ANSWER: Sun Spots spoke to John Trenoweth in the Kitchen & Bath Design Center at Hammond Lumber in Auburn. He said that bringing back the original coloring of stained wood cabinets is going be very difficult. Wood of any nature goes thru a transformation over time. This process is called patina. Most commonly these hardwoods will darken, sometimes significantly. The timing of this process can vary depending on the specie of wood and the original stain color. There really is no way to stop or reverse this process. Even in our showroom, with no UV sun light hitting the cabinets the patina process has taken place. Without getting in to a refinishing process of the cabinets the best option is a good cleaning.

On stained hardwood cabinets proper care must be used to protect it. Clean surfaces with a damp soft cloth and clear water. For more difficult cleanups use a damp soft cloth with mild soapsuds (not a detergent). It is important to stay away from harsh chemical-based cleaners, or ammonia-based products that will discolor the cabinets. We highly recommend staying clear of bleach, soap pads, steel wool and paper towels to clean cabinets as well. These are all abrasive cleaners and act as a sandpaper on the finish of cabinetry.

It has been recommended to stay away from oil-based cleaners such as Murphy’s or furniture brighteners. These will react differently with the oils within the stains/finishes of the cabinets and could cause buildup, discoloration or staining. Hammond Lumber sells a non-acidic, citrus-based cleaner from one of our top cabinet manufacturers that is recommended as one of the best on the market or we can always get your reader into a new kitchen!

Additionally, readers can check with other kitchen cabinet retailers such as Tammy Lebel at Sherm Arnold’s, Cathy Raynor at Morin the Painter/Furniture Refinishing, Rod Lapointe at Down-East Cabinetry, Tom Levasseur at Bix Furniture Stripping & Refinishing, Bruce at Custom Kitchens, and others, to find out what they recommend.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I subscribe to the electronic edition of the SunJournal and I have noticed a big change. Until the past several weeks I have been able to look at three regional editions as well as the city edition. I usually look at my regional edition and the city edition since I grew up in Lewiston and am still interested in what is happening there. Now I can only see a generic regional edition and maybe the city edition. Why has this change been made and will it go back to the way it was? I miss not being able to see the city news. — R.T., No Town

ANSWER: The city-specific edition will continue, only the regional editions have changed. The change you have noticed will allow the company to reduce duplication between the Sun Journal and the Sun Media Group’s weekly newspapers in your area. It will also enable your weekly newspaper to do what it does best — bring you local news from your neighborhood and community, while the Sun Journal provides top local, state, and national news, sports, entertainment and lifestyle stories. There are subscription packages available to fit every budget, whether in print, online or both. Contact our circulation department at 207-784-3555 between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com or tweeted @SJ_SunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots.

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