How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets

You likely clean your kitchen daily after you cook, but are you giving your cabinet doors the same attention? Cleaning kitchen cabinets regularly is the best way to avoid a build-up of dirt or grime and keep your cabinet doors in good condition. 

With the right tools and materials, you can streamline the cleaning process and keep your cabinets looking new. Here are a few of the best ways to clean kitchen cabinets.

Why Clean Kitchen Cabinets Regularly?

Neglecting to clean grease build-up, dirt, or grime can lead to unwanted stains and discoloration. Over time, this can impact the look and feel of your cabinets and lower the value of your investment. Regularly cleaning cabinet doors can help preserve the wood finish and keep your kitchen clean, benefiting your health and hygiene. 

How to Clean Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Cleaning kitchen cabinet doors is a relatively straightforward process. You just need to ensure you have the right tools and materials available. You'll also want to clean the interior and exterior of the cabinets fully. Here's how to get started:

1. Grab Your Tools and Materials

You’ll want a few different tools readily available in your kitchen. This includes:

• Vacuum

• Bucket

• Sponge

• Old toothbrush

• Soft cloths

• Mild dish soap

• Water

• Baking soda

• Cabinet door wood cleaner

2. Empty the Cabinets and Drawers

Remove everything, including pots, pans, plates, silverware, and all the small items that tend to get lost in the back of the drawer. Once everything is out, give the cabinets and drawers a good vacuum. It will help remove any dust or crumbs that may have been lurking.

3. Clean with Soap and Water

The next step is cleaning the interiors and exteriors of your kitchen cabinets and drawers with soap and water. You can use a sponge or a soft cloth for this. If there are any stubborn stains, you can try mild dish soap. Be sure to rinse the cabinets and drawers thoroughly with water when you are finished. Once you finish the interiors, you can give the exteriors a wipe-down. Don’t forget to clean the cabinet door hardware as well. Ensure the interior and exterior are completely dry before moving on to avoid unwanted water damage.

4. Use Baking Soda for a Deep Clean

You can move to deep cleaning once the cabinets and drawers are clean. Baking soda is a natural way to deodorize and disinfect them. Sprinkle some baking soda inside and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it. 

Consider applying a conditioner or polish if you have solid wood cabinet doors. This will help restore the wood’s natural shine.

5. Reorganize

The final step is to reorganize your cabinets and drawers. This is an excellent time to eliminate any items you no longer need or use. Be sure to put everything back logically to find what you need when needed.

Tips for Specific Cabinet Types

When investing in cleaning supplies, you should always consider the unique needs of your cabinets. Some materials are more sensitive to water, cleaners, and harsh chemicals. Here's how they compare:

• Wood Cabinets: For solid wood cabinets, you'll want to avoid excessive water to prevent warping. After cleaning the cabinets, use a microfiber cloth to dry the interiors and exteriors, ensuring everything is completely dry. You'll want to use wood-safe cleaners or cleaners formulated specifically for wood for the best results.

• Painted Cabinets: Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can chip or strip the paint on your cabinet doors. To avoid this, you'll want to test cleaning solutions on a small, hidden area before you clean the exterior. Also, use products like a gentle soap or baking soda for the best results.

• Laminate Cabinets: Laminate cabinets can easily scratch if you aren't careful or aggressive when cleaning. You'll want to avoid non-abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals to prevent scratches when cleaning them. Instead, stick to a soft microfiber cloth or a sponge for the best results.

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Preventive Maintenance Tips

Daily maintenance and prevention are key to extending the longevity of your cabinet door investment. To keep your cabinets in mint condition, you'll want to:

• Clean spills immediately to prevent stains

• Clean the cabinet doors and handles weekly with a microfiber cloth

• Plan a monthly deep clean

• Use a degreaser to remove unwanted grease

• Dust regularly to avoid build-up

• Use cabinet liners to protect shelves

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning how to clean your cabinet doors, it's always best to be mindful of the products you use and how often you prioritize your cleaning routine. Here are some common mistakes homeowners make when trying to keep their cabinet doors clean:

• Using cleaners made with harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers

• Over-saturating wood with water

• Ignoring grease build-up on the cabinet door exteriors or handles

• Avoiding cleaning the interiors

• Scrubbing too hard when trying to remove grease build-up

• Using too much water when cleaning

• Skipping the cabinet door hardware

Keep Cleaning Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Cleaning kitchen cabinets and drawers is a great way to organize and eliminate any items you no longer need. Just be sure to follow the steps above and choose the right cleaner for your cabinets and the tips for cleaning them. With some elbow grease, your kitchen will be sparkling clean quickly. Check out other great DIY tips from the CabinetDoors.com blog.

If you’re interested in replacing your cabinet doors all together, browse our selection today!