How to Clean Different Types of Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are the focal point of your cooking area and any kind of dirt like fingerprints, watermarks and food splatters can be easily visible unless they are cleaned regularly. Though daily cleaning may not be possible for every homeowner especially those who work nine-to-five jobs, weekly maintenance is a must! By doing so, you can keep your kitchen spick and span thus creating a good impression on your friends and family.

Before you begin cleaning, it’s advisable to learn about the unique treatment required by different cabinet types. Keep reading and find out what the kitchen cabinetry experts say.

Materials Required for Cleaning

Take note of all the materials that you’ll be needing and they are:

  • Non-abrasive solution
  • Detergent
  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Damp cloth
  • Dry rag
  • Glass cleaner

How to Clean Different Cabinet Types

1. Wood

Wood cabinets are available in different textures and finishes. However, cleaning them may not be similar to the way you scrub off the dirt from painted cabinetry. So, read below and find out the right way to clean it.

  • Use a non-abrasive solution like oil soap to get rid of the dirt.
  • Avoid using a soaked cloth to wipe off the dirt from the wood cabinetry as that can damage it. Instead, use a damp cloth.
  • Use a microfiber cloth to polish and buff the wood to ensure its glossy sheen.
  • Apply an extra coat of sealant on the cabinets that are placed above the stove. This is because they are exposed to steam, condensation and can require extra care to prevent any damage.

Easy Tip- If you don’t have oil-soap, you can use a few easily available home essentials such as detergent, vinegar and baking soda. The latter should be strictly used for stubborn stains and not otherwise.

 

2. Painted

Painted cabinets are known for their spunk and warmth in modern kitchens. If you have them, then you should keep a cleaning routine that can help you in the long-run.

  • Mix two parts of baking soda with one part of water and dab the paste on the stains. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Use a dry rag to remove extra moisture.
  • Use a cloth dampened with ammonia to remove stubborn grease stains.
  • When the paint starts to chip, consider repainting the cabinetry.

Important Note
Cabinets with water-based latex style paint should be scrubbed gently to prevent any impairment. It’s better to stick to warm water mixed with a non-abrasive solution for this cabinetry.

 

3. Metal

It’s very easy to clean metal cabinets as they are durable and can withstand rough handling. You can either use any non-abrasive cleaning solution or detergent mixed with water based on what’s available. Damp a cloth in this mixture and then rub the stains and dirt. However, do not wet the metal for a long time as that can lead to rusting.
Important Note
Though baking soda is the best solution for cleaning hard stains, it shouldn’t be used unless it’s absolutely necessary to prevent ruining the metal.

 

4.Glass

Glass cabinets usually come with wood or laminate that create the panel doors. It’s easy to clean glass but you have to be careful with a cleaning agent to ensure it doesn’t damage the adjacent material. Here are a few tips that can come handy.

  • Use glass cleaner and dry cloth to remove stains and fingerprints from the glass panes.
  • Repeat the same process on the other side as well.
  • Refrain from using oil-based cleaners on the adjacent material as they can leave residue on the glass that can be difficult to remove.

 

5. Laminate

Laminate cabinets require low maintenance and they are:

  • Use diluted vinegar and all-purpose cleaning solution and damp the cloth to wipe off the stain followed by a dry rag.
  • For persistent stains, you can use the solution of baking soda and water as mentioned earlier. Allow the paste to stay for a while before you clean it with a damp cloth.
  • You shouldn’t use abrasive cleaning pads as that can lead to scratches on the cabinetry’s surface.
  • If there are scuffs on lower cabinets, use a soft eraser to get rid of the marks.

That’s how you can get rid of dirt, stains and grease from the kitchen cabinets. You can either clean them once a week or daily based on your time and convenience. However, monthly cleaning by a professional can help you keep the cabinetry in good shape.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *