Protection and Care of Your Cabinetry
A key ingredient to maintaining the finish on your cabinetry is to eliminate potentially damaging environmental elements such as sunlight, moisture, heat and humidity. In sunny Southern California, this poses a problem; so keep in mind that when wood cabinetry is exposed to sunlight, its color will vary over time. Light of any nature will contribute to wood fading or darkening. When exposure is consistent, it will allow cabinets to change in a uniform manner so a pattern is not apparent.
When cabinetry is installed in a room, it will adjust to the humidity present. To maintain the moisture content in wood, the relative humidity in a room needs to be optimized at between 43% and 70%. Controlling the environment will help prevent warping, the splitting of wood components and damage to the finish.
Excessive moisture is also a problem with any wood product. Washing wood with soap and water will leave a lusterless finish and can cause harm if left on the surface for too long.
To protect your cabinetry finish, a good rule to follow is to wax finishes approximately every six months (depending upon wear and use). It should be noted that new cabinets require a period of curing, (approximately 30 days), so the finish can achieve its maximum performance properties. The first application of wax should be after this curing period, using a good quality wax that contains carnauba wax. Too much wax or waxing too often will leave cabinets smudged and dull-looking, so moderation is the key here.
Between applications of wax, your cabinets should be dusted periodically. Residues such as cigarette smoke, cooking vapors and body oils can accumulate on the finished wood surfaces. A soft cloth, such as cotton or flannel, should be used with a small amount of furniture cleaner to remove the residue. (Products containing lemon oils are fine, but ensure that they do not contain pure lemon oil or kerosene, which are harmful to finishes.) We recommend Murphy’s Oil Soap. Always dust with a polish-moistened cloth and follow the grain of the wood. Wiping across the grain can cause scratches to appear if the dust contains grit.
Remember, home-care maintenance products for cabinetry have an objective to clean as well as beautify the wood. These products are formulated to contain degreasing agents as well as cleaning additives that bring beauty to wood.
