Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/1/2008

Question
I have 5 year old maple kitchen cabinets, with a cherry stain.  my housekeeper used Pledge to clean them (which I have never ever used on them - and had no intention of using it on them).  Now they look terrible - very streaky, the finish looks like it has been stripped, much lighter in areas.  I am devastated and would like to know how I can get my beautiful cabinets back to normal.  Also, I usually clean them twice a year with a mild soap/water.  Any other suggestions, as I find that really does not do the trick.  They are very very difficult to maintain, much to my disappointment.  They are good cabinets, well made, and were quite expensive.  Thanks for any help.

Answer
Hi Meo
Nice to hear from you.
All I can say is "oh my gosh this is terrible"
I just hope the Pledge has not damaged the finish.
The only thing that I can suggest is the pledge will have to be removed to determine if this is the case.
So start with one door as a test.
Use a rag dipped in mineral spirits to remove the Pledge.
Use a clean rag to buff.
Then see if the finish is damaged.
And get back to me please.
Kindest Regards
Eileen