Here’s a little bit of Forestry 101 – a single tree will absorb nutrients and react to the climate in such a way that the resulting wood produces a variety of distinctive characteristics. So the wood from each tree is a little different. This natural process causes wood stain to attach differently throughout the grain and results in RV cabinets that are unique, sturdy, and beautiful in appearance. Not all wood is treated the same, and knowing the type of wood used to construct your particular RV cabinets is important information before purchasing products for cleaning and care.

Dented wood can often be restored using heat. Lay a soft cloth against the wood surface and place a hot iron over the cloth.

The secret to keeping RV wood cabinets in tip-top shape lies in proper treatment of the final wood finish. Excessive exposure to water can quickly erode the protective coating of the wood finish. You can take several steps to eliminate interior moisture. First, keep condensation to a minimum and wipe up any that occurs. Circulate fresh air on a regular basis, dry cabinet surfaces thoroughly after washing, and never hang damp towels or items of clothing over countertops to rest against the wood.

A soft, lint-free cleaning cloth is an important ally in preserving RV wood cabinets. Stay away from using feather dusters, they only disturb dust and debris long enough to reattach to another surface. Avoid giving wood cabinets a quick swipe with gray sink water, or a soiled dishrag. This practice adds contaminants to the wood surface and harms the final finish. Pay special attention to areas of the RV wood cabinets that are exposed to moisture, such as around sinks and the shower, and frequently wipe those surfaces with a dry cleaning cloth. To remove light soiling, use a solution of mild detergent and water. Wash only one cabinet at a time, immediately drying the surface with a clean cloth. Never use abrasives or harsh cleaning agents containing chemicals that will actually work to break down the finish on the wood cabinets. Tackle tougher wood cleaning jobs using specially formulated wood cabinet cleaner.

Wood polish and wood cleaner perform two separate jobs. The type of polish you choose to restore shine to the RV wood cabinets should be carefully selected. Polishing products containing silicone or excess amounts of wax can erode the cabinet finish. Limit cabinet polishing to no more than one time per month and before applying polish, wipe the cabinets with a damp rag to remove all soiling, and then thoroughly dry.

Preventing nicks and scratches in the RV wood cabinets is certainly easier than fixing them, but there are a few tricks of the wood trade that can be used to restore small imperfections. First, determine the depth of the blemish. If the damaged area still shows stain, chances are only the finish coating has been harmed. Raw wood within the scratch indicates that along with the finish, the stain has been removed. Deep gouges will require restoration with wood putty, as well as stain and finish. Obtain a wood repair touch-up kit offering the necessary materials for the fix.

Dented wood can often be restored using heat. Lay a soft cloth against the wood surface and place a hot iron over the cloth. Check frequently to prevent burning the wood. To touch up stain, use a lighter color stain in multiple quantities to blend in, or alternatively, a marker stick. Putty should be compatible to the type of wood undergoing repair. When sanding wood surfaces for repair, begin with a medium grade, finish with a soft grade, and thoroughly remove all dust particles before applying new stain and finish. Always sand with the grain. For larger repair jobs, consult the services of a professional wood repair shop.

A soft, lint-free cleaning cloth is an important ally in preserving RV wood cabinets.

Judging by the amount of fingerprints we often see on wood cabinets, it’s no wonder they started calling the handles decorative. Many people neglect to use them. Periodically restore shine to cabinet handles wiping with a soft cloth and remember to include hinges and inner cabinet frames in the dusting routine. Loose handles can be tightened using a flat metal screwdriver to hold the attaching screw in place, and turning the handle clockwise as far as it will go. When tightening handles in drawers and cabinets, avoid utilizing a screw gun, which can generate over-tightening and strip out the screw.

Occasionally a screw holding the hinge may become stripped, and attempts to secure the hinge with putty are unsuccessful. When this happens wedge a wooden toothpick or small sliver of wood into the area. Tap the wedge into the hole with a rubber hammer, and replace the screw. If the hinge is still loose, repeat the procedure, wedging a few more pieces of wood inside the hole. Hidden hinges are designed for easy removal of cabinet doors. To release a hidden hinge, secure the cabinet door and pull up on the inside bar. Replace the hinge by lining up the slot and pushing the hinge back into place.

Drawers that stick can be the result of several factors, but are normally the result of natural changes in real wood over time. If the drawer utilizes double metal guides, a loose screw may be the culprit. Remove the drawer and inspect the screws attaching the track. Replace any screws that have worn to an angle. Drawers constructed with a center metal track may experience problems from the drawer dragging along the inner cabinet. Installing a wedge under the guide next to the screw may repair minor sticking.

Wood cleaning and touch-up repair kits are available at most hardware outlets. Make educated choices when it comes to maintenance and repair of the RV wood cabinets and you will be pleasantly surprised at how simple it is to keep those cabinets in flawless condition.

return to top