How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets

When cleaning your kitchen, it is important to pay attention to not only the counters, sink, and floors but also the cabinets and doors. Grease and dirt can build up on these surfaces from oil spills, steam, and food splatters. Cleaning the kitchen cabinets may take some time, but it is not a difficult task.

The dirt layer does not make any toxic or smelly chemicals. You can easily make wood cabinets cleaner with your household items.

Both finished and painted kitchen cabinets can be cleaned, but using harsh chemicals will damage their finish. This guide will explain a few effective ways to clean your cabinets in the kitchen.

Tools and Materials Required

Cloth
Toothbrush
Vacuum
Dishwashing soap
Vinegar
Warm water
Paper towel
Baking soda
All-purpose cleaner

Steps to Clean Kitchen Cabinets

Step 1. Empty the Cabinets

You have to spend a lot of time cleaning cabinets. It might take more than one day, but you have to be patient during this process.

Remove all the contents of the cabinets and keep them out of the kitchen. Use a vacuum or a cloth to remove the dirt and crumbs in the cabinets.

Step 2. Making Cleaning Solution

A simple solution of dishwashing soap, vinegar, and warm water is enough to clean most cabinets, such as plastic laminate, vinyl, painted wood, and metal.

This can easily clean mild grease, dust, and food spillage. Dish soap is the best degreaser for kitchen cabinets. It can remove stubborn buildup on its surfaces.

You can use an all-purpose cleaner, but it should be tested on an unnoticed area. If it does not damage the surface, you can use it. Follow the procedure given on the label of the cleaner.

Step 3. Start from Top

Start cleaning the cabinets from the top to down manner. Spray the solution on a cloth and wipe the cabinets, but the stubborn stains should be cleaned by directly spraying on them. Remember to clean the sides and edges of your cabinets.

Step 4. Mop the Cleaner

Use a cloth to rinse the cabinets thoroughly. Now, dry them with another cloth. Do not leave water on the surface because it can damage them.

Step 5. Glass Cleaning

If the glass is used in the kitchen cabinets, you can use a commercial glass cleaner. Pour the solution on a cloth and wipe it onto the glass. Now use a paper towel to dry the surface.

Step 6. Cleaning Knobs and Handles

Mix equal parts of vinegar and warm water and apply this solution to the handles of your cabinets by using a toothbrush.

Gently scrub the metal hardware and gaps of decorative trims. It would be better if the handles could be removed to clean the area thoroughly.

Step 7. Degreaser for Cabinets

The thick layer of grease buildup on cabinets is visible but hard to remove. A commercial degreaser can be used on them. You may need to clean it several times. Follow the directions on the label.

You can also make homemade kitchen cabinet cleaners that are safe and more effective. Baking soda is the best cabinet degreaser. Add water to baking soda and make a paste.

Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the baking soda paste to the grease and oil buildup. Take care of the finish of the surface while cleaning. Do not scrape away the grease because the finish of the cabinets will be damaged.

Step 8. Clean the Contents of Cabinets

Mix warm water and dish soap in a bowl. Dip a cloth in the solution and clean all the containers and jars with the cloth. Mop with a dry cloth. Throw the materials that are expired. Let the jars and containers air dry to keep their contents back in them.

Cleaning of Different Kinds of Cabinets

1. Cleaning Painted Cabinets

There are many ways to clean painted kitchen cabinets. Make a solution of one part water and two parts baking soda and put the paste onto the stained area. Let the baking soda work on the stain, then clean it with a cloth.

Dip a cloth in diluted ammonia for grease removal and wipe the cabinets with it until the stain is removed. You can re-paint the cabinets after several years because they will start peeling.

2. Cleaning Wood Cabinets

As wood cabinets come with different finishes and seals, so it is not easy to find out the best way to clean wood cabinets. You can use oil soap to clean wood cabinets.

A mild oil soap solution gives your wood cabinets a new life without ruining their color. It is the best kitchen cabinet cleaner and polish. Do not use too-soaked cloth because too much moisture will damage them.

After cleaning the cabinets with the solution, wipe them with a dry cloth to polish the wood. Cabinets near the sink and stove need extra care because they are at risk of serious damage. You can give them an extra coat of sealant to protect them.

3. Cleaning Laminate Cabinets

Laminates do not need extra care and maintenance. To wipe these cabinets, you can use a cloth with diluted vinegar or an all-purpose cleaner.

Dry with a clean cloth thoroughly. Do not use abrasive material on the laminate surface to avoid scratches.

4. Cleaning Glass Cabinets

Some cabinets are made by mixing them with glass. Cleaning glass is easy, but be careful that the cleaner you are using does not damage the nearby material.

Other marks and fingerprints can be cleaned using a glass cleaner and a polishing cloth. To clean glass cabinets, avoid using oil cleaners because they can leave marks on the glass.

When to Clean Cabinets

Weekly Cleaning

The best way to clean kitchen cabinets is to clean them weekly. Spray all-purpose cleaner on a cloth and wipe the cabinets and their handles with it. It will remove fingerprints, spillage, and other marks.

Yearly Cleaning

Once in a year, deep clean your kitchen cabinets 3 to 4 times. This will take longer, but you will get a clean and sanitized kitchen. You have to keep out all the contents of the cabinets.

Use a mild cleanser to mop all the areas of the cabinets. You can use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach places. Completely dry it before putting back the contents.

Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets

Dos

The dos of cleaning kitchen cabinets are:

Do Apply a Mild Cleaner

Using abrasive materials and brushes will damage the finish of your kitchen cabinets. A homemade solution of soap and water is best because there are no harsh chemicals that can damage your cabinets.

The mixture of vinegar and water is also a safe solution to clean them. Use warm water to remove the hard layer of grease easily. Pour the cleaner into a spray bottle to use it easily.

Do Apply a Toothbrush to Clean Hard-To-Reach Spaces

Many cabinets come with designs on their surfaces. So, there are spaces that are not accessible with only a mop. These spaces can be cleaned using a toothbrush and gently rubbing with it.

Do Clean the Cleaning Solution with A Wet Cloth

After using any cleaning solution on the surface of the cabinets, clean them with another wet cloth to remove the residues of the cleaner.

Do Apply Baking Soda on Stubborn Stains

When you have finished cleaning kitchen cabinets, some stains are left uncleaned because they are stubborn.

A paste of baking soda can be used on that area. Put the paste on the stained area for a few minutes and use a soft brush to scrub it.

Don’ts

The don’ts of cleaning kitchen cabinets are:

Don’t Apply a Soaked Cloth onto Cabinets

Always apply cleaner on the cabinets by spraying the cleaner on the cloth. Use that cloth on the cabinets. The cloth must not be fully soaked because too much water ruins the cabinet’s surface. Use a clean cloth to dry the surface.

Don’t Apply Water onto The Cabinet’s Hinges

The cleaning solution might be safe for your cabinet’s material but do not apply it on the hinges of your cabinets because they will get rust with moisture. Always prevent water from running onto the hinges and clean them with a dry cloth.

Don’t Forget to Clean the Glass

Some kitchen cabinets are made with glass material. Keep in mind to clean it because marks of spills and fingerprints will not look good on it. Spray vinegar mixture or any glass cleaner onto it and wipe it with a paper towel.

Don’t Skip Cleaning the Cabinets Frequently

Once a year, empty all your cabinets and clean them thoroughly. Throw away the items that are expired and clean the jars and containers.

Before keeping the contents back in the cabinets, ensure all the surfaces and containers are completely dry.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

How to Clean Grease from Kitchen Cabinets?

Mild grease can be easily removed by applying a cloth of dish soap and warm water onto the cabinets. A hard layer of grease can be cleaned by applying a baking soda paste. Scrub the baking soda on the stained area with a brush.

How to Clean Sticky Wood Cabinets?

Make a mixture of one cup of water, two tablespoons of baking soda, and one teaspoon of white toothpaste and apply it to the cabinets with a sponge. Wash with a wet cloth.

Can you Use Murphy Oil Soap to Clean Kitchen Cabinets?

Murphy oil soap can clean kitchen cabinets because it is safe for wood, laminate, and other materials.

Is This Possible to Clean Greasy Painted Cabinets?

Make a solution by mixing one part baking soda, two parts warm water, and drops of lemon juice. Pour the solution into a spray bottle. Use it to clean greasy painted cabinets. It is safe for painted surfaces and clean without damaging them.

Why Does a Sticky Layer Come on Kitchen Cabinets After Cleaning?

While cleaning kitchen cabinets, some cleaners leave sticky residues. The steam of cooking also creates a layer of grease on the surface. This layer damages the cabinets and looks unpleasant.

Final Thoughts

Kitchen cabinets suffer accidental spills, splashes of oil, and fingerprints. You must clean every corner of your kitchen cabinets every week so that the dirt and grease do not get hard.

Once a year, deep clean your cabinets by emptying all the contents of the cabinets. Do not use harsh chemicals to prevent damage. Always look for safe cleaners for your kitchen cabinets.

Follow the instruction given in this article to learn how to clean kitchen cabinets and get rid of dirty and greasy layers from the surface.