Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500339
06/24/03
Kitchen Cabinets - Special Cleaning
Some wood cabinet cleaners contain waxes which leave a
shine or medium luster on the surface, and protect the
wood. If the wood finish seems dull after cleaning, you
may want to apply a solvent-based wood wax, which may or
may not require buffing to create a luster.
Painted, plastic, and metal surfaces, may be cleaned
occasionally with a creamy liquid wax which leaves a
protective coating which retards soiling. If the finish
is hard and in good condition, this extra step may not be
needed.
NEVER use scouring powder or other abrasives on
cabinets as they will damage the finish! On painted
metal, or plastic surfaces, using an appropriate spray-on
all-purpose household cleaner on stubborn sticky spots
should remove them; rinse thoroughly afterward.
On natural finished wood, with a heavy buildup of
grease and grime, that will not come off with special
wood cleaners, you may need to use a straight solvent
such as paint thinner. This is highly flammable and toxic
to breathe. BE SURE THERE ARE NO OPEN FLAMES OR PILOT
LIGHTS OR SPARKS IN THE KITCHEN OR IN ROOMS AROUND THE
KITCHEN, AND HAVE OPEN WINDOWS FOR GOOD VENTILATION.
REMOVING DOORS AND DRAWERS AND WORKING OUTDOORS, WITH NO
FLAMES OR SPARKS NEARBY, MAY BE A GOOD ALTERNATIVE.
Test on the inside of a door to be sure it will not
harm the finish. Dampen a cloth with the thinner-solvent
and rub vigorously on the cabinets. Refold the cloth as
it picks up dirt, and change to clean cloths when needed,
storing used cloths in a closed metal or glass container
for disposal. If after this heavy cleaning, the finish
looks dull, apply furniture wax or polish, following the
label directions, and buff. If, after cleaning, the
finish looks too bad, they may need refinishing.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from the Soap and
Detergent Association.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .