Help! Used wrong cleaner on wood cabinets - how to remove white film/stain

[asmith16]

Hi all,

I was stupid, and sprayed the metal handles on my cabinets with an all purpose cleaner - I'd done this before and had no issue, but usually immediately wiped after spraying. This time, I let it sit for about 25 seconds. The surrounding wood began to turn white, so I threw water on it and attempted to wipe off the cleaner with paper towels - the result was making the stain much larger. 

I'm having trouble discerning if this is residue/a coating I need to remove, or if I've stripped the finishing off. In either case, I'm not sure what to do to fix this issue. Any advice you have would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

 

Edited July 30, 2016 by asmith16
typo

[Guest]

How does the affected area feel? Does it feel as smooth as the rest of the door, or is it rough, with more friction when you lightly touch it?   If so, you probably damaged the finish and no amount of cleaning will fix it.   

[asmith16]

Hi Mike,

Many thanks for your response! It feels smooth as the rest of the door - is there something you would advise my using to try and fix it? 

Thanks!

[wtnhighlander]

If it is simply a cloudy residue, try some Murphy's Oil Soap to clean it off. To rejuvenate the sheen of the finish, I have been impressed with the results of using Scott's Liquid Gold.

http://www.scottsliquidgold.com/scotts-liquid-gold/

Both products are commonly available from most home centers. If it turns out to be damage, rather than residue, you are in for a somewhat more complicated job of repair.

[Denette]

The first picture in your post looks like there are some lighter-colored streaks on the door.  Are those camera glare, or is it the natural color of the wood showing through from where the stain has been removed?  If the stain has been removed like that, you're in for quite a refinishing project.  That or a "good enough for government work" repair job if you're not that worried about it.

[Tpt life]

Yeah, that looks like a refinish job to me. IF you can restore the sheen, you might be able to touch up the raw areas with wax pencils. There is an art to color matching. I doubt you will restore the sheen if the cleaner lifted color. So sorry. 

[wdwerker]

Cleaning with mineral spirits might help.

" Howard's Restore a Finish " is available in many different colors an just might work for you. I strongly suggest testing in an inconspicuous place before you tackle the damaged area.

[Guest]

How old are the cabinets? The finish might have a warranty.   Steve (wdwerker) knows more about KCMA standards, but I think a properly applied catalyzed finish should withstand occasional exposure to a mutli purpose cleaner.  

[wdwerker]

5 minutes ago, Mike. said:

How old are the cabinets? The finish might have a warranty.   Steve (wdwerker) knows more about KCMA standards, but I think a properly applied catalyzed finish should withstand occasional exposure to a mutli purpose cleaner.  

Nope, not me but " Particle Board" knew all about KCMA standards. Unfortunately he is no longer posting here. Another possibility is someone used a wax over the finish and that is what turned white.

[mat60]

It does look like the finish came off to me ..I hope it can be fixed also.