Cabinets are the first thing that people notice about your kitchen. If they are properly cleaned and maintained, they not only add to the look of your kitchen but also help in organizing your everyday tasks.

The problem is that they get dirty very fast. When you cook, you spatter grease on them. From cooking oil, to cake batter to fruit smoothies, everything tends to stick to your cabinets while you are cooking. If you regularly clean and maintain your kitchen cabinets, they can look great for years.

Most of the people try to use the same cleaning techniques they use for the rest of the house. They forget that the kitchen cabinets should be cleaned and maintained with utmost care.

The following are our tips to properly clean and maintain the kitchen cabinets.

1. Set a Cleaning Schedule

Regular cleaning keeps the kitchen cabinets dust-free. It is important to add this task to your calendar. Clean the kitchen cabinets and doors every two weeks and the entire cabinets every six weeks.

2. Basic Cleaning

Grease, grime, or dust can build up on your kitchen cabinets and damage them. To remove the build-up, choose a non-abrasive cleaner. Ideally, a mild grease-cutting detergent or a dish-washing soap should make an ideal cabinet cleaner.

Use a soft cloth or sponge instead of steel wool. Also, remember that too much moisture can seriously harm your cabinet.

The tough stains can be cleaned with a mixture of baking soda and water. Use the sponge to place the mixture on the cabinet and rub it until the stain disappears. Wipe it clean with a soft cloth.

Another option is to use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the sticky grime or film. Wipe it clean with a sponge.

3. Wipe the Spills Immediately

It is important to wipe the spills promptly with a dry cloth. If the liquid stays for a longer period of time, it can irreversibly damage your cabinet.

4. Frequently Repair the Damages

It is important to frequently repair the scratches and nicks to keep your cabinets in a good shape. If you ignore the little repairs, they can damage your kitchen cabinet irreversibly.

5. Limit Exposure to Light

Too much light damages your cabinets especially the wooden cabinets. Similarly, exposure to sunlight can also damage the paint, laminate, or Thermofoil surfaces. If you cover the windows with a curtain or a blind, it can greatly reduce the damage by direct exposure to sunlight.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners

Harsh cleaners can irreversibly damage your kitchen cabinet. Avoid the following to prevent damage:

  • Bleach
  • Ammonia
  • Plastic brushes, steel wool, or scouring pads
  • Nail polish remover or paint thinners
  • Harsh or strong detergents and soaps
  • Silicone-based products
  • Solvents or petroleum-based products

Polish to Retain the Shine

If you wish to retain the shine on wooden cabinets, use a good quality polish after you clean. Use a soft cloth to apply the polishes and rub gently. The emulsifiers and detergents in the polishes clean and shine the wooden cabinets.

Avoid the polishes and waxes with a high quantity of Silicone. Such polishes create a barrier over the surface which attracts dust, dirt, and smoke.

Key Takeaway

Cleaning and maintaining your cabinets might seem a daunting task, however, it can be done easily if you use the right ingredients. Some of the basic tools you need are soft cloths, mild detergents, and a sponge. Tough stains can be cleaned with a commercial cleaner like Murphy’s Oil Soap or home-made cleaners like a mixture of baking soda and water. It is also important to respond to spills and stains quickly and avoid harsh scrubbing.