Expert: maura macaluso - 10/4/2007

Question
I have natural cherry wood cabinets (about 7 years old) and noticed they need to be cleaned...not sure what to use that won't either leave a build up film nor strip the wood....thanks

Answer
Kitchens cabinets pick up grease and grime easily due to their location and function. Before using any cleaning product on wood, test an inconspicuous spot inside the cabinet and observe its effect on the wood once it has dried.  You first say natural cherry wood and then you say, you don't want to strip the wood.  This is confusing. it helps to know what type of finish the cabinets have, but not knowing that, I will give you general advice. First you will want to dust, using a slightly water-dampened towel. If the cabinets have a hard finish(polyurethane, varnishes, paints etc...) most household detergents can be used to clean them. I suggest citrus based cleaners or pine products. Avoid any product which contains any grit as it will scratch the finish.  There is no easy way to do this but to use elbow grease.  clean as many times as necessary till the dirt and grime are removed.  If the cabinets have a soft finish(oils, waxes or completely unfinished) and cannot be cleaned to your liking using the above method, you may want to apply a coat of paint thinner(in days of yore, kerosene was used) and scrub it into the wood with a fairly stiff brush. Do not attempt to soak the wood with this but only to penetrate under the top layers. Make sure that your kitchen is well ventilated and that all pilot lights are turned out before attempting this. Of course allow no smoking, open flames or cooking for at least 48 hrs.  If you like, you may apply a new coat of furniture wax or oil.  For an inexpensive wax finish, go to your hardware store and purchase a toilet seal ring which is pure bees wax.  It should cost $2-5.  Using a soft cloth, apply the wax, allow it to sit for 15 minutes then remove all excess wax paying attention to any nooks and corners.  rub the surface with a clean soft cloth and then buff it to a shine.  For an inexpensive oil finish, use plain old linseed oil, available at hardware and craft stores.  Using a clean cloth. Apply the oil to all parts of the wood, allow it to soak in for a few hours, then reapply.  Again allow it to soak in for a few hours then, using a clean soft cloth remove all excess oil. You may also buff the oil surface to a shine after a few days.