How to Care for and Clean Your Cabinets (Infographic)

We all spend a lot of time in our kitchens, and it’s essential to keep them clean. While the dishes, floors, and stovetops probably get daily attention, it’s easy to overlook the cabinets. However, they are exposed to dust, dirt, and grease constantly, and over time stubborn buildup can accumulate. Nelson’s Shaker cabinets are made of high-quality wood and plywood, meaning they are more robust than cabinets that include particle board or MDF (medium density fiberboard), but they still require regular upkeep. Follow these tips to ensure that your cabinets are always looking their best.

Routine Maintenance

About twice a month, wipe down the cabinets with a soft cloth and the cleaner of your choice. This is to prevent the accumulation of grime, which can dull the lustre of the wood. For lighter jobs, warm water will likely do the trick; for a more thorough cleaning, you may choose a commercial wood cleaner like Murphy’s Oil Soap or make your own. For a simple homemade cleaner, add a little dish soap, which is an excellent degreaser. For more heavy-duty jobs, mix equal parts vinegar and water and distribute with a spray bottle on especially stubborn spots. Whichever cleaner method you choose, be sure to wipe in the direction of the grain and work from the highest part of the cabinet to the lowest. After you’re finished with the first step, take a dry cloth to soak up any excess cleaner.

Choose Your Products Wisely

Some products can cause permanent damage to your cabinets, so be sure to steer clear of them! These include cleaning tools like plastic brushes, steel wool, scouring pads, and any other brushes or fabrics with abrasive surfaces. Generally, it’s a good rule of thumb to use soft, lint-free cloths such as a microfiber cleaning cloth for washing and dusting your cabinets. In addition, avoid agents like bleach, ammonia, items with acetone, and solvents.

Start with the Large Surfaces

When wiping down your cabinets, begin with the doors and drawers first, then proceed to the inside. For the hardware and any nooks and crannies, dip a toothbrush into the cleaner and scrub these areas down. To clean the crown mouldings, dip the soft cloth into your cleaner and proceed as you did with the doors and drawers, being sure to wipe them dry.

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Treat Stubborn Stains

Sometimes stains can go unnoticed at first, only to be detected after they’ve left their mark on the wood. To treat these kinds of stains, mix some vinegar together with salt to form a paste. Use a toothbrush dipped in this paste to gently scrub the stain, then rinse with water and wipe with a soft cloth.

Deep Cleaning Your Cabinets

Every two or three months, treat your cabinets to a deep clean by removing all the contents – this way, you can be sure to get rid of all the dust that’s gathered on the shelves in between your pots and pans. You don’t have to do them all at once – you can deep-clean one cabinet at a time. After removing all items from the cabinets, follow the same steps as with the routine maintenance procedure, and then wipe all the cabinet’s contents clean with a soft cloth.

Keep Your Cabinets Dry

If a spill is left standing, it can leave a stain; it’s easier to clean up when it’s fresh. Wipe it up using a soft towel to ensure the cabinet does not absorb moisture. Avoid placing appliances like rice cookers or water kettles in positions where the cabinets are in the steam line and don’t drape damp rags over the cabinet doors.

Add a Protective Coat to Your Cabinets

To help shield your cabinets from future stains, you can apply a mixture of equal parts vegetable oil and vinegar to the surfaces. This coat should be very light, and you can rub it in with a soft cloth, buffing the cabinets to a shine.

Conclusion

With proper care and maintenance, your cabinets will look as good as new for years to come! By following the tips outlined in this article, you can be sure that your cabinets will remain in top condition.

Quick Summary:

• Nelson’s Shaker cabinets are made of high-quality wood and plywood, meaning they are more robust than cabinets that include particle board or MDF (medium density fiberboard), but they still benefit from regular upkeep.
• About twice a month, wipe down the cabinets with a soft cloth and the cleaner of your choice. This is to prevent the accumulation of grime, which can dull the lustre of the wood.
• Some products can cause permanent damage to your cabinets, so be sure to steer clear of them! These include cleaning tools like plastic brushes, steel wool, scouring pads, and any other brushes or fabrics with abrasive surfaces.
• When wiping down your cabinets, begin with the doors and drawers first, then proceed to the inside. For hardware and any nooks and crannies, dip a toothbrush into cleaner and scrub these areas down. To clean crown mouldings, dip a soft cloth into cleaner and proceed as you did with doors and drawers, being sure to wipe them dry.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Nelson Cabinetry

Nelson Cabinetry is an online distributor of high quality kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. We pride ourselves in delivering a high quality product via an easy to use, convenient website. Placing your cabinet order has never been easier and you can do so from the comfort of your home, office or job site.

Nelson Cabinetry

Nelson Cabinetry is an online distributor of high quality kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. We pride ourselves in delivering a high quality product via an easy to use, convenient website. Placing your cabinet order has never been easier and you can do so from the comfort of your home, office or job site.