How To Clean Your Kitchen Cabinets – Detailed Guide By Expert!

Do you remember when was the last time since you last deep cleaned your kitchen cabinets, and then you got too busy? Now you have some guests coming over who might stay for vacations, and then they will also use your kitchen.

So many things like these run in your mind when you take a deep look at kitchen cabinets, but what if you have no idea where to begin when it comes to cleaning your kitchen cabinets? You are anxious enough that what if they notice every single corner of your kitchen cabinets and see how clean and hygienic you have kept your kitchen? So come out of your comfort zone and reserve a day for your kitchen cabinets cleaning.

Kitchen cabinets may appear to be simple to clean. Still, you may encounter some real cleaning issues when attempting to clean your cabinets. It would be best to consider some things before beginning the cleaning process.

By following some simple kitchen cabinet cleaning tips and habits, you can clean your kitchen cabinets and prevent them from becoming dull, greasy, sticky, and nasty to the touch. Using these ideas, you can completely transform the look of your kitchen cabinets without spending a lot of pennies.

Things To Consider Before – Which Products & Tools You Need! 

Before cleaning your kitchen cabinets, remember that you should not use any harsh chemical liquid or stiff brushes on them. This might remove the dirt and grease from the cabinets, but it will also remove the smooth and shiny finish that makes them look great! Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean your kitchen when using simple products. Make it easier to clean kitchen cabinets. Make sure you have all the cleaning supplies before starting. To clean the kitchen cabinets, you will need the following things:

Tools Required

1. Microfiber cleaning cloth

2. A spare toothbrush

3. Cleaning brush with soft bristles

4. Spray bottle

5. Rubber gloves

Cleaning Materials

1. Hot water

2. Liquid dishwasher

3. Mild soap

4. Cabinet gentle cleaner or vegetable oil

5. Enzyme cleaner

6. Distilled white vinegar

7. Baking soda

What Type Of Kitchen Cabinets Are You Going To Clean?

As you know, there are several types of cabinets, and each type requires proper maintenance. So, before cleaning your kitchen cabinets, you must understand what kind of cabinet you have. The most common types of kitchen cabinets are:

1. Wood Cabinets

2. Laminate Cabinets

3. Glass Cabinets

4. Painted Cabinets

5. Metal Cabinets

Before cleaning any kitchen cabinet, you need to understand the material they are made from. For example, if your cabinets are made out of wood, you need a specific cleaner. If your cabinets are made out of metal, then you can clean them with regular household cleaners.

Some Other Things To Consider! 

Before cleaning your kitchen cabinets, it’s important to consider some things like:

1. Is the cabinet in good condition?

2. Do you want to remove the old paint or stain?

3. Are you going to repair the damaged parts? If yes, then you should plan accordingly.

4. How much time do you have to clean the cabinets?

5. What is the cost of cleaning the cabinets?

6. Do you prefer to hire professional cleaners or DIY?

If you don’t have enough time to clean the cabinets, you can always ask someone else to help you out. But if you want to clean the cabinets yourself, you should first determine how much time you have available. It may take more than one day to clean all the cabinets in your home.

So, before cleaning your cabinets, make sure you have enough time to complete the task. Also, you should check whether you have the required tools and equipment to get the job done, as mentioned above.

When To Clean Your Kitchen Cabinets?

A weekly and seasonal cleaning plan can save your kitchen cabinets from the time-consuming task of deep cleaning them consistently.

1. Weekly Cleaning Of Kitchen Cabinets

A simple way to keep your kitchen cabinets clean and free of dirt and gunk is to clean them every week or two. Deep cleaning kitchen cabinets take a lot of time and effort. Still, it won’t help if you keep your kitchen cabinets clean.

To clean your kitchen cabinets every week, you will need the following things:

1. Microfiber cloth

2. Warm water

3. Clean cloth

4. Dish soap or a mild solution

Put on your rubber gloves to keep your hand’s clean while cleaning your kitchen cabinets. Dampen a dry microfiber cloth with warm water, squeeze it out, and dry it with a paper towel. Pour a few drops of dish soap on the microfiber cloth. Make a foamy lather with the dish soap, and then rinse the fabric. Now, use this damp foamy microfiber cloth to clean your kitchen cabinets. It will get rid of all the dirt and grime. In the end, wipe down the kitchen cabinets with a clean cloth to make the kitchen cabinets look nice and clean.

2. Seasonal Cleaning Of Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets need to be deep cleaned at least once a year to remove all the grime, oil, and dirt built up over time. As this yearly cleaning necessitates a thorough cleaning of kitchen cabinets and doors, you can stock up on your usual cleaning supplies. So, don’t be a couch potato and get up and clean the kitchen cabinets with the following supplies:

1. Microfiber cloth

2. Soft old toothbrush

3. Warm water

4. Small bowl

5. Baking soda

6. Cleaning solution

7. Dish soap

8. White vinegar

9. Damp cloth

10. Vegetable oil

Take a small bowl of warm water and dip a microfiber cloth in it. Now put some dish soap or drops of cleaning solution on the microfiber cloth and rub the cloth until it makes lather and becomes foamy. Directly rub it on the cabinet’s surface and wipe it clean with the cloth. Now take a clean cloth and pat dry the cabinet’s surface. You can also use it to clean the handles of kitchen cabinets.

You can use multiple cleaning tools of your choice, which you feel better cleaning at but make sure the kitchen cabinets’ surfaces are thoroughly cleaned. To clean the edges and corners of kitchen cabinets, take a soft old toothbrush and dip it in vegetable oil, or it could be olive oil or orange oil. Now scrub the corners and edges of kitchen cabinets with the toothbrush to take off every single little dirt. Now clean the oily area with a cleaning solution and dry it with a dry cloth. You can also make a thick paste of baking soda with white vinegar, which does great help in deep cleaning cabinet surfaces.

The Dos And Don’ts Of Kitchen Cabinet Cleaning!

You’re like every other person who looks after the kitchen from breakfast to dinner. If you clean your kitchen every day, that might be the only thing you do the same way each time. When you cook or wash dishes in the kitchen, you clean the countertop with a damp cloth or paper towel, and that’s all there is to it. Still, you might not pay enough attention to your kitchen cabinets, which are where you keep all your utensils and need to be kept extra clean. Keep in mind that there are some things you should and shouldn’t do when you clean your kitchen cabinets.

Do

1. Use a mild cleaning solution, mix the cleaning solution in half of the warm water, wipe with a microfiber cloth, and pat dry with a soft cloth. Use a cleaning brush with soft bristles for areas with hard dirt trapped on them.

2. Dry clean all the areas with a soft dry cloth after cleaning the kitchen cabinets with dish soap or cleaning solution. Any remains of water or cleaning soap would cause damage to the interior and exterior of the cabinet’s material and finish. To avoid the sticky, hard-to-remove residue that forms when oil and dust mix, use a lint-free cloth or duster to wipe the surface regularly.

Don’t 

1. Use any harsh liquids or regular sponges on cleaning the kitchen cabinets. It may affect the cabinet’s finish, and scrubbing with harsh sponges will also leave lines and marks on the surface, so avoid using them at any cost.

2. Don’t ignore deep cleaning those edgy areas where a cleaning cloth cannot reach. While cleaning the kitchen cabinets, some areas are accessible to clean with a microfiber cloth. Still, there are some corners and edges where a cleaning cloth cannot reach to clean. So when you are cleaning the kitchen cabinets, don’t forget to deep clean the edges of the cabinet’s surface and cabinet door handles. Take a drop of dish soap on a toothbrush and scrub the edges with the help of it to take the dirt off from those hard-to-reach areas.

Simple Steps To Clean Any Kitchen Cabinets!

Follow this step-by-step guide to change those greasy, filthy kitchen cabinets into sparkling clean ones.

1. Prepare Yourself To Clean The Kitchen Cabinets

Before gathering the tools to clean the kitchen cabinets, gather some energy for yourself to clean the kitchen cabinets. It would be best if you usually did the deep cleaning stuff on off days so that you are not tired enough already from a hectic day of work or won’t be tired before going to work the next day, as cleaning requires time, energy, and effort. So it’s better to do the kitchen cabinet cleaning on the weekend.

2. Remove Everything From The Cabinet

The first thing to clean kitchen cabinets is to remove everything in the cabinet, sort as you remove the different items, vacuum the dust-out and wipe the inside of the cabinet with a mild cleaning solution and a cleaning cloth to wipe the interior surface of the kitchen cabinet. If there are drawers in the kitchen cabinet, remove the drawers and lubricate the slide mechanisms or rollers with a food-grade lubricant rated for incidental contact with food or use something that does not have a high scent if the cabinet does not contain food or clothes. If there are simple wooden drawers, use a candle to rub carnauba wax onto the sliding parts before reassembling. If there is a lock, this is the time to lubricate with a dry lubricant.

3. Decide What Is Necessary To Keep

Unnecessary clutter is the biggest obstacle to keeping things clean and tidy. The more clutter you have, the more difficult it will be to clean your kitchen cabinets every week and every few months. So, keep the things you use every day in your kitchen and give away or throw away the things you don’t use very often. This way, you won’t have to clean your kitchen cabinets all the time.

4. Clean Those Dirty Cabinets Now

Once you have taken out all the old dirty stuff from the cabinets, now it’s time to clean those dirty cabinets that have been rotting since long as you are too lazy to deep clean them. Now it’s time to dig into your kitchen drawers. Take out all the necessary cleaning stuff, including; a small bowl, microfiber cloth, soft cloth, dish soap, and a mild cleaning solution or baking soda. Wipe out that tough dirt and grease from every corner of the kitchen cabinet.

5. Prepare The Cleaning Solution

The first step in making a DIY cleaning solution is to combine baking soda and hot water in a bowl. Apply the paste mixture to the regions with stubborn patches of filth, grease, and food residues using a soft toothbrush and a soft bristle brush. Clean it down with a damp microfiber cloth and pat it dry with a gentle cloth until it is completely dry.

6. Clean Each Cabinet Individually

Now it’s time to clean each cabinet one by one. For example, start with the uppermost cabinet and then move down to the lower ones. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the surfaces of the doors and drawers of the cabinet. Then, use a sponge to wet the entire area thoroughly and apply a little bit of the cleaning solution to the areas where the walls meet the doors and drawers. Let the solution soak in for about 30 seconds, and then rinse with warm water. Repeat this process for other cabinets.

Wash The Interior Of Cabinets

It’s important to wash the inner surfaces of the cabinets because they can trap dirt and grime that may lead to mold growth. Wash the interior of the cabinets with a moistened microfiber cloth and let it sit for 10 minutes. Wipe off any excess moisture with a paper towel. Remove any kind of spot like;

1. Stains

2. Grease

3. Food splatters

4. Water stains & Scuffs

Wash The Exterior Of Cabinets

Use a soft-bristle brush to remove fingerprints from the handles, knobs gently, and pulls of the cabinet. You can also use a damp microfiber rag to clean these parts of the cabinet. The exterior should be cleaned once a month. Because the cabinet’s surface is porous, it easily absorbs oil, dirt, and dust. The cleaning solution used on the interior must not be applied to the exterior.

To clean the outside of the cabinet, use a soft toothbrush dipped in a mild detergent solution. Brush the entire surface of the cabinet until the stain disappears. Rinse the surface with warm water and repeat if needed.

How To Clean Laminate Cabinets?

Laminate is the most common material used to make kitchen cabinet doors and shelves. Clean-up will be a breeze because it is durable and resistant to stains.

1. A few drops of dish soap and hot water can be mixed to clean the laminated kitchen cabinets.

2. Then, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface of the cabinets. If any dish soap residue is left on the cabinet, use a cleaner to wipe it with clean water.

3. If you want to clean laminate kitchen cabinets, use dish soap and warm water, not bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, which can damage laminate kitchen cabinets over time and make them less durable.

How To Clean Glass Cabinets?

Glass kitchen cabinets are the best way to make your kitchen look classy and expensive. You don’t have to sneak into them every time to find what and where you’ve kept.

1. It’s easy to clean glass kitchen cabinets, and it doesn’t take long. Add warm water and mix a mild commercial glass cleaner or an enzyme cleaner in a spray bottle. It’s then time to spray a good amount on the glass kitchen cabinet surfaces and the door handles.

2. Now, get enough paper towels to wipe the kitchen cabinet surfaces. As it turns out, there isn’t a way to avoid using a little elbow grease.

3. The cabinets in your kitchen need to be cleaned now. You want to make sure they are clean and free of dirt and grease. Afterward, if there are any spots that you haven’t cleaned, or if they need a little extra attention, you can give another squirt of cleaner and wipe them down.

4. There may be streaks on your glass kitchen table. This will help get rid of them. The last thing to wipe down is the glass kitchen cabinet with a dry microfiber cloth.

How To Clean Wood Cabinets?

Wood cabinets are a perfect choice to give your kitchen an aesthetic and cozy vibe. To clean the wood kitchen cabinets, keep these guidelines in mind.

1. To take all the dirt and scums off the wood kitchen cabinets, use a cleaning solution such as Murphy’s oil soap. It does not harm the wooden cabinets.

2. After cleaning wood cabinets with a cleaning solution, you can apply some drying oil like walnut oil to give it a shiny finish.

3. Never use soaked clothes in cleaning the wood cabinets but always use a damp cloth to clean the cabinets and pat it dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

4. If there are tough stains or grease on the wood kitchen cabinets, never pick a sponge to scrub it off as it will leave lines and marks on the wood cabinet. Always use a microfiber cloth to clean kitchen cabinets.

How To Clean Painted Cabinets?

Painted cabinets are an excellent option for when you are planning to renovate your kitchen and want to give your kitchen cabinets a new look on a less budget. Painted cabinets require some extra care when you are about to clean them to not scrape off any paint from them while cleaning them. Here is a DIY hack to follow for painted cabinet cleaning

Mix one portion of hot water and baking soda to make a thick paste in a small bucket. Apply that mixture to the greasy and sticky areas, and let it sit for a few minutes. Now take a microfiber rag and gently scrub off the paste layer to remove residue.

Tips To Maintain The Cleanliness Of Cabinets

Here are some tips that you can follow to maintain the cleanliness of kitchen cabinets.

1. Use Cabinet Shelf-Liners

To keep the cleanliness of kitchen cabinets for long-term use, a cabinet shelf liners. Cabinet shelf liners will protect your kitchen cabinet’s surface and kitchen items from getting dirty and sticky. There are a variety of shelf-liners available in stores and online so that you can get some for your kitchen. You can also use some old newspaper, wallpaper pieces, or wrapping papers available at home if you are too lazy to buy cabinet shelf-liners.

2. Keep An Eye On The Kitchen’s Walls

Because we pay little attention to the kitchen’s walls and ceiling, dirt from those surfaces adheres to kitchen cabinets and must be removed to keep the cabinets clean.

Use a microfiber duster to clean the kitchen wall corners and ceiling. When you’re done cleaning, spritz a cleaning solution, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe it with a microfiber cloth to remove any solution residue.

Protect it from dust by placing a table mat or newspaper on it after it is dry.

3. Kitchen Cabinets Should Be Sanitized

Clean the kitchen cabinets and cabinet handles using a disinfectant wipe or a liquid to remove germs accumulated from daily use.

4. Keep It Nice And Organized

After you clean your kitchen cabinets, the next thing you need to do to keep them clean is to keep them organized.

The best thing to do is to put everything back where you found it, so it doesn’t get messy when you find your cooking spatula in your baking drawer. I hope you understand what I mean.

Diy Hacks To Clean Kitchen Cabinets

By paying the very minimum attention to the kitchen cabinet cleaning, It’s easy to get dirt, grease, and food spatter residue from cooking stuck in your cabinets, making them seem dirty and old. Try out these DIY hacks to clean kitchen cabinets to give your kitchen cabinets a new lease on life.

1. Dish Soap Cleaning Solution

To make a dish soap cleaning solution, fill a half-bowl with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Then, soak a microfiber cloth in the water and use it to clean the inside and outside of your kitchen cabinets and cabinet handles to give your kitchen cabinets a clean, shiny finish in a few minutes.

2. White Vinegar 

White vinegar is one of the best ingredients at home to be used as a cleaning solution. You can use a microfiber cloth drenched in 50/50 water and a white vinegar combination. Your kitchen cabinets will thank you for using this mixture to remove stubborn sticky residues and give a shiny finish.

3. Oil Cleaner

You can opt for Murphy’s oil soap to clean your wooden cabinets. It is safe to use on wood kitchen cabinets. You can also make a DIY homemade oil cleaner that gives your wooden cabinets cleanliness and a glossy finish. You will need the following things:

1. Spray bottle

2. Hot water

3. Few drops of dish soap or dishwashing liquid

4. Few drops of olive oil, vegetable oil, orange oil, or any essential oil

Mix all the above ingredients in a spray bottle, shake it well. Spray a generous amount of the cleaner on the kitchen cabinets and let it sit for a few minutes. Now, use a microfiber cloth to gently scrub and clean the kitchen cabinet.

Take a dry, clean cloth to remove all the water in the last step. This DIY trick works like magic erasers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are Some Post-Cleaning Tips To Protect The Kitchen Cabinets From Dirt For Long Period?

The kitchen can be a space of peace and tranquility for those who love to cook. However, with such frequent use comes the need for a thorough cleaning regimen. Suppose you don’t pay enough attention to keeping kitchen cabinets clean regularly. In that case, you will have difficulty scrubbing off old grease and dirt for months. Therefore, it is essential to embrace some post-cleaning tips so that you don’t have to do hectic deep cleaning from scratch every time.

1. Do regular dusting with a microfiber duster or a lint-free cloth followed by a damp microfiber cloth to avoid dirt and grease accumulating into the exterior and interior of kitchen cabinets.

2. Clean off the food spills, grease, and oil straight away when you catch its stain. The all-purpose cleaner can come in handy when you need to clean your kitchen cabinets quickly. Keep it under your kitchen sink.

3. To save the daily effort of cleaning tenacious scums and stains, you won’t mind spending a few pence on kitchen guard accessories and gadgets like kitchen cabinet liners and grease splatters.

4. Maintain the cleanliness of kitchen cabinets by following weekly and seasonal kitchen cabinets cleaning regimens.

How Can You Clean The Wooden Doors Of Kitchen Cabinets?

1. Murphy’s oil soap, which is safe to use as a wood cleaner, can clean the wooden doors. Now wipe it clean with a soft cloth to remove excess moisture from the surface of the kitchen cabinets. You can also mix a few drops of dish soap and any vegetable oil or essential oil of your choice in a hot water spray bottle and clean the wooden doors of the kitchen using this solution.

2. You can also make homemade oil cleaner by combining two equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water and wiping down the wooden doors with a microfiber cloth.

How Do You Get Grease Off Kitchen Cabinets?

To take off grease from those grimy cabinets, you need to go a bit abrasive. You can start with

1. Taking an equal quantity of baking soda and water

2. Mix them to make a paste

3. Now apply that paste onto areas with grease and sticky stains residues.

4. Let it sit for a few minutes.

5. Now scrub it off with a microfiber cloth, followed by a clean cloth to wipe off excessive paste.

What Should Be Done First In Cleaning The Kitchen Shelves?

It would be best if you sneaked into your kitchen cabinets every once in a while to clean them. Start with emptying the shelves, use a vacuum or microfiber duster to clean the interior kitchen shelves. Now use an all-purpose cleaner or a liquid dish soap to scrub that off if you find sticky food residues there. Once you are done cleaning the interior of kitchen cabinets, then leave the cabinet doors open until they get completely air dry. It is best to use shelf liners for aftercare so that you can easily clean them in the future and keep the inside of the shelves clean.

Conclusion – The Bottom Line! 

Clean your kitchen cabinets by following the simple regimens as discussed. You’ll protect your cabinet surfaces from gunk and dirt, and your kitchen will look neat. Following the above kitchen cleaning routines will save you a lot of time and effort. We hope this guide will help you a lot to clean your cabinets.