Cabinets are the most heavily used surface in any kitchen. Showplace cabinetry is designed and crafted to stand up well to normal daily use with simple common-sense care.
The classic solution of mild dish soap and water will work to clean most daily build up. Be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly! Visit Cabinet Refinishing San Jose CA for more details.
Dust Regularly
Dusting is a crucial part of keeping refinished cabinets clean, and should be done often. Regular dusting helps prevent build-up that can damage the finish, and will help your refinished cabinets keep their gorgeous look for years to come.
A soft cloth dipped in a mild cleaning solution is the best way to wipe down painted cabinets without damaging the paint or stain. Use a microfiber cloth, and be sure to get into any tight corners or grooves where dirt tends to gather. The mild cleaning solution will remove food splatters, grease spots, and sticky residues, and will leave cabinet surfaces shining and dry.
When a stubborn stain or build-up can’t be removed with a damp cloth, make a paste of baking soda and water, and apply to the area. Let the paste sit for a few minutes to allow it to work its magic, and then scrub the area with a soft sponge or an old toothbrush, being careful not to scratch the paint. The baking soda will be mildly abrasive, and should help lift the stain and residue with minimal effort. After scrubbing, gently wipe away any remaining paste and residue with a damp cloth.
Do not soak the cabinet surface, as this can cause water to seep into the wood and damage the finish or paint. Also, do not hang wet cloths or towels over the cabinets to dry, as this can cause moisture damage and leave stains or marks on the wood or paint.
If you have a very large area of abused cabinet door (usually caused by a handle or a child’s hand) that has become stained, or the finish has a deep scratch, try lightly buffing it with a bit of clear wax from Annie Sloan. This will soften the top micro layer of existing wax, and will help lift any serious dirt or stains. After applying the wax, be sure to buff well – especially around the handles and edges of the cabinet door. If the abused area is really dirty, you may need to re-wax the entire door.
Clean Spills Immediately
When stains or food splatters are allowed to set, they can become permanent, requiring a complete repainting and more costly repairs. This is why it is important to wipe down cabinets immediately after a mess or spill occurs.
Wipe down cabinet doors and drawer fronts on a regular basis with warm water and a mild soap. This keeps the surfaces clean, but does not allow for long exposure to moisture (which wood hates). Use a soft, lint-free cloth. Microfiber works best. Avoid using packaged dusting sheets or aerosol products intended for general cleaning, as they can scratch the finish and leave sticky residues.
Oil and grease stains are particularly troublesome for painted cabinets, as they are often very hard to remove without serious damage. Mild dish soap can be used to dissolve grease buildup, but it is important to use a non-abrasive cleaner. A gentle kitchen cleanser works well, as do a few drops of liquid laundry detergent mixed into warm water.
If these natural solutions do not work, a solvent-based cleanser may be needed. A few drops of mineral spirits or acetone can help lift stubborn stains, but they also compromise the finish and give off hazardous fumes. Before attempting this, always test the cleanser in an inconspicuous spot.
A small amount of kitchen wax can be used to buff out scratches, gouges, or dings from abused cabinet doors. However, wax should not be used on a regular basis as it attracts dirt and dust. This is why it is important to regularly clean the cabinets with a good cleaner.
Clean Grease and Food Particles Regularly
As a kitchen cabinet painting contractor, I see lots of damaged cabinets that could have been prevented with regular cleaning and proper care. Most of the damage comes from slamming doors and drawers, which can chip paint and leave marks. The other issue is spills, stains, and food particles, particularly on painted cabinets. The best way to prevent these is to clean up messes and spills as they happen, and to wipe down surfaces frequently.
To avoid chipping and scuffing, always use a soft cloth or sponge that is lint-free. This will ensure that you don’t transfer any dirt to other areas of the surface, which can then get scratched or stained by harder objects. If you have to use a hard-scratching scrubbing brush or magic eraser, always apply the cleaner with a damp cloth first, then rinse the area with clean water and dry it completely before scrubbing.
Stubborn grease buildup and stains on painted cabinets can be difficult to remove, but it’s important to take proactive steps to minimize their formation. For example, a strong range hood or extractor fan can help minimize the spread of airborne grease particles to surrounding surfaces. Also, employing splatter screens and lids can keep splatters contained and lessen the impact on the paint and wood finishes.
If you notice a grease or oily stain on a cabinet door or drawer, try using a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or a pH-balanced wood cleaner. If you’re using a wood cleaner, follow the product’s instructions for application. Finally, to protect the finish and add a little extra shine, you can use a furniture polish or wax designed for cabinetry (just make sure it doesn’t contain any silicone).
If you have an older kitchen with painted cabinets that are showing signs of wear and tear, call Kitchen Tune-Up today to discuss your options for freshening up your space! We specialize in custom cabinet painting and refinishing, and we can help you achieve the look you want with minimal time and effort. Contact us for a free consultation!
Clean Stubborn Stains Regularly
Painting cabinets is an affordable way to reveal dramatic kitchen transformations, but they require special care in order to stand up to daily wear and tear. Regular cleanings using the right methods and products will keep them looking good and durable for years to come.
The right cleaners for painted cabinets are mild, non-toxic, and non-abrasive. Avoid scouring pads, steel wool, powdered cleaners and ammonia-based cleaners, as these can damage the finish or leave scuff marks. Instead, use a mild dishwashing soap and water, a damp cloth, or a non-abrasive sponge.
Wood cabinets should be wiped down regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth. This helps prevent dust and dirt from building up, and keeps moisture to a minimum. Regular wipe downs also help spot staining as it occurs, making it easier to remove.
Light stains can be cleaned with water, but heavier stains may need to be removed with a solvent-based product. If possible, use a degreaser cleaner (such as TSP) diluted with water to avoid damaging the finish. Avoid using abrasive cleansers, including Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, which can scratch the finish. Using a sponge with a scrubber side can also scratch the paint surface and remove its sheen, so use a soft cloth instead.
Stains that are not cleaned properly can be permanent. If the stain has not been stripped and sanded to remove all of the existing finish, it can close the wood grain excessively, preventing new pigments from penetrating and creating an even appearance. It is best to work in small sections of the cabinet, and only sand the area where a new stain needs to be applied.
Dyes can be mixed with water, but they do not penetrate the wood as deep as stains. If you notice a stain that is not absorbing, it might be due to the colorant being too dark for the grain. Mixing a lighter shade of dye could solve the issue, or adding a clear wax coating could make it more even.
Unfiltered sunlight can bleach the color of wood, and if it is absorbed by the finish, it will discolor the stain. It is best to use filtered lighting in the kitchen, or to install window treatments and blinds to reduce UV exposure.