Cleaning Old Wood Cabinets

If the detergent strips or ruins the finish do not use it.

Cleaning old wood cabinets.

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. If your cabinets are really grimy let the cleaner sit for up to 10 minutes after spraying. This step is optional. Vinegar is the go to natural cleaner when faced with how to clean greasy cabinets.

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. Rub the surface down with a soft cloth and your chosen cleaner. Keep wiping the surface with the same rag until the rag no longer picks up new dirt or debris. Don t scrub too hard or use steel wool as it will scratch the wood.

To start wet a rag with a light amount of your chosen cleaner. Gently rub down the surface of the furniture. Next gather another cloth or sponge. Sometimes a good cleaning is all it takes to bring it back to life says wood finisher john thomas.

Remember to wipe cabinet handles knobs and pulls. Mix a 50 50 solution of vinegar and warm water and put into a spray bottle. Do use a gentle cleaning solution. If possible remove the hardware from the cabinets and drawers before cleaning.

Finally clean the area with a mild wood soap and water then dry completely. Dip a toothbrush into the paste and lightly scrub the stained area. You may also want to use an old toothbrush to get into crevices. Nothing major i just used sponge with a little dish soap and water.

Harsh scrubbing can damage kitchen cabinets finish or paint. Leave the abrasive cleaners and scrub brushes to your sink. Rinse the paste off with clean water and dry with a clean towel. Heat a damp micro cloth in a microwave for 35 seconds then use it to quickly wipe away the grease layer.

Scrub with soap and warm water. Instead prepare your own gentle cleaner. Murphy oil soap gets deep into grime to break up dirt particles and it s safe to use on wood products like cabinets. All purpose orange oil cleaner.

Rinse with clear water. Make a paste of vinegar and salt. Here are his recommendations for cleaning woodwork properly. 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.

Don t assume that tired woodwork has to be stripped and refinished. First clean the cabinets.