How To Care For Wood Kitchen Cabinets
Most homeowners prefer to have wood kitchen cabinets because of their unique aesthetics. Sadly, very few people take the time to care for their cabinets. And even though wood cabinets are durable, they can also be temperamental. That said, you'll need to learn how to care for your kitchen cabinets. Here are a few hacks to keep your wooden cabinets looking good.
Avoid Exposure to Direct Sunlight
As you probably know, wood and sunlight don't get along well. Exposing your wooden cabinets to excessive sunlight might cause the finish to fade. So, if you have noticed your cabinet doors changing color, you are probably exposing them to excessive sunlight. That said, you need to ensure your cabinets aren't exposed to direct sunlight. You can do so by installing blinds or drapes on your windows.
Control the Humidity Levels in Your Kitchen
Keeping your humidity levels checked can help increase the life span of your wood cabinets. As you well know, kitchens can harbor a lot of moisture. Unfortunately, moisture can ruin your wooden furniture. Once wood absorbs moisture, it will swell and expand.
Also, the wood in your cabinets will contract if the humidity levels drop. As a result, you'll have to maintain an ideal humidity range in your kitchen. You can do so by introducing a dehumidifier, keeping your AC filters clean, and using an exhaust fan.
Maintain the Hardware
As you take care of the wooden material, you'll also need to maintain the hinges, knobs, and handles. Your cabinet's hardware also goes through a lot of stress as you open the drawers and doors. The daily stress will cause wear and tear on the knobs and hinges. While they might not break, the finish will wear down, making the hardware look ugly.
You can use a metal cleaner to restore the metallic hardware pieces. Besides, you can protect or maintain the hinges by applying a lubricant once or twice every year. Remember to tighten the screws to keep the hinges firmly fixed.
Clean the Cabinets
Wooden kitchen cabinets also need to be cleaned regularly. As you know, rats and other pests love hanging out in dirty places. Unless you want these pesky pets making a mess in your cabinets, you'll need to wipe your cabinets often.
You don't have to use a lot of water when cleaning the cabinets. Just use a damp cotton cloth to wipe the drawers and dirty sections. If messes or spills happen in your cupboards, take care of them immediately before the fluids get absorbed into the wood.
Contact a local cabinet supplier to learn more.