How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets to Remove Tough Messes

How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets

1. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution

   Mix a simple, mild solution of warm water and a few drops of degreasing liquid dish soap in a bowl to clean most cabinets.

   If using a commercial all-purpose cleaner, read the instructions before using it and first test it in a hidden spot to make sure it won't damage the finish.

2. Work From the Top Down

   Begin at the top and work your way down each cabinet. For very dirty cabinets that are empty, spray directly onto the surface; otherwise, spray onto a cleaning cloth and then wipe the cabinets down. Remember to clean the edges and sides of your cabinets.

3. Wipe Off the Cleaner

   Rinse thoroughly with another clean cloth, before drying with a final cloth. Water left sitting on your cabinets can discolor and damage them.

4. Clean Glass or Mirror Features

   Spray commercial glass cleaner onto a lint-free cloth or paper towel before wiping onto the glass or mirror insets of cabinets. Never spray the glass directly because the cleaner can seep into woodwork or other parts of the cabinet and cause discoloration.

5. Wipe Handles, Knobs, and Pulls

   Clean cabinet hardware. For metal hardware on wood cabinets, dip a toothbrush in a bowl with a solution of 50/50 distilled white vinegar and warm water and scrub the hardware, the surrounding wood, and the crevices of ornate trim.

6. Remove Thick Grease Buildup

   Remove the buildup of thick grease—an orange or yellowish sticky substance—on your kitchen cabinets using a few methods:

   • Orange oil: Allow orange oil cleaner to sit and penetrate the grease for two to four minutes. Repeat if necessary.
   • Baking soda: Make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
   • Magic eraser: A melamine magic eraser might be a good option for stubborn grease but test it on a hidden spot to make sure it does not scrub away the cabinet's finish.

   Warning

   Avoid trying to scrape away the grease on the cabinets since this method may damage the cabinets' finish.

7. Empty Each Cabinet

   Start at the top. Beginning with the highest cabinet, empty the contents and remove any torn or discolored shelf lining.

   Vacuum the cabinets to get rid of crumbs and residue before wiping them down.

8. Wash the Interiors

   Wipe down the interior of the cabinets using a cloth dampened with warm water and a mild liquid dish detergent.

9. Rinse With a Damp Cloth

   Rinse with another clean damp cloth. Wipe dry with an additional cloth to make sure no standing water is left to damage the cabinet surfaces.

10. Clean Cabinet Contents

    Wipe down dusty cans and containers with warm water and dish soap on a dampened cloth. Throw out any items that have expired. Dry items thoroughly before replacing them in the cabinets.

    Leave the cabinets open for one to two hours to fully dry before replacing the contents of the cabinet.

Do's and Don'ts of Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets

• Do dust your cabinets at least once every two weeks with a soft cloth, rag, or standard duster to reduce the need for a deeper cleaning.
• Do clean up spills as soon as they happen with a damp cloth or sponge. The longer a substance hangs around on your cabinets, the greater the likelihood it will cause stains that are difficult to remove or other damage.
• Don't keep the cabinets and drawers near a self-cleaning oven closed during a cleaning cycle. Nearby cabinets are prone to damage from the intense heat that can escape from a faulty heat gasket seal. To avoid this, open or remove the doors (if possible) and drawers from all cabinets above or adjacent to the oven during cleaning.
• Do keep heat-producing appliances—such as coffee makers, air fryers, and toasters—away from cabinets; the excess heat and moisture can damage cabinet surfaces.