Grey Film After Cleaning Wood Cabinets

Cleaning Product

• Regular wiping down of the cabinets can be done using little more than warm water and dish washing soap. This will remove surface dirt and dust but often does not have the power to cut through grease or wax buildup on the surface. For deep cleaning, use an oil soap solution, but read the ingredients carefully. There are many products on the market, so choose one that does not contain wax, petroleum or silicone products. These extras in your oil soap will degrade the finish over time and cause worse stains on your surface.

Drying

• One of the most important, and commonly overlooked, aspects of cleaning wood cabinets is drying them as you go. Excess moisture on the surface can cause a thin haze or film on the finished exterior. After you wipe down an area with the oil soap, immediately buff over the area with a soft terrycloth. Always buff with the grain or pattern of the wood to avoid leaving streaks behind.

Polish

• A dull film on the surface could be a sign that the finish on your wood cabinets is getting old and could use a refresher. An application of furniture polish once per year, buffed into the surface with a soft cloth, can restore some of the shine and will remove the film, at least for a while. For thick film, heavy stains or damage on the surface, a full refinishing job may be in order. Refinishing involves stripping old finish from the cabinet, cleaning the wood and reapplying a new finish. This will add years of protection to the cabinets; it also gives you a chance to change the color or finish if you so choose.

Warnings

• Despite how stubborn the film or stains on your cabinets are, there are some things you should never do unless you intend to replace your wood cabinets. Avoid all abrasive cleaners, such as cleaning powders, steel wool, scouring pads and stiff-bristle brushes. These will thoroughly scratch the finish, leaving the wood more vulnerable to future damage. Never use strong chemical cleaners either, such as oven cleaner or solvent cleaners. These will eat away at the finish and permanently diminish the wood.