Linseed and tung are 2 of the most common drying oils used on wood cabinets, but you can also use lemon, orange or walnut oil. Vinegar-based solutions. Vinegar is a great cleaner for many surfaces, but wood isn't one of them.
Lemon Oil. If you have hardwood furniture, this is probably the most important oil you should try using. Lemon oil helps protect your wood furniture by repelling insects and molds. It keeps away dirt and dust particles too, which means that your furniture stays cleaner longer.
To clean wood kitchen cabinets, use a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Apply the solution with a soft cloth, wiping in the direction of the wood grain. For sticky spots, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive water, as these can damage the wood.
Some of the benefits and uses of Murphy's Oil Soap are: It smells fresh; it cleans without leaving a soapy residue as long as you do not use too much; cuts through grease that you may encounter on cabinets and paneling; great in luke warm water for wood floors (not laminate). I love, love, love Murphy's Oil Soap.
Stripping the old stain or lacquer and replacing it with a shiny new coat is a great way to bring life back into your wood grain kitchen cabinets. Adding that glossy look also helps them to reflect natural light and make your kitchen appear brighter.
2K Polyurethanes on Cabinets
2k polyurethanes or 2K polys are fantastic products for cabinet refinishing as it has been groundbreaking for the wood coatings industry in general. 2K polys require a mix of a catalyst or hardener, resulting in a pot life of a few hours.
Conclusion. So, the Murphy's Oil Soap vs Bona debate is over, and Bona wins. These are some of the best hardwood floor cleaners, but the flooring market is full of competitors. Their hardwood floor cleaner is said to be overall better by all the homeowners who have been using it for years.
Murphy® Oil Soap gets deep into grime to break up dirt particles and it's safe to use on wood products like cabinets. Next, gather another cloth or sponge. You may also want to use an old toothbrush to get into crevices.
For Water Based Finishes
Cleaners such as Pledge and Murphy's Oil Soap are not recommended because they leave a dull residue on the finish. Water based surfaces may be cleaned with a damp cloth or General Finishes Orange Oil.
For those stubborn messes, apply a squirt of Dawn® Platinum directly to a sponge or dish cloth under warm running water, then gently scrub the greasy surface.
When water is left on the cabinets for too long, it can seep into the finish, causing the wood to swell and become sticky. This can happen when you use too much water or leave the cabinets wet after cleaning. To prevent this, use a dry cloth to wipe down the cabinets after cleaning with a damp cloth.
You can use commercial cleaners, like Murphy's Oil Soap, to clean cabinets. You can also make your own cleaners from ingredients in your kitchen that are eco-friendly, effective and affordable. Vinegar is the go-to natural cleaner when faced greasy cabinets.
Tung oil is a good choice for almost any finishing situation, but it's expensive and time-consuming to apply properly. Most woodworkers opt for a faster-drying blend of oils that includes varnish for extra durability. Generally, you'd use Danish oil for interior woodwork and teak oil for outdoor woodwork.
Don't Use Olive Oil
As a cleaning agent, olive oil is not at all effective. It is a non-drying oil, meaning that it will leave behind a film that is likely to attract dust and dirt, making your cabinets even more difficult to clean down the road. Some purport that olive oil will replenish wood and give it a nice shine.
Vacuum inside the cabinets, using a crevice tool attachment. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, adding a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to cut through the grease. Spray outside doors and let the solution sit for one to two minutes. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Add a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 tablespoon of dish soap, and a few essential oils to an opaque spray bottle - exposure to light kills its effectiveness - and spray on your surfaces. Let everything bubble for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse clean with a microfiber cloth.
Wipe the cabinets clean with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately with another clean, soft cloth. Always wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Apply a thin coat of high-quality polish. Choose a polish that does not contain silicone or wax, and follow the manufacturer's directions for application.
This product is the number one ruiner of floors that we come across. Bona Polish is NOT a hardwood floor cleaner. It is a cheap thin finish that you apply to your floors. Over time and repeated use the film gets thicker and it scuffs and scratches easily making the floors look unsightly.
When diluted properly, Murphy® Oil Soap Original Formula does not leave a residue. Despite the fact that it is called "oil soap," there is no "free oil" left behind. If you see a residue after applying Murphy® Oil Soap for the first time, it's likely that another cleaner was previously used.
Bona cleaners won't dull your floors or leave behind any residue.
As a first step to removing layers of grime from old wood furniture, use an oil soap and water. Rinse and dry well. If the finish still seems dirty, clean lightly with #0000 steel wool dipped in a cleaning product.
Vinegar proves to be a cheap and harmless substitute for commercial cleaners. It efficiently removes dirt and rejuvenates wooden surfaces due to its acidic nature. It doesn't contain the dangerous chemicals found in many commercial cleaners.