5 Things You Should Never Use to Clean Wooden Kitchen Cabinets, Pro Cleaners Warn

• The wrong tools and cleaning methods can cause permanent damage to wooden kitchen cabinets.

• Avoid using harsh chemicals and oil-based solutions as they can strip its protective layer.

• Don't use too much water or mixed cleaning solutions when cleaning wooden cabinets.

Cleaning wooden cabinetry incorrectly can cause surface scratches, leave behind a sticky residue, dull the finish, strip the protective layer, and expose the raw wood to further damage. So, when it comes to cleaning wooden kitchen cabinets , there are some cleaning tools, products, and methods you should avoid using.

Below, experts share the five things to never clean wooden kitchen cabinets with to prevent a messy look, unsightly damage, and costly repairs.

Meet the Experts

• Jared Robinson is the owner of custom cabinet maker Robinson Trim.

• Selina Han is a scientist at Pine-Sol for The Clorox Company.

What to Know Beforehand

If you have new and painted wooden kitchen cabinets you shouldn't aggressively clean the exterior for the first six months—that is how long it takes for a finish to fully settle in.

"Scrubbing with cleaning material over new wood cabinets can polish off the finish and create glossy spots on the places you cleaned; it makes your cabinets look noticeably spotty," Jared Robinson, owner of custom cabinet maker Robinson Trim, says.

Instead of vigorously scrubbing the cabinets, take the expert's advice and only clean wood cabinets with soap, water, and a microfiber cloth for the first six months. Don't scrub the area; instead, clean the cabinets by gently dabbing with the dampened cloth.

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Excessive Amount of Water

Avoid using excessive amounts of water and overly soaked cleaning cloths on wooden kitchen cabinets , as wood is very sensitive to moisture. If the natural material becomes saturated with water, serious and irreparable damage can occur.

"Too much liquid or cleaning agent can seep into seams or edges, causing warping, swelling, or deterioration over time," says cleaning product expert Selina Han.

Abrasive Cleaning Tools

To prevent permanent marks and unsightly scratches on wood cabinets, stay away from abrasive cleaning tools.

"Never clean your wood cabinets with scouring pads, as they will scratch the wood," Robinson says. "I only use a microfiber towel to clean my custom wood cabinets."

In addition to scouring pads, Han recommends avoiding cleaning tools such as steel wool and rough sponges. Not only can they affect the look of the wooden cabinets by scratching up the surface, but they can also compromise the cabinetry's protective layer.

This leaves them vulnerable to further damage down the line, exposing the raw material to grease splatter, stain-causing food particles, and more.

Harsh Cleaners and Generic Degreasers

Han warns against using harsh cleaners and generic degreasers on wood cabinetry, as they can break down the finish and expose the raw wood underneath. This makes the cabinets more susceptible to stains, grease buildup and additional damage.

The expert says you should not use any harsh chemicals that are not formulated specifically for wood, because they can strip away the wood cabinet's protective finish, lead to discoloration, and result in a dull and uneven appearance.

Oil-Based Polishes and Waxes

If you want to avoid a sticky residue all over your wooden cabinets, Han recommends staying away from oil-based polishes and waxes. She notes that unless the product is specifically recommended for your cabinet type , you should avoid using it as it can leave behind a tacky residue.

"Always follow the label instructions and test the product on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it's safe for your specific cabinet finish," Han says.

A Mix of Different Cleaning Products

While it may seem perfectly harmless to mix together leftovers of different cleaning products in one container, doing so and applying the mixed cleaning solution on your wooden kitchen cabinets can cause serious damage.

Han says combining different cleaning products can result in a harmful chemical reaction or leave behind residues that are difficult to remove.

Kitchen cabinets are coated in a protective finish, which the expert says can be stripped and damaged as a result of mixing various cleaning products together.

Read the original article on The Spruce