Assess the Cabinets
The first step to cleaning wooden cabinets is carefully assessing their current condition. This will allow you to determine the best cleaning approach and products to use.
Examine the cabinets closely and make note of:
- Type of wood - Is it oak, maple, cherry or another variety? The wood type can impact the cleaning method.
- Finish - Does the wood have an oil, wax, varnish, lacquer or paint finish? You'll need to select cleaners that are safe for the specific finish.
- Condition of finish - Is the finish worn, cracked, peeling or otherwise damaged? Severely damaged finishes may need refinishing instead of just cleaning.
- Dirt level - Are the cabinets lightly dusty or are there stubborn dirt and grease stains? For heavy soiling, stronger cleaners or repeated cleaning may be needed.
- Problem areas - Check for particularly dirty spots near knobs and handles. Also look for drips or splatters on cabinet floors and doors. These heavy soil areas will require extra attention.
Taking the time to thoroughly assess the cabinets will set you up for cleaning success. You'll know which type of cleaners, techniques and tools to use for the best results.
Gather Supplies
Before cleaning your wooden cabinets, gather the necessary supplies. This includes:
- Microfiber cloths: Choose high-quality microfiber cloths that are soft and lint-free. These will allow you to dust and polish without scratching the wood.
- Soft sponge or brush: Opt for a sponge or brush with soft bristles. Avoid anything abrasive that could scuff the cabinet surface.
- Mild detergent: Pick a gentle dish soap or other mild detergent. Avoid harsh cleaners that could strip or discolor the wood finish.
- Wood cleaner: Use a specialty wood cleaning product formulated for cabinetry. Options like Murphy Oil Soap are safe for sealed, finished wood.
- Small bowl: Pour your detergent into a small bowl for easy use while washing the cabinets.
- Old towel: Have an old towel on hand to wipe up any excess water or drips.
Gather all of these supplies together before getting started so everything is within reach. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials that could damage the cabinets during cleaning. The right supplies will allow you to effectively clean while still being gentle on the wood.
Remove Surface Items
Before cleaning the wooden cabinets, you'll want to remove everything sitting on top of or inside them. Take out all food, dishes, glassware, and cooking utensils so you have full access to the cabinet surfaces.
Also take out any decorative items like knick-knacks, candles, and figurines that may be resting on top of the cabinets. Removing all surface items clears the way for you to thoroughly clean the cabinet walls, doors, shelves, and Lazy Susans.
Make sure to clear off countertops as well so you have ample space to set aside the removed items. Have a clean and dry surface ready like the kitchen table or temporarily clear kitchen island to place items.
Group similar items together, keeping glassware, dishes, food items, etc in separate piles or sections. This will make it easier to put back each type of item in its designated spot after cleaning.
If any shelves or surfaces have decorative paper, cloths or coverings, remove those as well. It’s important to be able to clean the bare wooden cabinet surfaces.
Thoroughly removing everything from the cabinets provides the necessary access to clean every nook and cranny. This prep step ensures you don’t miss any dirty spots and have unobstructed access to completely clean the wooden cabinet surfaces.
Dust the Cabinets
Before washing the cabinets, it's important to remove any loose dust and debris. This prevents the grime from spreading around during the washing process.
Use a microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment to gently wipe down the cabinet surfaces. Make sure to get into corners, crevices, and any carved details. Pay close attention to the tops of the cabinets, which tend to collect more dust.
If using a cloth, shake it out frequently to remove all the gathered dust. With a vacuum, empty the canister when it gets full to maintain suction power.
Get into a rhythm going horizontally across the cabinets, then vertically. Wipe down doors, frames, sides, and interiors too. The goal is to remove all surface-level dust and dirt before washing.
Work slowly and methodically. Leftover dust can make the cabinets appear dirtier than they are after washing. Proper dust removal is a key first step to revitalizing wooden cabinets.
Mix Cleaning Solution
Wood cabinets can be cleaned with a simple solution of dish soap and water. However, for a deeper clean, consider using a wood cleaner formulated specifically for cabinets and wood furniture.
When using a specialty wood cleaner, be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle. Typically, you'll mix a small amount of concentrate with water in a bucket or spray bottle. Only mix as much as you need for each cleaning session, as wood cleaner has a fairly short shelf life after being diluted.
Aim for a solution that is strong enough to cut through dirt and grease, but not so harsh that it damages the wood finish. If using dish soap, a couple squirts in a bucket of warm water is usually sufficient. Too much detergent can leave a film, while too little won't get your cabinets squeaky clean.
Some tips when mixing your wood cleaning solution:
- Use warm or hot water to help dissolve and activate the cleaning agents. Cold water is less effective.
- Make sure the detergent or cleaner is fully blended and diluted before applying to cabinets.
- Work in a well-ventilated area when mixing concentrates and powders.
- Label spray bottles clearly so you don't mistake the mixture for something else.
- Wear gloves to avoid exposing your skin to harsh chemicals.
- Store wood cleaning liquids out of reach of children and pets.
With the right cleaning mixture, you'll be ready to wash your cabinets and make them shine! Just be sure to thoroughly rinse and dry when you're done washing.
Wash the Cabinets
Be sure to work systematically and thoroughly as you wash the cabinets. Dampen your sponge or cloth in the cleaning solution and wring out any excess liquid. You don't want the wood to get overly saturated.
Gently wipe down all cabinet surfaces using smooth, even strokes. Work from top to bottom of each cabinet door or drawer front. For cabinet boxes and frames, wipe horizontally first then vertically.
Pay close attention to handles, hinges, corners and crevices where grime loves to hide. You may need to scrub gently with a soft bristle brush to lift stuck-on dirt and grease. Take your time to get all areas of the cabinets clean.
Rinse the sponge or swap out cleaning cloths frequently to prevent redistributing dirt and grime. Work in manageable sections so the solution doesn't dry on the wood before you can wipe it off.
Rinse Cabinets
After washing the wood cabinets with the cleaning solution, it's crucial to rinse off any residual cleaner. You'll want to use clean water and a microfiber cloth for this step. Dip the microfiber cloth in fresh water and wring it out well so it's only damp. Taking a damp cloth, wipe down all areas of the cabinets you washed with the cleaning solution. It's important to rinse thoroughly and not leave any cleaner residue on the wood. Pay special attention to crevices and corners. You may need to rinse some spots multiple times to remove all traces of the cleaning solution. Work systematically and don't stop rinsing until all surfaces are free of cleaning solution residue. This prevents streaking or filming on the cabinets that can occur if cleaner is left to dry on the wood. Thorough rinsing ensures your cabinets are clean and also protects the finish by getting all the cleaning solution off.
Dry Thoroughly
After washing and rinsing the wooden cabinets, it is crucial to dry them thoroughly. Any remaining moisture can cause water marks, warping, discoloration, and mold growth in the wood over time.
Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe down all surfaces of the cabinets. Microfiber cloths are ideal for this task as they are lint-free and will not leave behind fibers or scratches. Wipe in the direction of the wood grain when possible.
Pay close attention to any crevices, carvings, and corners where water may collect. Use a small towel or cotton swabs if needed to reach into tight areas.
If there are any drips or pooled water on the cabinets, soak them up immediately with your cloth. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the wood vigorously during the drying process.
Once the cabinets appear dry to the touch, allow them to air dry for several hours before replacing any items or applying conditioner. This ensures any residual moisture has fully evaporated. Opening windows or using fans can help speed up the drying time.
Proper drying helps maintain the beauty of your wooden cabinets and prevents water damage over time. Take care to thoroughly dry all surfaces after cleaning.
Apply Wood Conditioner
After cleaning your wood cabinets, it's important to apply a protective layer of polish or conditioner. This helps seal the wood grain and prevent future dirt buildup. Look for products specifically made for wood furniture and cabinetry.
Choose an all-natural conditioner that penetrates deep into the wood for the best protection. Avoid products with a high wax content, as they can leave a sticky residue that attracts more dust. Lightly rub the conditioner into the wood using a clean, soft cloth. Apply in the direction of the wood grain for an even coat.
Let the conditioner fully dry and cure according to the product instructions. This can take 30 minutes to several hours. The wood may appear slightly darker after conditioning. Buff off any excess once curing is complete.
The conditioner helps hydrate the wood after cleaning, while providing a shield against moisture damage, UV rays, and other environmental factors. Treated cabinets will repel water, fingerprints, and dirt more effectively. Re-apply conditioner every 1-2 years or when the wood looks dull. With proper care, your cabinets will stay beautiful for years to come.
Replace Items
After thoroughly drying the cabinets, you can start putting items back in them. Be sure to put food, dishes, glassware, and other items back in the cabinets where they belong.
Make sure to arrange dishes, cups, and glasses neatly on the shelves. Check for any crumbs or dust that may have collected during cleaning and wipe those away. You'll want your dishes and glassware ready for use without having to wash them again.
Pantry items like boxes of pasta, rice, cereal, snacks, etc. can also go back in the pantry. Make sure to check expiration dates as you return items to the pantry. Now is a good time to discard anything that is past its prime.
Also inspect any medicines, supplements, or toiletries and return them to the bathroom cabinets. Double check that lids are tight so nothing will spill.
With everything back in its place, your cabinets will look neat, organized, and dust-free. Taking the time to methodically return items after cleaning really completes the process and makes the most of your hard work. Enjoy your refreshed and sparkling clean cabinets!
For more DIY tips and tricks, DIYwithHelp has got you covered…
If you need some professional guidance for your project, be sure to sign up for a free account with DIYwithHelp.com. Once you have an account, you can search our site (or fill out a project request form) and connect with expert tradespeople who are willing to lend their advice over scheduled video-calls.
