Is Using Polish On Your Wooden Kitchen Cabinets Really A Good Idea?

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best solution. To achieve the best finish on your wooden kitchen cabinets, you might be polishing them regularly, but do they really require such rigorous upkeep? Stop expending excess energy by learning how to properly care for your cabinets and extend their lifespan.

While waxing and polishing your cabinets can bring your cabinets back to a brand-new shine, it's not necessary, and if you use the wrong polish, you can damage the finish. Avoid polishing your cabinets unless they have been damaged and repaired, requiring them to be partially refinished. Regular use of waxes and polishes can build up over time, forming a film over the wood that creates a nice, sticky surface for dirt and dust to adhere to. This film can also appear milky or blotchy, decreasing the visual appeal of your cabinets' finish. When you feel the urge to polish, reach for these must-have cleaning items for every kitchen instead.

Rather than using a polish to maintain your cabinets, keep them looking new through regular cleanings. Some cleaners are too rough on wood surfaces and can cause discoloration and warping, so test each new cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. When possible, opt for gentler cleaners, like a 1-to-1 mix of white vinegar and water or a solution of water and dish soap. Using a microfiber cloth, wipe your cabinets down as often as once a week to clean away any splashes of grease, food stains, or fingerprints.

A great way to clean and rehydrate the wood in your cabinets is with oil soap or wood soap. Oil soap is best for finished surfaces, while wood soap can be used on both treated and untreated wood. These products preserve the wood's natural oils while creating a protective dirt-repellent layer that adds shine in the same way that a polish does. You can use oil soap on everything from your cabinets to your floors and even to clean your wood paneling.

Polishing your cabinets does not need to be a part of regular upkeep, but sometimes it is helpful or necessary. For example, if the finish has been damaged or if the cabinets have lost their shine through age, you can give them a quick polishing rejuvenation. There are a variety of wood polishes, though, so make sure you pick the right one for your kitchen.

When it comes to polishing, the rule of thumb can be summed up as: the polish matches the finish. Oil-based polishes should only be used with oil-based finishes, and the same goes for water-based finishes and polishes. If your cabinets were finished with a lacquer, use a lacquer wood polish. If your cabinets have a wax-based finish, use a wax-based wood polish. This ensures that the chemicals in the finish and the polish do not react poorly and damage your cabinets. One unexpected product you can use after polishing furniture is cornstarch, which can help get rid of the slippery film left on the wood. However, most of the time, a polish isn't necessary, so you can cross that chore off your to-do list.