There are few areas of your home more exposed to dirt,
grease and bacteria than your kitchen cabinets. Children closing and opening
kitchen cabinets, grease from cooking or condensation from outside temperatures
all affect your cabinets, requiring you to clean them on a weekly, if not
daily, basis.
The best way to clean kitchen cabinets, or any cabinet for
that matter, is good old fashion TLC. Oftentimes, warm water, a diluted
all-purpose cleaner and tough scrubbing will do the trick. However, this
process can drastically change based on your cabinet surface. Below, you will
find the best ways to clean wood, painted and metal kitchen cabinets.
How to Clean Wood Cabinets
The best way to clean wood cabinets is by purchasing an oil-soap
wood cleaner. Many can be purchased relatively cheap from your local hardware
store. On the other hand, you could clean your wooden cabinets using everyday
materials you probably already own.
- Detergent: Homeowners can use any oil/grease cutting dish or laundry detergent and water to clean their wood cabinets. As a general rule, you should mix two cups of water with every cup of detergent. Don’t overwet the cabinets as it could ruin the finish. After applying cleaning solution, clean it down with a damp cloth and then wipe down with a separate dry cloth.
- Vinegar: If you don’t have liquid-based detergents, vinegar and water is a valuable substitution. Vinegar is good for removing sticky films most likely caused by dirty hands.
- Baking Soda: The hardest stains should be confronted with baking soda. Create a paste by mixing with water and then wipe it clean with a wet cloth.
As with all our methods discussed, homeowners should test
the chosen supplies on small areas that are not easily noticeable. Wait a few
hours before tackling more visible cabinets to make sure you are not ruining
the finish or color.
How to Clean Painted Cabinets
Oil-based painted cabinets, much more durable than wood, can
always take a good scrubbing. You may use the same products discussed above or
any all-purpose cleaner. Since you don’t have to worry about the finish, you
should be able to scrub hard enough to remove the dirt or food-borne bacteria
with all-purpose cleaners. Just like wooden cabinets, the best way to clean
stubborn stains on painted kitchen cabinets is with baking soda and water.
If your cabinets used a water-based latex style of paint,
use caution when scrubbing. Especially with baking soda, you may scratch the
surface. Better to stick with warm water and a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner.
Remember to rub the surface gently.