By Jolie Kerr
For The Washington Post
Cabinets provide essential storage and are a focal point in kitchens, but for all the time we spend using them and looking at them, cleaning them is a job that’s easy to neglect. It’s worth doing, however, because keeping cabinet fronts clean will improve the appearance of your kitchen, and deep cleaning them at least annually will make your kitchen more functional.
While cleaning kitchen cabinets may seem like a straightforward job — a quick wipe here, maybe rearrange some canned goods there — there are many things that can go wrong. Ahead, you’ll find everything (and then some!) you need to know about cleaning and caring for your kitchen cabinets.
Different cabinet finishes require different cleaning methods
When it comes to both routine maintenance and deep cleaning, it’s important to know the material and fabrication of the cabinets to avoid costly or irreversible damage.
“Popular finish choices include paint, stained wood or laminate finishes,” says Katie Dills, brand president of the Cleaning Authority; these materials are often also used to frame glass-front cabinets. Because cabinet materials can look similar to others, but the cleaning methods may differ, it’s crucial to review the manufacturer’s guidance for maintenance and cabinet cleaning tips; if you are unsure of the material type, consult a cabinet professional before performing routine cabinet maintenance or deep cleaning kitchen cabinets.
The best cleaner for cabinet fronts is already in your kitchen
It’s dish soap.
“For most surfaces, a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap will suffice,” says Kathy Cohoon, an operations manager at Two Maids. “Dip a soft cloth or sponge into your cleaning solution, wring out any excess liquid and gently wipe down the exterior of your cabinets.” Before using any type of cleaning agent, however, Carylanne Brown, a customer happiness team lead at Grove Collaborative, says, “Be sure to test any new cleaning method or products in an inconspicuous area to ensure surfaces react as expected and desired.”
The do’s and don’ts of different cabinet materials
Dish soap is the universal cabinet cleaner, but there are other particulars to know about cleaning different types of cabinets.
Wood cabinets, painted cabinets and stained painted cabinets: If you have wood cabinets of any type, clean them with soft rags, sponges and/or brushes and avoid the use of any abrasive cleaning tools. “Whether you have wood with stain or a painted cabinet, coarse brushes can scratch and chip the surface,” Dills says. “Some surfaces will be more durable, but in most cases, you’ll want to choose softer options.”
Mild cleaning solutions are best, too. “Avoid harsh, abrasive products like bleach or other strong cleaners, as this can cause staining or discoloration,” Dills says. “For wood finishes specifically, you also want to avoid the use of vinegar as the acidity can damage the wood.”
Laminate cabinets: Laminate kitchen cabinets are quick to pick up grease and food debris, and need to be cleaned more frequently than other types of cabinetry. They are also prone to water damage, so “make sure you thoroughly dry your cabinets after cleaning them, as the laminate can crack or warp after long exposure to water,” Dills says. To prevent scratches and other cosmetic damage, “avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub brushes that can scratch the surface,” Cohoon says. “Also, stay clear of ammonia-based cleaners, as they can cause discoloration.”
Glass cabinets: Glass-front kitchen cabinets can be cleaned using a commercial glass cleaner or a DIY cleaning solution, but always make sure the cleaner is safe to use on the framing material to avoid damage. Apply the solution to the glass s using a microfiber cloth and, for a streak-free shine, use a squeegee to wick the cleaning solution off of the glass. “Avoid using abrasive cleaners or rough materials that can scratch the glass,” Cohoon says. “Also, be gentle when cleaning to avoid damaging any delicate hardware or trim.”
Dealing with dust on kitchen cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are a sneaky source of dust buildup in the home, and this is especially true if the cabinets don’t go to the ceiling. Lining the tops of cabinets with removable paper, such as newspaper, brown paper from paper bags or wax paper, is an easy way to keep cabinet tops clean. The liner will catch dust and absorb grease, and it can simply be picked up, thrown away and replaced at regular intervals.
To clean cabinets that are mounted high on the wall, use a telescoping duster, which allows you to easily clean hard-to-reach places where dust builds up outside our line of sight. A vacuum cleaner fitted with a soft dusting attachment can also make quick work of eliminating dust on cabinets. Always dust the surface of cabinets before applying liquid cleaning agents to prevent micro-scratches caused by dirt and dust particles.
Greasy buildup on kitchen cabinets will happen. Here’s what to know.
The best argument to be made in favor of cleaning kitchen cabinet fronts regularly is that doing so prevents sticky buildup from cooking oil from forming. Once it forms, however, you will need something stronger than dish soap to remove it.
Start with something gentle that is safe for all finishes, Cohoon says. “For stubborn grease spots, you can make a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the specific areas and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the grease. Then, gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge before wiping clean with warm, soapy water.” However, this mild solution may not be enough to cut through dried-on residue from cooking oils.
“I would recommend using a good degreaser spray to remove grease from your cabinets,” Brown says. “Just spray directly on the grease spot, let the product sit or soak based on the directions and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.” Be sure to test the product first to make sure it won’t damage the finish and, when using a degreasing cleaning agent, follow usage guidelines provided by the manufacturer, paying particular attention to the recommended amount of time the product needs to work.
A six-step method to deep cleaning kitchen cabinets
Keeping door fronts clean and free of fingerprints, splatters and residue from cooking oil is only half the battle — the interior and tops of kitchen cabinets need to be cleaned, too. Experts recommend deep cleaning kitchen cabinets at least annually, but ideally two to four times a year.
Remove all items: For deep cleaning kitchen cabinets, including cleaning inside the cabinets, “You’ll want to start this process by removing all items from your cabinets,” Cohoon says. “This not only makes it easier to clean but also allows you to declutter and organize your items as you put them back later.”
Dust and/or vacuum: Use a dry microfiber cloth or telescoping microfiber duster to dust the cabinet fronts before applying liquid cleaning agents. “Dust can create an abrasive surface that leads to scratching,” Dills says. “Use a hose extension tool from your vacuum to suck up any crumbs and debris. Then wipe the inside of the cabinets down with a damp cloth.”
Clean the cabinet fronts: Clean the facing of the cabinets using a microfiber cloth and a cleaning agent that is safe for use on the material type.
Clean the hardware: “ to apply your cleaning solution to any designs or hardware,” Dills says. “Your knobs, in particular, need attention as they will collect natural oils, dirt and bacteria due to being touched so often. Because most hinges and knobs can be screwed on and off, you can even remove the hardware to make sure you clean them properly.”
Clean inside the cabinets: “Wipe down the shelves, walls and any other surfaces with your chosen cleaning solution and a soft cloth or sponge,” Cohoon says. For tough spots, apply the cleaning solution to a non-scratch scouring pad to gently scour caked-on grease and grime. “Grease spots can be spot-treated with degreaser spray and wiped clean with a microfiber cloth,” Brown says.
Dry the cabinets and put everything away: “Your last step should be to dry up any wetness or moisture from your cleaning process,” Dills says, because water residue can leave spots and cause damage to cabinets. “Now that your cabinets are clean,” Cohoon says, “take the opportunity to organize your items as you put them back inside.”
