How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets

We mop our floors regularly. We wipe down our countertops. We shine our stainless steel appliances and we disinfect the eating surfaces in our kitchens. But what about our kitchen cabinets? When you’re taking time to spruce up the kitchen, are you paying attention to them as well? Maybe you’re wondering how to clean kitchen cabinets so that they remain looking like new and last long as well.

Indeed, your cabinets require attention to remain in good condition, especially the surfaces that are regularly exposed to dirt and grease, like the doors and drawer fronts. Splattering food can leave marks on your cabinets. Steam from boiling water can dull the surface. And, certainly, grease can leave a big mess on your kitchen cabinets.

In actuality, cleaning your cabinets isn’t a difficult task, though it can consume a good amount of time, especially if you have a large kitchen with lots of cabinets. But if you clean them often and care for them correctly, the job shouldn’t take nearly as long as if you were doing this task only once or twice a year. Here’s how.

The best ways to clean kitchen cabinets

By following a few simple guidelines, you’ll be able to see a huge difference in the appearance of your cabinets after you clean them.

• Choose the right cleaning solution 

You shouldn’t use anything too harsh on your cabinets. The wrong cleaning solution can really damage the finish or paint on your kitchen cabinets. Making your own solution is ideal. Just mix two parts of hot water with one part of a mild dish detergent. You can also consider using two parts water to one part distilled vinegar if you prefer. Always use hot water because the warmer temperature cuts the grime more easily. Once you have it mixed, put it in a spray bottle and you’re ready to begin.

• Don’t get them too wet 

Water is not necessarily your cabinets’ best friend. Don’t wipe them down with a soaking wet sponge or cloth! Instead, spray your cleaning mixture onto a soft rag or a microfiber cloth until it’s damp but not too wet. Too much moisture can easily damage the finish of the cabinet. Once you’ve dampened the cloth, simply wipe down each cabinet from top to bottom. If the cabinets have flat doors, the task is especially easy. If they are a little more ornate, be sure to get in all the nooks and crannies where dust and dirt accumulates.

• Consider special tools for cracks and crevices 

While a soft rag or microfiber cloth will get the job done in most cases, If you have fancy cabinets with a lot of trim or other design, you may need a smaller, more concentrated tool to get the grease and dirt out of crevices. For that, consider a small nail brush or toothbrush. You can simply dip those tools into your cleaning solution and then gently scrub those areas. Make sure the bristles aren’t hard or stiff as, once again, they could damage the finish on your kitchen cabinets.

• Be careful of the hinges 

Try to avoid spraying your solution on the hinges, where it could cause rust. If you do happen to get them wet, be sure to dry them thoroughly at the completion of the task.

• Give them a final rinse and dry 

After you’ve wiped down the cabinets with your solution, do one more pass with a cloth that’s dampened with just water. This eliminates any cleaning solution that could be left behind. Then dry them with a soft, clean cloth and buff them with the same cloth to give them some extra shine. Don’t allow your kitchen cabinets to air dry as it could bubble the finish.

• If they don’t look clean, try baking soda 

If cabinets still seem to have some residual dirt or grease on them, consider cleaning those areas with a mixture made of one part baking soda and two parts water. Dab this paste onto the dirty spots, let sit for about 5 minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth, scrubbing gently if necessary. Wipe away any remaining baking soda with a clean damp cloth and then dry the cabinet.

• Clean the interior 

The insides of your kitchen cabinets won’t need to be cleaned as often as the exterior. But when you’re ready to do this, empty them completely and wipe down your shelves or shelf liners and the insides of drawers. You can use the same gentle cleaning solution you used for the cabinet doors and drawer fronts.

At www.mrcabinetcare.com, we’ll offer you plenty of tips on how to best care for the top-quality cabinets and cabinet doors we install. Following these steps will prolong the life of your cabinets and keep them looking their best. For more information on all of our cabinet options, contact us today!