Updated January 2026
Most homeowners reach for Pledge because it smells clean and gives cabinets a quick shine. It feels like the right thing to do. The problem is what happens after that shine fades. Over time, that routine spray-and-wipe can shorten the life of your cabinets and make repairs far more complicated than they should be.
Pledge Is Not As Safe On Wood As You Thought
The furniture polish spray has been a fixture in homes since 1958 and promises to Keep your furniture clean and beautiful! While it may have been the go-to cleaning product for decades, it appears as if the long-standing brand doesn’t work quite as well as you may have hoped. In fact, due to the silicone found in Pledge, it may actually be doing more harm than good to your cabinets and wooden furniture.
Why Does Pledge Cause Problems for Wood?
Pledge contains silicone and wax. These ingredients are designed to coat surfaces and create a slick shine. On real wood cabinetry, that coating does not rinse away. It stays.
Each application adds another layer. At first, everything looks fine. Then months later, cabinets start feeling sticky and dust clings to them. The finish looks uneven or cloudy in certain spots. That is buildup, not wear. Additionally, the cloudiness encourages you to use another spray of Pledge to try and bring back the shine, causing a vicious cycle.
The Real Issue Shows During Repairs
When cabinets need attention, whether that is touch-ups, repainting, or refinishing, you will start to see problems. Silicone and wax repel new finishes. Paint struggles to bond. Stains absorb unevenly. What should be a straightforward update turns into hours of extra prep just to strip away residue.
Creation Cabinetry has been servicing Eastern Pennsylvania since 1986, so we have come to learn a thing or two about how to properly care for custom cabinetry – and wooden furniture in general. In our experience, one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is to clean their cabinets and furniture with Pledge.
What Should You Clean Wooden Furniture With If Not Pledge?
Instead, we recommend that you take a simple, more natural approach to cleaning your custom cabinets.
Simply take a damp cloth, preferably microfiber, and lightly wipe down your cabinetry. Be careful to not let water rest on the cabinetry for an extended period of time, though. To ensure that this doesn’t happen, have a second microfiber cloth (dry this time) prepared and at the ready. After removing the dust and grime with your damp cloth, take your dry cloth and wipe the moisture away. It’s as simple as that!
The act of keeping your cabinetry and wood furniture clean and shiny is simple, yet reliable. Many homeowners overthink the cleaning process and wind up actually hurting their furniture. If you have any sort of doubt about the products you are using to clean your wood, odds are you shouldn’t be using that product!
FAQs About Cleaning Wood Cabinets
Is Pledge safe for wood cabinets?
No. It leaves behind silicone and wax that cause buildup and future repair issues.
What should I use instead?
A damp microfiber cloth, wiped dry right away.
Can cabinets be fixed after using Pledge?
Yes, but it often requires extra prep work to remove residue before refinishing.
How often should cabinets be cleaned?
Light weekly wipe-downs and deeper cleaning only when needed.
Will buildup affect repainting cabinets later?
Yes. Residue prevents paint and stain from bonding properly.
The Bottom Line for Homeowners
While Pledge delivers instant shine, it trades short-term appearance for long-term headaches. Choosing gentle, cabinet-safe care keeps finishes even, repairs simpler, and cabinets looking good for years longer.
Ready to protect your cabinets the right way?
Whether you are maintaining existing cabinets or planning a future update, the team at Creation Cabinetry is happy to help. Reach out for an evaluation, refinishing guidance, or long-term care advice that keeps your cabinets looking their best without unnecessary repairs.
Feel free to contact Creation Cabinetry at (610) 562-4700. We can also be found on Facebook, Houzz, and Twitter!