Cabinet and Furniture Re-newer
For Life Products recently launched a new product that it promisingly calls Rejuvenate’s New Kitchen in a Box. Retailing for about $20, the package contains three wipe-on products -- one for floors, one for countertops and one for cabinets and furniture -- that the company claims will instantly and inexpensively brings a kitchen back to life in less than an hour.

I was brought up to believe the old adage that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But the cabinets in my early-‘80s house were pretty worn, so I was willing to take a chance that the Cabinet and Furniture Re-newer liquid could deliver what it promised. So I split the kit with HANDY’s Online Editor, Gary Legwold; he’d test out the floor and the countertop rejuvenator, while I put the cabinet re-newer to the test.

After thoroughly scrubbing the cabinets with warm, soapy water (which did more to improve the overall appearance of the cabinets than anything), I applied multiple coats of the clear liquid, using the included microfiber mit. The manufacturer claims that the Cabinet and Furniture Re-newer instantly seals and protects all kitchen cabinets from water damage in seconds while it brings back shine that lasts for months. And yes, it did slightly increase the cabinets’ sheen. But make them look like new? I don’t think so.

What’s worse, as the liquid refinisher dries, it has a tendency to build up around the cabinets’ door handles and drawer pulls. (I can’t wait to try to remove the buildup when I replace the cabinet hardware later this year.) And the few stray drops that dripped onto the counters had to be wiped up immediately or else they’d harden and be next to impossible to remove.

Considering everything, I’d pass on this product. Yes, it did marginally improve my cabinets’ shine, but in my opinion, not enough to warrant the company’s claims. And for me, the hardened buildup around the door and drawer pulls negates any slight improvement in appearance. For Life Products, 877-959-1234.
www.forlifeproducts.com/sub-category.asp?CID=42 — Mike Berger

Floor Restorer and Protectant
Rejuvenate’s Floor Restorer and Protectant did add a little shine to a corner my hardwood-laminate floor. But I cannot say I was impressed with the product. Lots of products can put a shine to a floor, and I was expecting, based on the name, that this one would stand out. I guess I was hoping that the package would also contain a floor cleaner. No, to clean, which you normally do before putting a shine to a floor, you have to purchase a couple of other products that the company offers. OK, but with a name like New Kitchen in a Box, which sounds so comprehensive, I would rather that a cleaner be included so I could do it all with one purchase. — Gary Legwold