Secret to Clean & Stain Free Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets can easily become the main focus of any kitchen. Because they can be among the first things people notice when entering, its a good idea to keep your cabinets clean and free of any visible stains. Cabinets can accumulate the usual dust and dander, but also can acquire a build-up of food and kitchen grime from regular cooking. Here are some of our best techniques and tips for keeping your kitchen cabinets clean and stain free.

How Often Do They Need Cleaning?

In order to stay on top of the accumulations of dirt and grime on your cabinets, they should be wiped down fairly regularly. We suggest dusting your cabinets and giving them a wipe down with a small amount of gentle multi-purpose cleaner at least once a week. Make sure that you use a gentle cleaner so as to not damage any finish on your cabinets and especially if they are wooden. During your weekly cleaning, be sure to disinfect handles and drawer pulls as well. As a general rule of thumb, we suggest scheduling a deep clean of your kitchen cabinets about 3 or 4 times a year. However, whenever there is a noticeable amount of build-up on your cabinets, it may be time for a deeper clean.

Cutting Through The Grime

Every kitchen has areas that seem to accumulate grease and grime faster than anywhere else. These areas are usually above the oven or microwave and sometimes even near the sink. Special attention should be paid to these areas when cleaning the cabinets so as to make sure all of the greasy residue has been properly removed, and also so you don’t damage the cabinets themselves. Here’s how we suggest cleaning the particularly stubborn areas on your cabinets:

• Start simple with soap, a bit of warm water, and a soft sponge. Wipe down the surface of the cabinets so that the grime is loosened for easier removal.
• For cleaning the tougher areas, there are two methods you can try:
  • Grab some baking soda and a soft brush dipped in water, the baking soda can cut through any grease build-up and you can easily wipe away the rest with a little bit of water.
  • Use a 2-to-1 ratio of warm water and white vinegar and wipe this solution over the surface of your cabinets, allowing it to settle into grimier areas for about 10 minutes. Then you can remove this with a soft cloth and some warm water.
• Check your cabinets for any remaining grime and then wipe them down with a soft cloth dipped in warm water to rinse. Be sure to wipe both sides of the cabinet doors and to dry the surfaces thoroughly before finishing up.

Do’s & Don’t’s

When cleaning, there are a few things to keep in mind besides the specific material you are cleaning. As you begin the cleaning process, either regular or deep, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• DO be sure to use gentle cleaners and methods when cleaning cabinets.
• DO use soft sponges, brushes, and cloths to wipe away grime and dust.
• DO thoroughly wipe away the remaining cleaner and follow with plain water to rinse.
• DO dry the cabinet surfaces completely as a final step.
• DON’T use a large amount of cleaner or water when cleaning cabinets so as to not damage the material, counters, or floors below.
• DON’T let the cabinet hinges get wet if possible, and make sure to wipe away any water or cleaner quickly.
• DON’T forget to thoroughly wipe both sides of the cabinet doors as well as the interior shelves when cleaning.

Finishing Touches

As you complete the cleaning process in your kitchen, be sure to keep our upkeep suggestions in mind. To summarize, remember to wipe down and dust your cabinets weekly between seasonal deep cleaning. Always use gentle cleaners and soft sponges or cloths when cleaning your cabinets so that there is no risk of damage to any material. It is best to know which material your cabinets are made from in order to best clean and maintain their appearance. For stubborn build-up and stains, mildly abrasive solutions of baking soda and water can be used to cut through grease and most food grime. When finishing up, make sure to thoroughly rinse any soap or cleaner with water and then dry the cabinets completely with a soft towel. With regular cleaning and dustin, your cabinets will be looking brighter and cleaner in no time.

Did you try any of these tips and tricks? Do you have any cleaning methods you swear by? Tell us about them in the comments, we’d love to hear from you! If you need some help staying on top of your regular household cleaning, we can help. Contact us to schedule services from the top rated house cleaners in Boston. We’re proud to offer affordable services from friendly and professional cleaners, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you think your home could use any of our available services.