Best Wood Cabinet Cleaners

Your kitchen is a busy place, and messes can reach every part of it, including your cabinets. When it comes time to clean the mess off your kitchen cabinets, you might be hesitant, not wanting to ruin them without knowing the best cabinet cleaner for wood. After all, choosing the wrong cabinet degreaser could negatively impact the finish of your kitchen cabinet doors. 

Fortunately, plenty of friendly wood cabinet cleaners are out there, and cleaning your wood cabinets is not stressful when you know what to look for. To help you keep your kitchen in its best shape, we at CabinetDoors.com are here to explore how to clean your kitchen cabinets, the best cleaner for your kitchen cabinets, and the best way to clean your kitchen cabinets.

What to Look for in a Wood Cabinet Cleaner

When shopping for a wood cabinet cleaner, you'll want something gentle yet effective. The formula shouldn't contain any harsh chemicals or abrasive ingredients to ensure it doesn't impact the integrity of the wood. The cabinet cleaner should also be effective enough to eliminate grease, grime, and stains. Lastly, it helps if the wood cabinet cleaner has conditioning elements. A product that cleans and polishes the wood can preserve the cabinet finish and won't dry out the wood. 

Different Types of Cabinet Cleaners: An Overview

There are many different types of cabinet cleaners. Some can be used on multiple surfaces, while others are designed to allow you to take a more targeted approach. Here's how the different types of cleaners compare.

All-Purpose Cleaners

All-purpose cleaners are a kitchen staple. They can be used on multiple surfaces and are a relatively affordable cleaner for around the house. However, these cleaners don't provide wood-specific care and can dry out your wood cabinets if used too frequently.

Specialty Wood Cleaners

The best wood cabinet cleaner is one that is specifically formulated for wood. These formulas are designed to help restore shine and maintain your cabinet finish. Some also leave behind a nice shine that enhances the natural beauty of the wood type.

DIY/Home Remedies

DIY remedies are the most affordable and versatile option you can find. These cabinet cleaners are suitable for wood and can help target your unique concerns, like grease built up and tough stains. The following home remedies are great for removing kitchen-related stains and don’t contain any harsh, abrasive chemicals. 

• Dish soap: Dish soap is easily the best cabinet degreaser for kitchen cabinets. Most of the build-up on your cabinet doors is grease from cooking or food preparation, and dish soap is specially designed to remove grease from your dishes. To use dish soap as a homemade wood cabinet cleaner, squirt a small amount of dish soap into a large bowl or bucket and fill it with warm water. Use a non-abrasive sponge or a cloth to clean your doors with this DIY cabinet cleaner.

• Vinegar: If your cabinets have a thicker, sticky residue, you may need something acidic, like vinegar, to cut through. Mix one part of distilled white vinegar with two parts of warm water in a spray bottle, then mist it onto the cabinet surface. Don’t fully soak your cabinets, and don’t let the vinegar sit for too long. 

• Baking soda: You can tackle the toughest stains, like splattered tomato sauce, with a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply it to the problem area with an old toothbrush or sponge and lightly scrub. Be careful not to scrub too hard or damage the cabinet doors. 

The Best Wood Cabinet Cleaners

There are many different types of wood cabinet cleaners on the market. Here are three of the best products to consider:

• Murphy’s Oil Soap: This is considered one of the best wood cabinet cleaners on the market. It's affordable and 98% derived from natural ingredients. After applying, it leaves behind a nice natural shine.

• Bona Cabinet Cleaner: A highly effective wood cabinet cleaner that doesn't leave behind a greasy residue. It's also non-toxic and fast-drying.

• Weiman Cabinet and Wood Cleaner: This lightly scented wood cleaner is formulated to eliminate dirt and grime while restoring your wood's natural shine.

DIY Wood Cabinet Cleaners

You can also create your own DIY wood cabinet cleaner. This is a great way to cut costs or to create a safe, effective wood cleaner with ingredients you already have around the house. Some options include:

• Vinegar and Olive Oil Solution: Vinegar and olive oil are wood-safe ingredients that can help boost shine and eliminate dirt or grime.

• Dish Soap and Water: You can dilute the soap with water to create a sprayable mixture that helps cut grease effectively.

When creating your own DIY wood cabinet cleaners, it's always best to test the formula on a small portion on the back of the cabinet door before spraying it over your entire cabinet. 

Maintaining Wood Cabinets After Cleaning

Proper cabinet care can help preserve the integrity of your cabinets and the natural wood. This is the best way to ensure your wood cabinets maintain a pristine finish. Here are some tips and tricks for cabinet door maintenance:

• Use a cabinet polish to restore shine.

• Install cabinet liners to prevent spills or water damage

• Install curtains to limit direct exposure to sunlight

• Avoid overusing cleaning products

• Regularly dust your cabinets to avoid dust buildup

• Refinish cabinets every few years for added protection

Keep Your Kitchen Cabinets in Their Best Shape

Knowing what wood cabinet cleaner to use for your kitchen will go a long way toward preserving the life of your cabinets. However, if your cabinets need more than a deep clean, consider replacement cabinet doors from CabinetDoors.com.

Take some time to explore our selection before learning about our easy ordering process and making your order. If you have questions at any point, contact us through our website, call our team at 800-342-1010, or email us at sales@cabinetdoors.com. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Cleaners

How often should I clean my kitchen cabinets?

You should clean your cabinets at least once every one to two weeks using gentle soap and water. You should apply a cabinet door conditioner to restore shine every six months.

Can I use vinegar on all types of wood cabinets?

You’ll need to be careful when using vinegar on wood. While it can help eliminate sticky buildup and grease, it’s also extremely acidic. That means it’s not always suitable for wood with a sealant. If you're using a vinegar and olive oil solution, ensure the vinegar is diluted enough before applying it to your cabinets. We recommend doing a test piece before applying it to the entire door.

What is the best cleaner for greasy kitchen cabinets?

Regular everyday dish soap is a great gentle grease fighter. Simply apply the soap using warm water and a microfiber cloth for the best results.