how to clean builder's cabinets

[CFrance]

What do you use to get finger smudges, etc., off the builder's brown cabinets? We were told they are maple, but I am not so sure they are wood, as in solid.

What cleaning products are safe to use on them? I have just been buffing them off with a cloth, but now I need something more.

[mulligan]

I found that the spray version of murphy's oil soap, and buff with a towel or microfiber cloth works quite well.

[jnieman]

I found that the spray version of murphy's oil soap, and buff with a towel or microfiber cloth works quite well.

I agree spray Murphy's oil soap however I would spray the cloth instead of the cabinet. Keeps spray marks from showing up on areas you don't reach.

[graciegirl]

What do you use to get finger smudges, etc., off the builder's brown cabinets? We were told they are maple, but I am not so sure they are wood, as in solid.

What cleaning products are safe to use on them? I have just been buffing them off with a cloth, but now I need something more.

Deep breaths. C, You will be alright. Choose more friends like me that never look at cabinets.

[CFrance]

Deep breaths. C, You will be alright. Choose more friends like me that never look at cabinets.

Ha ha! I have a dear husband with very sticky fingers. The cabs are driving me nuts, esp. in the a.m. when the sun shines on them.

So far I've been buffing with a terry bar cloth, but I think Ron's starting to pull ahead in the race.

[jet10s]

I too have the builders "maple" cabinets (terrain color) and also can't stand the finger prints, etc. just so dull and streaky -- they are very hard to clean to my satisfaction -- I have tried the murphy's oil soap -- and unless the scrubbing is just too hard for me == don't work... also have tried pledge, endust, Orange-Glo Wood Cleaner and Polish, Fantastik & 409 - a friend has high end Merrillat cabinets here is their cleaning tips.
Wood Finishes
Dusting
Dust cabinets frequently with a soft lint-free cloth. You can dampen the cloth slightly with water or a spray-type dust remover.
Spills
Clean spills immediately. Use a clean cloth and mild soap if necessary. Wipe dry with a clean soft cloth.
Cleaning
There are a number of products available for your wood cleaning needs. We recommend Guardsman. Their products are available at many stores nationwide, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Wal-Mart and Ace Hardware. A more economical way to remove grease build-up from cabinets is to use Fantastik. Apply and remove quickly, then wash your cabinets with a mild soap. After washing, dry thoroughly and apply a silicone-free polish.
Polishing
We recommend that you wash and polish cabinets once or twice each year. Use a light coat of quality furniture polish.
Don'ts
Never use detergents, soap pads, or steel wool on your cabinetry. These harsh abrasives will mar the wood finish. Additionally, we recommend that you avoid the use of paste wax and polishes that contain silicone; the wax build up is difficult to remove and will leave a residue that attracts dust.

[mrfixit]

For over 50 years,
.....have had good results using CREAM OF TARTAR powder.
Available at most grocery stores.

....if you have a wax buildup,
you could mix with....
...........your choice of..... lemon juice ...OR...White Distilled Vinegar.

Google>>>> cleaning furniture with cream of tartar <<<<<.

[CFrance]

[QUOTE=jet10s;775654]I too have the builders "maple" cabinets (terrain color) and also can't stand the finger prints, etc. just so dull and streaky -- they are very hard to clean to my satisfaction -- I have tried the murphy's oil soap -- and unless the scrubbing is just too hard for me == don't work... also have tried pledge, endust, Orange-Glo Wood Cleaner and Polish, Fantastik & 409 - a friend has high end Merrillat cabinets here is their cleaning tips.
Wood Finishes
Dusting
Dust cabinets frequently with a soft lint-free cloth. You can dampen the cloth slightly with water or a spray-type dust remover.
Spills
Clean spills immediately. Use a clean cloth and mild soap if necessary. Wipe dry with a clean soft cloth.
Cleaning
There are a number of products available for your wood cleaning needs. We recommend Guardsman. Their products are available at many stores nationwide, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Wal-Mart and Ace Hardware. A more economical way to remove grease build-up from cabinets is to use Fantastik. Apply and remove quickly, then wash your cabinets with a mild soap. After washing, dry thoroughly and apply a silicone-free polish.
Polishing
We recommend that you wash and polish cabinets once or twice each year. Use a light coat of quality furniture polish.
Don'ts
Never use detergents, soap pads, or steel wool on your cabinetry. These harsh abrasives will mar the wood

Thanks for that info. I used to use Guardsman in MI. I am looking for a weekly solution. If we waited six months you would be able to fingerpaint art on the cabs.

Would Guardsman be okay to use on a weekly basis?

[Lpierleo]

I was told by the cabinet man that came to do some minor adjustments when we moved in to just use a soft cloth with a little dish washing liquid (Dawn) and water. Advised me not to wax them. Ours are also maple but a different finish, I think is Sorrel. Thus far this has worked for me. Trying to get hubby to use the handles isn't working so well.

[CFrance]

I was told by the cabinet man that came to do some minor adjustments when we moved in to just use a soft cloth with a little dish washing liquid (Dawn) and water. Advised me not to wax them. Ours are also maple but a different finish, I think is Sorrel. Thus far this has worked for me. Trying to get hubby to use the handles isn't working so well.

You can say that again! Thanks, I'll try the Dawn.

[marvymare]

'DAWN' works wonders for EVERYTHING! Who would think that dishwashing liquid just about removes every stain you can imagine!!

[JC and John]

We have the thermofoil(sp?) cabinets in cream. I just wipe the handle area with my dishcloth when doing the dishes. I use dawn and no problems. I also use simple green sometimes with no problem. I am sure these cabinets came with cleaning instructions but like a lot of things, I don't read the instructions and am not interested in a long drawn out process.

[jrandall]

I use Liquid Gold spray. It doesn't have silicon and works well. I have the dark mahogany cabinets. When we first moved in the cabinet installer had to correct some warranty issues. He tried my Liquid Gold and liked it. He said he was going to buy a can and keep it on his truck.

[CFrance]

Another vote for liquid gold. Thanks. I have heard not to use it on wood floors, but cabinets? Maybe a different kettle of fish.