How To Clean Kitchen Cabinets

Prepare cleaning solutions

• Fill spray bottle about halfway with distilled white vinegar and top off with water.
  • Clearly label the bottle for future reference and for safety.
• Squirt a few drops of dish soap in bucket or bowl.
  • Don’t go crazy. Dish soap is highly concentrated and excess suds will have to be rinsed off.
• Fill bucket with hot water.
  • Hot water helps dislodge dirt and grease, but don’t burn yourself.
• Prepare another bucket with clean water, or plan to use the kitchen sink to rinse your sponge or cloth periodically.
  • Don’t put a dirty sponge or cloth in the clean suds or you’ll transfer dirt back to the cabinets.

Clean cabinets with soap and water

• Dunk your sponge or microfiber cloth in the suds and squeeze out excess water.
• Start at the top and wipe down cabinet doors inside and out.
  • Rinse the dirt from your cloth or sponge frequently with clean water.
  • Change the rinse water periodically if you’re using a separate bucket.
• Re-load the sponge with fresh soapy water and continue.
• Scrub the areas near the handles or knobs to remove fingerprints and greasy residue.

Rinse cabinets with clean water

• Wet a fresh microfiber cloth or clean sponge.
• Wipe down cabinets to remove any soap residue.
• Dry with a fresh microfiber cloth.
  • Water left behind can warp wood and laminate and rust hinges.

Remove tough stains

• Clean with soap and water first.
  • Elbow grease and soap works on most dirt and grime.
• Soak crusty food or grease for a few minutes to break up stubborn stains.
  • Wipe clean, rinse and dry.
• Use vinegar solution or baking soda for persistent stains.
  • Test inconspicuous area first before applying either cleaner on stained wood cabinets. Then wipe off immediately.
  • Inside cabinets: Wet toothbrush, dip in baking soda and scrub.
  • Outside cabinets: Spray with vinegar solution and wipe clean.
• Rinse with damp, clean cloth and dry.

Clean and dust cabinet shelves quarterly

• Remove dishes, food, etc.
• Spray cabinet shelves with vinegar solution and wipe dry.
  • Soap and water may be used but must be rinsed to remove residue.

Pro tip: Instead of cleaning all the shelves at once, divide cabinets into three sections and rotate cleaning each group monthly.