When it comes to cleaning the kitchen, most homeowners focus on the big three: the sink, counters, and floors.
It’s easy to forget that the kitchen cabinets need regular attention too, especially the doors. Every day, cabinets collect tiny droplets of cooking grease, food splatters, and steam. This mess, in turn, attracts dust and results in dingy, dull, or streaked finishes.
Although it may seem tedious, cleaning kitchen cabinets is neither difficult nor does it require the use of strong, toxic chemicals. Whether your cabinets are painted or finished wood, you only need a bit of effort and a few common ingredients to make them shine.
Let’s explore a few essentials of what to do and what to avoid when deep cleaning cabinets.
Prepare to Clean Your Cabinets
The first step is to get your custom cabinets prepped and ready for cleaning day. Begin by removing all items from your cabinets to ensure you can each into every corner with ease. Here’s a pro-tip: take this opportunity to sort through and discard any unused or expired items.
Next, gather all the necessary cleaning products before you start. You’ll need:
- Soft cloths or microfiber towels
- Non-abrasive sponges
- Warm water
- White vinegar
- Mild dish soap
- Gentle all-purpose cleaners.
Having all these items on hand streamlines the cleaning process and prevents disruptions.
What to Do When Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets
Taking care of your kitchen cabinets can prolong their lifespan and keep them looking their best. Here’s how to do it the right way.
1. Dust Regularly
Dust your cabinets regularly to prevent buildup. Use a soft cloth to wipe down surfaces and pay special attention to corners and crevices where dirt tends to accumulate. Regular dusting can help minimize the need for more intensive cleaning sessions.
2. Use Warm Water
Warm water helps dissolve grease and grime on cabinet surfaces without damaging the finish. You can use it alone, or with a mild dish soap for an efficient, gentle clean.
3. Vinegar and Water Solution
For hardened grease or stubborn stains, mix equal parts of vinegar and water to create a natural cleaning solution. Vinegar’s acidity can help break down grime without the need for harsh chemicals.
4. Use Soft Cloths or Sponges
Always use soft cloths or sponges to clean cabinets. Hard or abrasive materials can scratch and damage the surface, so opt for gentle cleaning tools that won’t damage the finish.
5. Clean Handles, Knobs, and Hinges
Handles, knobs, and hinges often accumulate dirt and grease. Clean these areas thoroughly with a neutral cleaner or a vinegar solution. Regular attention to these hardware components helps your cabinets look clean and function smoothly.
6. Grab a Fresh Towel
Leaving wet cabinets to air dry can damage or bubble the finish/paint. Use a dry, soft cloth or towel to dry off damp surfaces immediately.
7. Use Gentle Cleaners
Opt for gentle, non-abrasive cleaners. Harsh chemicals can strip the finish and damage cabinets. Look for cleaners specifically designed for the type of cabinets you have. Here’s a pro-tip: if you’re not sure what cleaner to use, contact your Holland’s Custom Cabinets client manager.
8. Wipe Spills Immediately
Address spills as soon as they occur to prevent staining and sticky buildup. Immediate action can save you from dealing with tougher, more stubborn stains later on.
9. Test Cleaners on a Small Area First
Before using any cleaner on your entire cabinet, test it on a small, inconspicuous area. It’s a great way to make sure the cleaner doesn’t damage the finish or cause any discoloration.
10. Follow the Grain on Wooden Cabinets
When cleaning wooden kitchen cabinets, always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaking and maintain the wood’s natural appearance.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets
While it’s important to know the best practices for kitchen cabinet cleaning, it’s equally essential to be aware of what not to do.
1. Don’t Use Chemicals and Abrasives
Steer clear of harsh chemicals and abrasive materials that can damage the cabinet surface. Cleaners with strong chemicals can strip the finish, while abrasive pads can leave scratches. Opt for gentle cleaners and soft cloths to preserve the integrity of your cabinets.
2. Don’t Soak Cabinets with Water
Avoid using excessive water as it can seep into the wood and cause damage. Damp cloths are usually sufficient for cleaning most surfaces. Excess water can lead to warping and other moisture-related issues, especially with wooden cabinets.
3. Don’t Let Water Seep into the Hinges
Your cleaning mixture may be safe for painted wood and laminate but it’s most likely not suitable for cabinet hinges. Allowing water to seep into the hinges can lead to rush and damage.
To clean the metal parts, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away dust and grime. For particularly greasy or dirty spots, spray a small amount of cleaning solution onto the cloth–just a drop or two–and gently scrub the area. Immediately dry the metal with the cloth.
4. Don’t Forget to Clean the Glass Fronts
For cabinets with glass insets, spray a clean cloth with your vinegar mixture or a commercial glass cleaner. Wipe the glass thoroughly on both sides to remove dried food splatters, grease, and other kitchen grime.
Glass is fairly easy to clean, but you may need to tackle some spots twice to eliminate them. Do not use anything abrasive on the glass to prevent scratches. Once you’ve finished cleaning, wipe the panels dry to ensure a streak-free shine.
5. Don’t Use Excessive Force
Clean gently to avoid damaging cabinet surfaces or loosening hardware. Excessive scrubbing or forceful cleaning can cause scratches and damage. A gentle touch is usually sufficient to clean effectively without harming the cabinets.
6. Don’t Let Grease Build Up
Left unnoticed, grease buildup can harden and become more difficult to remove. Grease can attract dirt and dust, making your cabinets look grimy and affecting their functionality. Immediate attention to grease spots will keep your cabinets cleaner in the long run.
Special Considerations for Different Cabinet Types
Different cabinet types require specific cleaning approaches to maintain their appearance. Here are some tips tailored to the most common cabinet types.
Wood Cabinets
Wood cabinets require a fair amount of care and maintenance to stay in good shape.
- Use a wood-specific cleaner designed to protect and nourish the wood.
- Always follow the grain of the wood when wiping down the surface to avoid streaks and damage.
- Only use a damp cloth to clean wood cabinets. Excessive moisture can seep into the wood and result in warping.
- Remember to dry the surface thoroughly afterward.
Laminate Cabinets
Laminate cabinets are generally easier to clean than wood.
- Opt for a mild cleaner that’s safe for laminate surfaces.
- Avoid abrasive tools that can scratch or damage the laminate. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth or sponge will keep laminate cabinets looking fresh and new.
Painted Cabinets
Painted cabinets need gentle handling to avoid damage to the paint.
- Try mixing one part water with two parts baking soda for an easy, budget-friendly spot cleaner.
- Dab the paste onto the stains, let it sit for a few minutes to break down the grime, and wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Finish off by buffing out any remaining residue with a clean, dry cloth to restore the cabinet’s shine.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know what to do and what not to do, you can start cleaning your kitchen cabinets with confidence. With these tips, you’ll be able to do so with less chance of causing damage–and the job will be much easier.
Do you have more questions about cleaning your kitchen cabinets? The team at Holland’s Custom Cabinets is happy to answer them. As a leading provider of custom cabinetry and creative living essentials, we create tailor-made storage solutions with eye-catching details. Get in touch with us to know more!
