Before you begin, read through the steps and ensure you have all of the necessary cleaning supplies on hand. We used common household supplies, like vinegar and baking soda. You’ll also want to double-check what cabinet material you’re working with. The difference between wood and laminate, for example, can sometimes be tricky to spot. Consult your cabinet owner’s manual or speak with a cabinet professional if you’re unsure.
When to Clean Your Kitchen Cabinets
We recommend a two-part cabinet cleaning method that incorporates both weekly and seasonal touch-ups to save time and energy.
Weekly: Instead of frequently wiping down cabinets, the best way to clean kitchen cabinets is with a weekly spot treatment. Just spray a multi-purpose cleaner on a microfiber cloth, and wipe away fingerprints, spatters, and other marks. Make sure to disinfect the hardware, too. Seasonally: Give your cabinets a deep clean three or four times per year. To do so, empty the cabinets of all contents. Then dab a microfiber cloth with a mild cleanser. Wipe down the shelves and the inside and outside of the door. Use a clean toothbrush to treat the corners and other small crevices. Let dry completely before restocking.
How to Remove Stains on Kitchen Cabinets
Your cabinets are home to various items and ingredients. They also get a lot of daily use. Here are some of the most common kitchen cabinet stains and how to remove them.
Fingerprints: The oily residue on fingers can leave unsightly marks on cabinet doors and hardware. Cleaning kitchen cabinets with vinegar will easily remove fingerprints. Dampen a cloth in a 50-50 solution of water and vinegar, apply to the prints, and buff clean with a polishing cloth. Grease: Cabinets directly above the range are most prone to grease stains. But cleaning kitchen cabinet grease isn’t tricky. Like oil-based fingerprints, you can clean greasy kitchen cabinets with diluted vinegar. Since these stains are likely larger than a fingerprint, you might need to repeat the process several times to fully get rid of grease on cabinets. Food splatters: Maybe a squirt of ketchup landed in the wrong spot, or a countertop spill trickled down to the base cabinets. Whatever the scenario, wipe up food messes as soon as possible with a damp cloth before cleaning kitchen cabinets with baking soda. This is especially true if you’re working with a porous material, like wood. You don’t want to give the stain a chance to set in. Then, apply a paste of baking soda and water to the spot. Let sit for a few minutes, then wipe away. Polish the area with a clean cloth. Water stains: If you have hard water, water stains on cabinets can be a common problem when cleaning kitchen cabinets. The best way to prevent water spots is to switch tap water for distilled water whenever you clean your cabinets. Scuffs: Remove scuffs caused by shoes, tables, or chairs with a soft eraser. Gently rub the eraser along the mark, then wipe away the residue with a clean cloth. This trick is especially handy for cleaning white kitchen cabinets.
How to Clean Painted Cabinets
Painted cabinets are a common feature in kitchens. They’re an easy way to inject new color and warmth into a space without a total remodel. But like any other paint project, painted cabinets require some maintenance to look their best. Follow these tips to clean painted kitchen cabinets: After several years of wear, consider repainting the cabinets once the paint starts to chip.
How to Clean Wood Cabinets
It can be tough to determine the best way to clean wood kitchen cabinets because they come in many different finishes with various seals. Some seals are more forgiving than others but stick with gentle cleaners on wood cabinets to be safe. Follow these tips to learn how to clean wood kitchen cabinets:
How to Clean Laminate Cabinets
Laminate is very forgiving. The material responds well to most cleaners and requires little maintenance beyond weekly wipe downs. Follow these tips to clean laminate cabinets:
How to Clean Glass Cabinets
Glass cabinets are often mixed with another material, such as wood or laminate, to create a paned door. Though the glass is simple to clean, make sure you choose an agent that won’t harm the adjacent cabinet material. Follow these tips to clean glass cabinets:
