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Beautiful new cabinets and construction DUST..How do

13 years ago

We are nearing completion of our project!! WOO WOO! My problem is that we have beautiful, new, custom, cherry wood cabinetry covered in construction dust! What is the safest and best way to clean off the thick layer of construction dust? I was thinking along the lines of a vacuum then pledge and a soft towel and the guy that did the staining suggested Clorox Wipes! That threw me for a loop.....my first thought was that the bleach would ruin the finish and dry out the wood!!!

Any advice out there?

Once they are clean and we are moved in....what is the correct way to maintain the beautiful wood cabinetry? I've never had anything but painted cabinets and they were so easy to maintain! Just wipe "em off and they looked GREAT!

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Comments (5)

jejvtr
13 years ago
cary

Congrats on your new cabs

I would rec purchasing some microfiber cloths - you can find cheaply in Auto section of Walmart.

Dampen the cloth & wipe away - don't forget to do inside the cabs & pull the drawers out, you may be surprised at what is lurking. The cloths will likely not be usable again, as they act like magnets to little wood splinters (and everything else!) but the splinters stay caught in the weave :(
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cat_mom
13 years ago
FYI Clorox Wipes are bleach-free...

Microfiber cloths are great for that job and plenty of other cleaning jobs around the house--I think they can be reused after dusting off your cabs, just shake out well, pick out any large splinters still hanging around and wash in machine (I wash mine in hot water after use and air dry or tumble on low (w/out a fabric softener sheet). I had gotten a pkg of orange automotive ones at Target when we'd reno'd the kitchen, but recently picked up a bunch for $1.00 each at The Christmas Tree store in gorgeous colors: plum, dk teal, lt teal, and my bff picked some up in rust, brown, beige. They are a nice size (a bit oversize) and decent thickness.
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juliekcmo
13 years ago
swiffers are great too
shaughnn
13 years ago
When I took my Lead Renovators training, I learned that simple baby-wipes are one of the better methods for final cleanup of construction dust. Kirkland-brand is fine and they should not have any lotions or other product in them. Just damp wipes.
Vacuum everything, inside and out. Use a brush attachment on the vacuum hose and clean it of debris often. Using a dusting wand to reach nooks and crannies before the final wipe down is a good technique too.
Best of luck,
Shaughnn
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dianalo
13 years ago
I'd use a soft brush attachment for the vacuum first. Then, outgrown underwear, socks and outgrown/stained clothing are all perfect for the initial wipe down as you can toss them guilt-free (and they aren't nice enough to donate anywhere).

I have also used Kirkland baby wipes in 1,000 different ways. My youngest is 7.5, so have not changed diapers in years and yet we are never without wipes in several rooms ;)

Lastly, I'd make a weak solution of Murphy's Oil Soap, use it sparingly and call it a day.
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