How to Clean Whitewashed Oak Cabinets

Whitewashing entails a method of applying watered-down paint into timber, then wiping it off while still wet. Though the actual whitewashing process functions best for pine wood furniture, then in addition, it can work for oak cupboards. Often known as a pickling stain when used on oak, the process to produce the whitewash or pickling stain starts with thinning the paint with water. After applying the thinned paint to the wood, use a damp rag to remove the excess paint before it dries, leaving the pores of the wood embedded with shade, but the grain showing through. A final finish coat seals the cupboards, making them safe and simple to clean.

Remove the contents in the whitewashed oak cupboards and set them aside.

Attach the extension hose into the vacuum and fit it with the small soft brush attachment. Vacuum all loose debris from inside the cupboards.

Mix 10 parts of warm water to 1 part liquid dishwashing detergent in among these gallon buckets. Swish the mixture with your hand to create suds. Insert clear warm water into the next bucket.

Dip the sponge in the cleaning solution and wring it out to remove excess. Wash the inside of the cabinet. Wash the sponge in the clear water and wring it out, then rub on the cabinet to remove soapy residue. Wipe dry with a clean rag.

Repeat the cleaning way of the exterior of the cupboards, starting at the bottom and working upward. Gently wipe the sponge in a circular movement to completely clean the cabinet’s exterior. Rinse with clean water and dry with the rag. Don’t use a sponge using a scrubber, as you do not need to scratch the wood’s surface or remove the pickling stain. Apply gentle pressure to the sponge; do not be too rough.

Apply a pure beeswax product into the surface of the cupboards to protect them following the cupboards have dried. Subscribe to a dime-sized quantity of beeswax using a clean soft cloth. Working in small areas, rub the beeswax into the oak cabinet in the management of the grain. Be sure you put on the beeswax evenly to the surface of the closet. Once the beeswax starts to dry, you have to buff it to give it a subtle shine.

Rub a clean cloth across the waxed cabinet surface to burnish the wax and leave a wax. This step also helps remove any irregular application of this wax. Replace the burnishing cloth with a clean one if it gets overly caked with wax. Keep on rubbing at the direction of the grain until each of the cupboards shine with a soft sheen.

Reinstall the removed items in the cupboards. Gently dust the cupboards between cleanings. Regularly clean cabinet exteriors at least one time every two months.

See related