When you’re cooking a quick stir-fry or frying up your favorite dish, grease can fly through the air and stick to your kitchen cabinets. While cleaning them might not be the most enjoyable task, wiping them down regularly can prevent the need for deep cleaning. And when you do deep clean, it’ll be much easier. Our recommended cleaning method is safe for all types of cabinets, including wood, painted, laminated, and metal.

What You Need

To clean your kitchen cabinets effectively, gather the following supplies:

• Liquid dish soap: A degreaser that removes fats and oils from cabinet surfaces.
• Spray bottle: Makes application easy and reduces hand strain.
• Nonabrasive sponge: Perfect for cleaning tight corners without scratching.
• Microfiber dish rags: Highly absorbent, non-abrasive, and lint-free for effective cleaning.
• Soft-bristled brushes: Safely clean cabinet hardware without scratching.
• Under-sink mat: Protects wood surfaces from water damage caused by minor leaks.

Optional Supplies:

• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser: Reaches tight crevices in glass doors.
• Howard Orange Oil Wood Polish: Restores shine to wood surfaces.
• Spray Glass Cleaner or Better Life Glass Cleaner or a vinegar-water solution: Ideal for cleaning glass cabinet doors.

How Long It Will Take

• Regular Maintenance:

  Wipe down cabinets weekly or bi-weekly to prevent grease buildup. This takes about 10 minutes or less.

• Deep Cleaning:

  Perform this once or twice a year, depending on how dirty your cabinets are and the size of your kitchen. Deep cleaning can take about an hour.

For Regular Maintenance and Occasional Spills

1. Dust Cabinets:

   Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust from all cabinet surfaces. Dust mixed with grease can make cabinets sticky and harder to clean later.

2. Wipe Spills Immediately:

   Use a damp microfiber cloth or a mild soap-water solution with a soft sponge. Avoid excessive pressure to prevent damaging painted surfaces.

Deep-Cleaning Cabinets

These steps are suitable for wood, painted, laminated, and metal cabinets:

1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution:

   Mix a small amount of liquid dish soap with warm water. Avoid using too much soap, as it can leave residue.

2. Clean Cabinet Surfaces:

   Dip a soft sponge or microfiber cloth into the solution, wring out excess liquid, and wipe down the cabinets. For heavily soiled areas, repeat the process. Alternatively, use a spray bottle to apply the solution.

3. Dry Surfaces:

   Wipe all surfaces dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

4. Clean Hardware:

   Use the same soap-water solution with a soft-bristled brush or sponge to clean handles and hinges. Test on a hidden spot first to avoid scratching. Dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.

5. Clean Inside Cabinets:

   Remove items shelf by shelf and clean the interior with the soap-water solution. Focus on one section at a time to stay organized.

Polishing Wood Cabinets

To restore shine to wood cabinets:

• After cleaning and drying, apply Howard Orange Oil Wood Polish. Spray the oil onto a microfiber or cotton cloth and spread it evenly across the wood surface.

Cleaning Cabinets with Glass Doors

1. Choose the Right Cleaner:

   Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner like Sprayway or Better Life. Alternatively, make your own solution with vinegar and water.

2. Apply the Cleaner:

   Spray the cleaner onto a  Clean Magic Eraser or microfiber cloth. For glass panes set within wood doors, avoid spraying directly on the wood or painted surfaces. The Magic Eraser helps reach tight corners easily.

How to Help Your Cabinets Last

1. Adjust Cabinet Doors:

   Ensure doors are properly aligned to prevent scratching or chipping. Adjust Euro-style hinges if doors sag.

2. Use Under-Sink Mats:

   Place waterproof mats under sinks to protect against leaks and harsh cleaning products. Avoid adhesive contact paper, as it can attract pests.

3. Handle Soft-Close Cabinets Gently:

   Avoid slamming soft-close drawers or doors to protect the hardware.

4. Choose Traditional Pulls or Knobs:

   Opt for traditional handles instead of integrated ones to prevent wear from greasy hands.

5. Avoid Harsh Cleaners:

   Steer clear of bleach, ammonia, or abrasive sponges, as they can damage cabinet finishes.

By following these steps, you can keep your kitchen cabinets clean, shiny, and in great condition for years to come!