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Windsor, CT

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Cleaning wood cabinets

What's the best way to clean wood cabinets - someone told me 'liquid gold', others Murphy's...saw a product at a home show that was more 'natural', but of course didn't buy it....need something that will clean and protect...Thanks!!!

7 Comments

Steve G Fort Collins, CO

I keep my cabinets clean by wiping them down with either vinegar or dish soap diluted in warm water. That's enough for me, and I don't really think the specialty cabinet cleaners are worth the money. But that's just my 2 cents.

on Sep 08, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

The thing you need to keep in mind is how the wood is finished...in most cases you are not cleaning "wood" but the protective finish that has been applied to the wood... Just like in the case of a hardwood floor...there you are normally cleaning the polyurethane finish on top not the wood. In the case of cabinets most commercial cabinets are finished with a catalyzed lacquer...because it is the fastest finish to dry ...so it helps their bottom line with getting product through production ...»
the fastest.
When I build custom cabinet I use a wiping based poly...which can be easily cleaned with warm water and a drop or two of dishsoap. For my natural wood projects...where a simple oil (non -poly varnish oil , tung, linseed etc) the best product I have found is howards feed and wax ...which is a orange oil and bees wax product.

on Sep 09, 2012 · Like 0
Terri J York, PA

I use soap and water or vinegar too. I use linseed (spelling?) oil to restore moisture in them. Linseed is also great for getting oil and such out of clothes too.

on Sep 12, 2012 · Like 0
Sherrie Nixa, MO

I have a Commerical cleaning business. It depends on the way they were sealed. With polyuthene KMS is absoulty right. A drop of dish soap. Dry them. Because you are cleaning the finish. Vinegar is a acid. It will dull the finish and slowly etch away at it. It is a mild acid but it is a acid never less. Wood soap is make out of vegetable.
It is a oil. Add water to this after time it builds up and dulls the finish. I know I know ...»
many people will swear by their methods. And they will yell loudly. But regardless over time the water dries and leaves blotches. Water is the enemy that is why you need to dry them. You don't need to polish them but if you insist make sure you use a product that leaves absoulty no build up. What is even better if you know the manufactor...google them. And go to their sight. They will and do give cleaning specs. The newer cabinets are sealed and stained in one swoop these you can't oil or clean with anything else but a drop of dish soap.

on Sep 13, 2012 · Like 0
Jan P Windsor, CT

Thanks for all the tips - looking forward to renewed luster!! : )

on Sep 13, 2012 · Like 0
Tanya Stegall Larsen, WI

I have been cleaning residentals homes for 15 years. I like dawn and warm water to clean. Then I wipe with lemon oil, let sit 24 hours, then wipe excess or add where it soaked in. I do the same on oak doors.

on Sep 13, 2012 · Like 0
Jan P Windsor, CT

Thanks Tanya - I will give this a try!! : )

on Sep 13, 2012 · Like 0