How to take care of your wooden cabinets

The beauty of solid hardwood is much more than skin deep. Neither synthetic nor engineered, it comes from the heart of nature, the simplest and most reliable of origins. Here are some useful tips on how solid hardwood furnishings and materials made up of many pieces of wood used in your kitchen and bathrooms can be maintained

Generally, Wooden cabinets are unique and if you look carefully, you may notice natural variations in color. The lighter pieces are closer to the tree’s bark, while the darker pieces were closer to its center. All are equally strong and impart the beauty and value that make hardwoods second to none. The unique grain patterns in solid hardwood are related to the tree’s growth rings. The distinctive differences come about as the wood is prepared for use in your home.

It is a known fact that trees absorb minerals and other essential elements as they grow and prosper. You may see their traces in the hardwood cabinets, flooring or finishings in your kitchen and bathroom. These natural characteristics let you know you are enjoying the authentic item, and not an artificial wood imitation. The following are the simple but effective tips that if embraced religiously the best of wooden cabiets can be enjoyed:

•  Clean your cabinetry as needed with a lint-free cloth dampened with mild detergent or soap and water.
•  Dry immediately with a lint-free cloth. Wipe up spills, spatters and water marks as they occur, keeping the surface dry.
•  Use a non-abrasive cleaner on all surfaces as needed.
•  Avoid using scouring pads or powdered cleansers as these may scratch and penetrate the surface, allowing dirt, food or moisture to enter and cause deterioration of the finish.

•  Wood cleaning products that use aerosols, non-aerosol spray cleaners, and all silicone based wood products are not recommended. These products will permeate the wood grain and ultimately ruin your cabinet’s finish. Also, because these products permeate the wood in which they are applied, they inhibit the resurfacing of your cabinets.