Cleaning Wood Surfaces
The Problem
When it comes to cleaning wood surfaces there are a lot of myths out there! When I do a google search I get a lot chemical ratios and processes that seem like a lot of work and would cause a trip to the store. I have good news for you! It is really easy to care for your wood surfaces. Kitchen cabinets are the surfaces that often get the brunt of the traffic. Areas near cooking surfaces, trash pullouts, the pantry, cups and plates and the spices can often accumulate layers of grease and grime. Children and pets add an unpredictictable layer when it comes to unwanted smears and smudges of unknown substances (we love them anyway:). So how can you safely clean your wood surfaces without damaging your cabinets and furniture?
The Solution
All you really need is a soft cleaning cloth and some warm water. When it comes to the type of cloth think more “soft on your skin” and less “great for scrubbing”. Gently wipe down your target areas with slow and gentle passes. Let the warm water reactivate the dirt, oil and grease your trying to remove. You should begin to see layers starting to recede and finally disappear. You want to avoid any kind of scrubbing motion as this can damage the finish and create eyesores that do not match the original surface. When it comes to cleaning wood surfaces it is more about patience and less about speed. It took time for all those layers of grease and grime to add up! I know it’s not always doable, but try to incorporate wiping down your high traffic areas in your regular cleaning routine. If you still have unwanted grime on your wood surfaces and warm water just isn’t doing the trick, the only product I would recommend is using a subtle mixture of water with Murphy Oil Soap. Make sure you follow the instructions on the label. With proper care your finished wood surfaces will look great for several years!