The Type Of Polish To Avoid Using On Wood Kitchen Cabinets (& Better Alternatives)

Wood cabinets are a significant investment, so you want to give them proper care to keep them in good condition and looking their best. The goal with cabinet care is to protect the wood without damaging it, and using the wrong products can cause more harm than good. When a noticeable layer of dust or residue builds up, many people look for the easiest way to clean their wood cabinets. Store aisles are filled with a variety of wood cleaners and polishes. However, some contain ingredients that may leave a residue or even damage your cabinets. When choosing a cleaning product for your cabinets, avoid any polish containing silicone.

Silicone is used in the formulation of most commercial furniture polishes to achieve a high-gloss finish. One significant problem is that silicone penetrates the finish, weakening its molecular structure, dulling the wood's natural shine, and softening the wood, which can cause damage. You also may have noticed that these polishes leave a film of residue.

Silicone is extremely difficult to remove once applied to wood, making refinishing your cabinets extra challenging. When a silicone-based cleaner or polisher is applied to the cabinet, it moves into the ridges, where the silicone oil seeps through to the wood. This creates tiny craters in the new finish, known as "fish eye" because of their shape.  This problem is nearly always caused by silicone oil, which pulls the finish away from the cabinet. One possible way to prevent fish eye is to add silicone to the new finish before applying it to the cabinets. Even if you're not planning to refinish your cabinets, you'll want to have that option in the future, so it's better to use a safer alternative.

You can prevent grime buildup on your cabinets in the first place with regular dusting. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the surface, wiping in the direction of the grain. A gentle soap and water can also be used to remove more stubborn dirt and grime from the cabinets.No matter how big the job, it's best to stick to cleaners that are safe to use on wood cabinets. 

While using polish on your wood cabinets isn't really a good idea or even necessary, you may want to restore your cabinets' natural finish from time to time. In this case, it's best to use a safer alternative, such as mineral oil. Mineral oil is nontoxic and safe for use on wood cabinets. The oil brings out the wood's natural sheen, provides a barrier to prevent water absorption, and protects against mold and bacterial growth. Mineral oil isn't a permanent substance, and it won't cause buildup on cabinet surfaces.

Other safer alternatives to silicone include silicone-free polishes for wood, such as Murphy's Oil Soap and other products containing natural oils. For best results, follow the directions on the package to polish your cabinets without harming the wood. You could also make your own polish with a mixture of equal parts vegetable oil and vinegar.