Kitchen cabinets are high-touch surfaces that quickly collect handprints, stains, and dirt. Whether you’re wiping up daily messes or refreshing cabinets between deep cleaning services from Casillas House Cleaning Service, keeping them clean helps your kitchen look its best and supports a healthier home. Here’s how to clean cabinets with natural cleaners and reliable methods.
The Basics of How to Wash Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are prone to splashes, drips, and other messes that may cause buildup and stains. Though you can’t fully eliminate messes from your kitchen, especially with kids and pets, you can minimize wear on your cabinets by moving quickly. Just like with cleaning your refrigerator, wipe up spills, grease, or other messes promptly. The longer they stay, the harder you’ll work to remove any stains.
Here are the general principles and tools for cleaning kitchen cabinets:
- Remove dust first: Dust can create an abrasive surface that may cause scratches while cleaning.
- Use soft cloths: Use microfiber cloths or soft sponges. Whether you have stained wood or painted cabinets, abrasive materials can scratch and chip the surface.
- Avoid harsh products: The best cleaner for kitchen cabinets can be made from gentle and environmentally responsible ingredients in your home, such as vinegar or diluted dish soap. Bleach and other strong cleaners can stain, discolor, and damage surfaces when used for cleaning countertops and cabinets.
- Don’t forget the details: Apply your cleaning solution to designs or hardware. Knobs need meticulous attention since they collect natural oils, dirt, and bacteria quickly. Most hardware is even removable for more thorough cleaning.
- Vacuum and wipe the interiors: Use a hose extension tool from your vacuum to suck up crumbs and debris from inside your cabinets. Wipe the inside of the cabinets with a damp cloth.
- Use a towel for drying: Wipe up any remaining water or moisture to keep water from seeping into wood or seams.
The Best Way to Clean Painted Cabinet Doors
Most painted cabinets use specialized gloss (high or semi) paint. This paint is durable, but it isn’t impervious to damage. Keep this in mind when cleaning kitchen cabinets with painted finishes.
Coarse brushes and heavy cleaners can remove the paint, so the best way to clean painted cabinets is with a gentle combination of dish soap and warm water. Cleaning kitchen cabinets with this mix provides stain-fighting power without damaging the paint. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a soft, damp cloth.
White cabinets show dirt and dust more than other types of cabinets and need more particular cleaning. The best way to keep white cabinets clean and remove surface-level stains is to wipe them frequently with a cloth and warm water. For deeper cleans, use a combination of dish soap and warm water.
How to Clean Wood Cabinets Without Damaging the Finish
Unsealed wood can absorb liquid cleaners, but it’s likely your cabinets are stained or have another type of protective coating. Avoid using brushes that can scratch and chip through this layer and expose the raw wood beneath.
After dusting the cabinets, spot test the cabinet surface with a vinegar and water solution. Wipe gently and avoid soaking the surface or allowing the cleaners to sit too long. After cleaning, immediately dry off the remaining water or cleaner.
Clean Your Glass Cabinet Doors Without Leaving a Cloudy Residue
Fingerprints, dust, and crumbs stick to glass, but they can be cleaned off with diluted dish soap or a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar.
Glass cabinet doors are often less forgiving than wood. Although glass isn’t as absorbent as wood, certain cleaners can leave a cloudy residue if left too long. This is especially true when cleaning greasy kitchen cabinets, which are prone to streaks and smudges.
Not all cabinet doors use tempered glass, and they can be more delicate. If you press too hard, the glass could chip, scratch, or break. Stick to microfiber cloths over other types of cleaning sponges when cleaning glass cabinets.
Helpful Tips for Thoroughly Cleaning Floating Cabinets in Your Kitchen
Floating cabinets and other high surfaces are easily forgotten spots in kitchens. Avoid storing or displaying items on the tops of your shelves to reduce dust collection.
Use a step stool or an extendable dusting tool to clean a floating cabinet. Standing on countertops, chairs, and other items to reach these surfaces is unsafe.
For painted and laminate cabinets, mix one teaspoon of mild dish soap with warm water. Wood cabinets with a clear finish can be cleaned using a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and warm water. For stubborn spots, add a tablespoon of olive oil to help condition the wood.
When cleaning the top of a cabinet, dry thoroughly to prevent moisture from pooling and causing mold or warping.
For Additional Cleaning Needs, Contact Casillas House Cleaning Service
Your kitchen cabinets are just the tip of the iceberg. The cleanliness of these lived-in spaces supports your home’s health and comfort, but tackling every shelf and corner takes time. For all your home and kitchen cleaning needs, rely on the team at your local Casillas House Cleaning Service. Request a free estimate online or call +1 (775) 357-4216 today.