Care For Your Wood Paneled Kitchen So That It Lasts Through The Ages

Wood paneled kitchens and walls often evoke images of the 1970s. They were definitely a big hit back then and offered a stylish and practical kitchen finish that felt warm and cozy. But did you know wood paneling has come back into style, and we are seeing it more in modern kitchen designs? Of course, it's had a contemporary makeover and features darker, more sophisticated tones as opposed to stark orange, but the fundamentals are the same. The most important thing is to properly clean and take care of your wood paneled kitchen because the right care and maintenance will ensure that it lasts for decades to come.

There are some things you will want to embrace and things to avoid when caring for your wood paneled kitchen. But, to take the best care of it, you'll want to make sure you're fully informed about what products and tools you should be using, so you won't make any costly mistakes.

To make sure your wood paneled kitchen stays in showroom shape, dust and wipe it down weekly to stay on top of the dirt or grime build up. Be sure not to use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools as it can damage the wood. All you will need is a bucket of warm water and a little dab of mild dish soap. Gently wipe down your wood panels with a slightly damp sponge, being careful not to use too much water. This can seep into the wood grain, causing permanent damage.

Another simple task to care for the wood is to promptly wipe up any spills. Let's face it — accidents in the kitchen are going to happen. But leaving spills to settle could cause permanent staining of your wood panels, so don't forget to wipe them up quickly. Also, keep in mind the effect heat and light can have on wood. Use trivets or worktop savers to avoid marks on your wood from hot pans and be aware that continuous sunlight exposure will fade your panels over time. 

Continuously waxing and polishing your wooden kitchen can be counterproductive. It can also leave a thick residue. Instead, sand and refinish your hardwood kitchen every 10 years or so to bring it back to life.