Wood cabinets are traditionally used storage spaces that can be used as a cupboard, the almirah, the kitchen cabinet or it can also be used in the bathroom, or as a display cabinet in the living space. These cabinets look rustic and standard. A coat of lamination usually imparts the characteristic sheen. You can store all your important things in the cabinet and make your house look more clean and tidy. A clean shining surface speaks loads about the healthy habits of the owner or the family and their culture environment. It reflects responsibility and is always an eye-catcher whenever you have guests over. Besides, who doesn’t like gleaming over rustic wood? Thus, without even a speck of doubt, it is clear that your wood cabinets, whichever space of the house they may occupy, need care and cleaning from time to time.

The following are some tips as to how to take care of your wooden cabinets:

Cleaning

The cabinets should be cleaned from time to time, once a week or once a fortnight, depending on how clean or dirty the environment is and how prone the woodwork to spills. Clean your cabinet with soft cotton moistened with preferably warm water. Avoid scrubbing sponges or harsh materials that may leave scratches on your cabinet. Make sure that the cloth is not dripping wet since you don’t want to leave the cabinet soaked in water. A mild soap can be used. Afterward, wipe the moisture with a dry cloth. Harsh chemicals such as acids, soaps, abrasives, mineral based spirits, ammonia or bleach should be avoided. If there is a glass sheet on the door of the cabinet, then it can be cleaned with a moist paper towel or even a piece of clean but the moist newspaper, available at home.

Waxing and Polishing

Waxing or polishing on a regular basis should be avoided. Constant waxing develops a yellow residue on the surface, which may spoil the looks of your cabinet. Besides, waxing makes fingerprints all the more conspicuous, which is not what you would desire. In the case of any accidental scratches, “touch-up” kits are available. These Touch-up kits help seal the scratched surface and make the marks unnoticeable.

Keep the Humidity Away

The wood surfaces in the cabinets should be kept dry. Long exposure to moisture or dampness can cause the surface to peel off. In worse cases, the wood itself might expand and lose shape. Besides, there is always the chance of molds growing on the wood if it is kept humid and warm for a prolonged period. This is not only a bad sight but also is a hazard to health as many molds can cause infections. Thus, keeping damp clothing away can be a good idea. In the kitchen, try your best to avoid spills on the wood and protect the wood from constant steam. Oily splatters can discolor or disfigure the wood surface. So in case, your wood gets moist, immediately use a dry cloth to wipe it down.

Protection from the elements

Exposure to harsh light can cause the color on your wood cabinet to fade. In some cases, it can cause the surface to go grow darker. Thus, it is a good idea to protect your wood cabinets from direct sunlight if the light intensity is too high. If you cannot move the cabinet to a better place, simply cover the surface with a piece of drapery. Also, exposure to high heat can damage the cabinets. This is true especially in the kitchen around the oven. In such a case, it is best to move the cabinet in another place for some time but if the cabinet cannot be moved, cover it with a piece of cloth. It is a good idea to place tea mats or pieces of cloth or plastic or a napkin over a cabinet surface before placing a hot drink in it.

Some other tips and tricks

It is always good to lift the cabinets while transporting them instead of dragging them about. This prevents the legs or the lower surface from wearing off due to the friction. Also, clean the accessories that you place on the cabinet from time to time as they tend to gather dust. Also, try placing a piece of cloth or plastic over the wood before placing objects like a vase, a bookshelf or anything wet or pointed on the cabinet surface. It is best not to hang down from cabinet doors as the hinges might get damaged.