Kitchen Cabinets: How to Clean Them Properly

The kitchen is often considered to be the heart of the home, and the wooden cabinetry plays a crucial role in keeping up its appearance and functionality. Keeping clean kitchen cabinets is a good idea when you want to extend their lifespan, maintain their beauty, and keep a sanitary kitchen. In this article, we share how to clean kitchen cabinets properly along with the supplies you’ll need to keep them neat and tidy at all times. 

Why You Need to Clean Wood Kitchen Cabinets

We all know that wood cabinets will accumulate grease, food particles, and dust, which can result in damaged or dull surfaces. Giving them a good clean will maintain their original shine and make sure they stay hygienic and safe for you to cook around. The best way to clean wooden cabinets will involve using a gentle but effective cleaning method. 

Below, we outline the steps to take whenever you want to clean your kitchen cabinets. Keep in mind that you’ll need non-abrasive products to limit the damage to your wood and its protective finish. 

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you start cleaning your cabinets, you first need to get the following supplies.

• Cleaning Solution: Make sure you use a 2:1 solution made up of warm water and mild dish soap which will work for most cabinet surfaces or a 2:1 solution made up of water and baking soda for stuck and tough stains. Alternatively, you can use an all-purpose cleaner or a specially formulated solution like a wood cleaner. 
• Spray Bottle: To put your cleaning solution inside.
• Microfiber Cloth: Look for a microfiber cloth since it is gentle on wood surfaces and traps dirt and dust without scratching wood; you can also use a plain, clean cloth.  
• Soft Sponge: Used to gently scrub grime and stains away from cabinet surfaces.
• Toothbrush: Can help to clean hard-to-reach areas such as corners. 
• Lint-Free Cloth: This will be useful for drying cabinet surfaces after cleaning. 

2. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution 

Using the right cleaning products for your wooden cabinets is an essential part of keeping them protected and clean. While many other guides will tell you that using a white vinegar solution is safe for cleaning painted, sealed, or finished wood surfaces, it can corrode the finish or paint of your cabinets since it’s acidic. Sticking to mild dish soap and warm water or some baking soda as mentioned above is the best way to maintain the wood finish on your cabinets. 

3. Removing the Cabinet’s Contents

This optional step involves removing all the contents of your cabinets, including cooking utensils, dishware, cups, foods, and appliances. It also means removing any hardware which includes knobs, handles, and drawer pulls but this step isn’t necessary when doing daily cleaning. You can use this opportunity to inspect your cabinets and hardware for any signs of damage or wear; you can also look at the drawers for dents, scratches, or places that may need a touch-up. 

4. Cleaning Your Cabinets 

Now is the time to get started with cleaning your cabinets and the included hardware; below are a few things to keep in mind. 

• Test the Cleaning Solution: Before committing to applying the cleaning solution you have, you need to test it on a hidden area first. Apply the solution over a discreet and small area of the cabinet. Gently wipe it away using a sponge or soft cloth and observe any negative reactions such as damage or discoloration of the finish. 
• Cleaning Your Cabinets: Start at the top of your cabinets and slowly work your way down. Doing this will prevent dirty water from dripping over areas you’ve already cleaned. 
• Attack Tough Stains with Baking Soda: When it’s time to tackle stubborn stains, be sure to use your baking soda solution with a toothbrush to scrub away grime. While you’re dealing with tough stains, be sure to follow the grain of your wood to avoid scratches on the surface. 
• Soak and Clean the Cabinet Hardware: Any metal hardware that’s greasy or dirty should be soaked in a 2:1 solution of warm water and white vinegar for a few minutes. This will help to loosen grime and dirt, making it easier to scrub and wipe. 

5. Drying Your Cabinets

It’s essential to dry your wood cabinets and the included hardware immediately after it’s cleaned. This is because excess moisture can penetrate the wood, which can cause it to become warped or discolored. Moreover, it can result in damage to the metal hardware such as water spots or corrosion; as such, be sure to use a dry and clean lint-free cloth to remove the moisture from your wooden surfaces. 

Make sure that you pay special attention to crevices and corners where water can accumulate. Leaving these areas wet can lead to mildew and mold growth, which can result in cabinet damage as well as health risks. If you do decide to remove your cabinet’s contents and the hardware it comes with to give it a deep cleaning, you can replace everything after all the surfaces have dried.  

6. Applying Protective Polish

This optional step can be useful if you want to give your cabinets the extra shine and protection they need from grime and dust. 

• Choosing the Right Polish: You must look for an option that’s suitable for the specific type of wood or finish your cabinet has. Thankfully, there are many options for wood furniture, which will work on finished and sealed wood. 
• Test Your Polish on a Small Area: Just like you would with any solution you use, start by applying your polish over a small and hidden area on your cabinet. This will let you check for color changes or adverse reactions but if there are no issues, continue applying the polish. 
• Applying Your Polish: Most furniture polish manufacturers instruct that only a small amount should be applied; be sure to use a lint-free cloth and apply some over a small area of your cabinet. After applying it over the desired areas, gently buff the cabinet using a clean, dry cloth to help it distribute evenly and remove any excess to bring out a natural shine. Make sure to use gentle yet firm pressure while buffing and allow the polish to dry according to the included instructions. 

Cabinet Cleaning Tips to Follow

Be sure to avoid these common cleaning mistakes to keep your cabinets in top form. 

• Use a sponge or damp cloth rather than soaking your cabinets in water.
• Always look for a non-abrasive, gentle, and all-natural cleaner that’s been designed specifically for wooden surfaces. 
• Make sure not to scrub your cabinets too hard; instead, use gentle and circular motions to avoid damaging the surface. 
• Remember to always work in the same direction as the grain to ensure an effective and safe cleaning process. 

Conclusion 

Your kitchen cabinets may not always need regular cleaning but knowing how to do it once you notice dirt and grime can be useful. Just be sure to follow the guide above to ensure that your cabinets stay pristine and functional.

Sources 

• Cabinetdoor.store
• cabinetdoors.com
• cleaningtalk.com