn stains like syrup or chocolate. Do use a gentle cleaning solution. Harsh scrubbing can damage kitchen cabinets finish or paint. To start wet a rag with a light amount of your chosen cleaner.

First clean the cabinets. This step is optional. Don t assume that tired woodwork has to be stripped and refinished. You may also want to use an old toothbrush to get into crevices.

Sometimes a good cleaning is all it takes to bring it back to life says wood finisher john thomas. All purpose orange oil cleaner. Heat a damp micro cloth in a microwave for 35 seconds then use it to quickly wipe away the grease layer. Next gather another cloth or sponge.

Gently rub down the surface of the furniture. Dip a toothbrush into the paste and lightly scrub the stained area. Nothing major i just used sponge with a little dish soap and water. Take a damp cotton ball add 1 drop of liquid dish soap then wipe it on a hidden location like the inside of a chair leg.

Remember to wipe cabinet handles knobs and pulls. Afterward wipe the cleaner off using a warm damp micro cloth. Mist on cabinets let sit for a minute or two and then wipe clean with a soft cloth. Scrub with soap and warm water.

Mix a 50 50 solution of vinegar and warm water and put into a spray bottle. Keep wiping the surface with the same rag until the rag no longer picks up new dirt or debris. Before you clean your old wooden furniture with dishwashing soap you need to test it out to make sure it won t damage the wood or the finish. Don t scrub too hard or use steel wool as it will scratch the wood.

If possible remove the hardware from the cabinets and drawers before cleaning. For metal hardware on wood cabinets dip a toothbrush in a 50 50 solution of vinegar and warm water and scrub the hardware the surrounding wood and the crevices of ornate trim. Rub the surface down with a soft cloth and your chosen cleaner. Make a paste of vinegar and salt.

Rinse with clear water. Leave the abrasive cleaners and scrub brushes to your sink. Murphy oil soap gets deep into grime to break up dirt particles and it s safe to use on wood products like cabinets. Instead prepare your own gentle cleaner.

Here are his recommendations for cleaning woodwork properly. If the detergent strips or ruins the finish do not use it.