Most cupboards are varnished to protect the wood from mold and mildew. Often, the ingredients used in the varnish are ones that make the wood glow. Even though this is so, I must say a varnished cabinet is really pretty.
Cleaning your cabinet with acidic solutions can burn away the varnish, leaving your cabinets looking pale and old even when they’re newly installed. No one wants a badly damaged cabinet in their kitchen, especially if you are the one causing the damage.
How to Maintain Your Wooden Cabinets
A kitchen cabinet can be very costly to install; therefore, proper care of this useful household item is very necessary if you plan on keeping it for a lifetime.
Instructions:
To maintain a wooden cabinet, regular dusting is needed. Dust the piece at least twice weekly to avoid dust buildup. If it’s a kitchen cabinet, clean it with a damp cloth (slightly dab with dish soap) after doing the dishes or after every meal is cooked. The reason is that when you are cooking, the fumes from the oil get onto the cabinets, making them greasy, and the color looks dull. Ensuring you give your wooden kitchen cabinet a quick wipe will prevent this from happening.
Avoid Over-Cleaning:
Over-cleaning wooden cabinets can also be harmful to the paint. Knowing what to clean it with is important. In this post, you will learn more about safe polishing methods and the best cloth or sponge to use.
Restoring Fading Wooden Cabinets:
One good piece of advice I would give to you is to be gentle with your cabinets. Scrubbing, washing, and using products not suitable for wood can cause early decay.
Harsh chemicals, such as vinegar and glass cleaners, will remove the varnish that was painted on it to protect the material and preserve it.
Here in this article, I will give you a very easy and vintage way of bringing back the glow or simply maintaining your cabinet. I visited my neighbor, who is an elderly lady.
Her cupboards were always looking like they were freshly polished. Curious, I started questioning her about how she kept her cupboards looking so radiant. She delayed for a while before she told me the big secret was baby oil.
1. Using Baby Oil to Enhance the Appearance
First, you must clean the cupboard to remove grease. If there is grease on the cupboard, then it will be impossible to get the same result as my neighbor.
Next, use a dab of mild dish soap on a damp sponge and wipe away any grease buildup from the cabinets. Now they are ready to be polished.
Instruction:
- Before adding the polisher, you’ll need to clean your cabinets with dish soap and water. Next, use a soft cleaning cloth to dry. The next is as follows:
- Simply pour baby oil on a soft rag and polish your cupboards. Doing this at least once a week will keep them shining and looking like new.
The results are amazing, as the baby oils are made of very mild ingredients that won’t harm the wood. Instead, it will protect them and keep them from moisture, which can lead to mildew.
The most interesting fact about it is that it works as a varnish but costs less than a can of varnish. Who knows the various things that a bottle of baby oil is capable of doing?
Using baby oil on wooden furniture is also an excellent idea. Just like your cabinet, wipe with a soft cloth and experience what you never
thought was possible.
2. How to Use Shoes to Polish and Shine Wooden Cabinets:
Begin by washing your wooden cabinets with gentle soap and water to bring out their natural color. Once they’re dry, take a soft cloth and some wood polish and buff them up.
Instructions:
1. Apply a tiny amount of polish to the cloth and massage it lightly in circular motions over the cabinet surface. Make sure to uniformly cover the entire surface.
2. Allow the polish to sit for a few minutes before buffing the cabinets to bring out a natural, brilliant shine. Keep in mind that a little polish goes a long way, so apply it sparingly for the best effects!
Allow the polish to dry for 8–10 minutes, then gently buff with paper towels or a dry cloth until it’s glowing.
3. Coconut Oil and Beeswax Furniture Cream
Dry cabinets often need moisture and shine. This cream works especially well on older wooden cabinets.
You’ll need:
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
Directions:
Melt the beeswax and coconut oil together over low heat.
Stir until smooth and pour into a container to cool.
Once solidified, rub a very small amount onto cabinets and buff immediately with a cloth.
Avoid using too much because heavy layers can feel greasy.
4. Black Tea Cabinet Shine Treatment
Black tea contains tannins that can help dark wood appear richer and more vibrant.
You’ll need:
- 3 black tea bags
- 1 cup hot water
- Soft cloth
Directions:
Steep tea bags in hot water for about 15 minutes.
Allow the tea to cool completely.
Dip a cloth into the tea and wipe cabinets, following the grain of the wood.
Allow cabinets to air dry, then buff gently.
5. Walnut Scratch Fix
This old-fashioned trick can help disguise tiny scratches in wooden cabinets.
You’ll need:
- 1 raw walnut
Directions:
Crack the walnut and remove the nut meat.
Rub the walnut directly over scratches using small circular motions.
Continue rubbing until the natural oils transfer into the scratch.
Allow it to sit for several minutes, then buff lightly.
6. Citrus Peel-Infused Cabinet Oil
This homemade polish smells fresh and gives cabinets a subtle sheen.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup food-grade mineral oil
- Lemon or orange peels
- Glass jar
Directions:
Place citrus peels into a jar and pour mineral oil over them.
Seal the jar and let the mixture sit for one to two weeks.
Strain out the peels.
Use a soft cloth to apply a small amount to cabinets and buff dry.
7. Castile Soap Shine Spray
This light spray gently cleans while leaving cabinets looking refreshed.
You’ll need:
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon liquid castile soap
- 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
- Spray bottle
Directions:
Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake gently.
Lightly spray onto a cloth rather than directly onto cabinets.
Wipe cabinets and immediately dry with a clean towel.
8. Avocado Pit-Infused Cabinet Oil
This unique homemade polish creates a conditioning oil with a softer scent.
You’ll need:
- Dried avocado pits
- 1 cup mineral oil
Directions:
Break dried avocado pits into several pieces.
Place into a jar and cover completely with mineral oil.
Allow the mixture to infuse for several days.
Strain and apply lightly using a cloth.
9. Rosemary and Lemon Conditioning Oil
This homemade wood conditioner leaves cabinets smelling fresh and clean.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup mineral oil
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Lemon peel
Directions:
Place rosemary and lemon peel into a glass jar.
Pour mineral oil over the ingredients.
Allow it to sit for several days.
Strain and wipe a small amount onto cabinets before buffing dry.
10. Aloe Vera and Mineral Oil Polish
This combination creates a smoother polish that spreads easily.
You’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- ½ cup mineral oil
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a jar and shake well.
Apply lightly with a cloth and wipe onto cabinets.
Buff dry with a clean microfiber towel.
Shake before each use because separation may occur.
11. Carnauba Wax Cabinet Polish
Carnauba wax creates a stronger shine and a more durable finish.
You’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon carnauba wax
- ½ cup mineral oil
Directions:
Melt wax slowly over low heat.
Stir in mineral oil until fully blended.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Apply a thin layer to cabinets and buff thoroughly.
12. Vanilla Cabinet Polish
If you want cabinets to smell amazing while adding shine, try this easy homemade polish.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup mineral oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Mix both ingredients in a small jar.
Dip a soft cloth into the polish and wipe cabinets using gentle circular motions.
Allow it to sit briefly, then buff until shiny.
Your cabinets will have a subtle, warm vanilla scent afterward.
13. Food-Grade Mineral Oil and Lemon Cabinet Polish
If your wooden cabinets look dull or dry, this simple homemade polish can bring back shine while helping condition the wood.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup food-grade mineral oil
- 10–15 drops lemon essential oil
- Soft microfiber cloth
Directions:
Pour the mineral oil into a small bowl or jar and add the lemon essential oil. Stir or shake well to combine.
Dip a soft cloth lightly into the mixture and rub it onto your cabinets using circular motions. Work in small sections rather than coating the entire cabinet at once.
Allow the polish to sit for about 5–10 minutes so the wood can absorb it. Then buff with a clean cloth until the cabinets look smooth and shiny.
14. Beeswax and Mineral Oil Cabinet Balm
This homemade cabinet balm creates a soft wax finish that helps protect wood and leaves cabinets looking rich and polished.
You’ll need:
- 1 part beeswax
- 3 parts food-grade mineral oil
- Small jar
- Double boiler
Directions:
Place beeswax and mineral oil into a heat-safe bowl over simmering water.
Stir slowly until the beeswax completely melts and blends with the oil.
Pour into a small jar and allow it to cool until it becomes a soft balm.
Rub a small amount onto cabinets with a cloth. Let it sit for a few minutes, then buff it dry for a smooth finish.
Warning: These products are NOT recommended for use on glass cabinets.
The Takeaway:
Your cabinets are now glowing, and you didn’t have to spend an extra dime on those brand-y, overpriced furniture polishes. I do hope you find these tips helpful. See you soon!