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By Rob Carlton
The kitchen cabinets are located in one of the most dirt prone
areas of the home, the kitchen. Grease, food spills and
splattered food result from cooking. In addition, dirty or
sticky hands from both children and adults can be disastrous
for your cabinetry.
Choosing Cleaning Products
Regular cleaning can help reduce the build up on cabinets and
makes it easier to remove. The cleaning method you will use
depends on the materials in your kitchen doors. Painted
surfaces, vinyl or metal can be cleaned with detergent and
warm
water. Be sure to rinse well with plain water and dry with a
lint free cloth.
All purpose cleaners can generally be used on these surfaces.
Read the label carefully before using any product on your
cabinetry. Information is included for consumers regarding
surfaces where a cleaner is safe and those it can damage. To
be
sure, always test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area before
using on the entire cabinet. Rinse and dry to remove any
residue.
Sensitivity to chemicals and concern for the environment has
some people concerned about using household chemicals. There
are environmentally friendly alternatives right in your own
kitchen. White vinegar or lemon juice can be mixed with water
to clean grease from cabinets. Baking soda or club soda can be
used to remove staining. Rinse with water and dry with a lint
free cloth after cleaning.
Cleaning Wood Kitchen Cabinets
Spray cleaners that are made for wood furniture can be used on
cabinets. Check to be sure the product you purchase is safe
for
your finish. Follow the directions carefully when using any
cleaning product. It’s always a good idea to test a spot
before
using the cleaner, even if the can states that it’s good for
your finish.
Some wood cleaners are flammable. This information will be
included on the warning label. Don’t smoke cigarettes when
using these products. Keep them away from flame or other heat
sources. Pay special attention to this warning if you have a
gas stove or other appliance with a pilot light. A spark could
be ignited, causing a fire in the kitchen.
Cleaning wood cabinets can sometimes dull the finish. If this
happens, you can restore the shine with furniture polish.
Furniture wax can also be used to fix a dull finish. Some of
these products will require buffing. It’s a good idea to
polish
wood cabinets regularly to preserve the wood and keep the
shine.
Cleaning Hardware on Kitchen Cabinets
The hardware on your cabinets can get the same build up of
grease and grime from foods. Remove the hardware before
cleaning the cabinets. Clean the cabinets and then clean the
hardware. When both have been cleaned, replace the handles on
the cabinets and drawers. This will give your whole kitchen a
lift.
The cleaner you should use for your hardware depends on the
material. Cleaners and polishes are commercially available for
every type of metal. Be sure the one you choose is suitable
for
your hardware. Using the wrong cleaner could damage the
handles
and cost you money in replacing them. Follow the directions on
the label for cleaning.
About The Author: Rob Carlton reveals many articles for the
www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com internetsite. The
publisher is also focusing on tips about kitchen cabinets (
www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/ ) .
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