Keeping your kitchen cabinets clean not only makes your kitchen look great, but it also helps preserve the cabinets and extend their life. Over time, kitchen cabinets accumulate grease, dust, spills and grime that can build up and make them look dull and dirty. Regular cleaning keeps them looking like new.
Cleaning kitchen cabinets is an important part of home maintenance. With the right techniques and products, you can have your cabinets looking fresh and clean again. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to clean kitchen cabinets.
Why It’s Important to Clean Kitchen Cabinets
There are several reasons why you should make cleaning your kitchen cabinets a regular habit:
Improved Appearance
Grease splatter, dust, and grime buildup can make even the nicest cabinets look dirty and dated. Regular cleaning will remove all those impurities and restore the cabinets’ shine and luster. Clean cabinets instantly improve the look of the entire kitchen.
Remove Germs and Bacteria
Food splatters and spills create a breeding ground for germs and bacteria inside the cabinets. Regular cleaning sanitizes surfaces and removes these harmful microorganisms. This helps create a more hygienic kitchen environment.
Easier to Keep Clean
When you allow dirt and grease to build up over time, they form a gummy film that makes cabinets even harder to clean later on. Staying on top of cabinet cleaning means dirt won’t have a chance to bake on, making future cleanings quicker and easier.
Extend Cabinet Life
Built-up grime isn’t just unsightly—it can actually damage the finish and integrity of your cabinet surfaces. The abrasive action of cleaning removes this grime before it can degrade the finish. Cleaning also keeps hinges and hardware working smoothly.
Prepare Cabinets for Painting or Refinishing
Thorough cleaning is an essential first step if you plan to paint, re-stain or refinish your cabinets. Removing all grease and grime will help new paint and finish adhere properly.
How Often Should You Clean Kitchen Cabinets?
How frequently you should clean kitchen cabinets depends on factors like how heavily the kitchen is used and what type of finish the cabinets have. Here are some general guidelines:
- High-traffic kitchens – Clean inside and out at least monthly
- Medium-use kitchens – Clean every 2-3 months
- Lightly used kitchens – Clean every 4-6 months
- Painted cabinets – Clean as needed, at least yearly
- Stained/sealed cabinets – Clean as needed, at least yearly
- Grease-prone areas – Clean splatters as needed
Do a deep cleaning on the cabinet interiors once or twice a year to remove grease buildup and crumbs. Adjust frequency based on your needs.
Supplies Needed to Clean Kitchen Cabinets
Having the right cleaning supplies makes the job easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-Purpose Cleaner
A mild detergent-based all-purpose cleaner is suitable for most cabinet surfaces. Choose a grease-cutting formula for grimy cabinets.
Microfiber Cloths or Old Rags
Soft lint-free cloths are ideal for washing cabinets without scratching. Rags work for applying polish/cleaner.
Soft Sponge or Soft-Bristled Brush
Use a soft sponge or brush to gently scrub areas that need extra cleaning power.
Small Vacuum or Dusting Brush
A handheld vacuum or dusting brush cleans crumbs out of cabinet corners.
Old Toothbrush or Q-tips
For cleaning in crevices, hardware, and tight spaces.
Polishing Wax or Conditioner (optional)
Wax or conditioner adds luster and protection to natural wood finishes.
Avoid using abrasive powders or scouring pads, as they can damage cabinet finishes. Never use harsh chemicals like oven cleaner; they will ruin the finish.
How to Clean Inside Kitchen Cabinets
Over time, spills and falling food crumbs accumulate inside cabinets and drawers. Follow these steps to thoroughly clean the interiors:
1. Remove All Food Items and Shelf Liners
Take everything out so you can easily clean all surfaces. This includes food, dishes, shelf liners, etc.
2. Vacuum Loose Debris
Use a handheld vacuum or small brush attachment to suck up all loose crumbs and dirt inside cabinets and drawers. Get into corners and crevices.
3. Wash All Surfaces
Use a mild all-purpose cleaner or soap and water with a soft sponge or rag. Wash the sides, backs, floors, doors, and shelves. Let soap penetrate grime for a few minutes before scrubbing.
4. Rinse and Dry
Wipe all surfaces with a clean wet rag to rinse. Then dry with a lint-free cloth or paper towels.
5. Replace Shelf Liners (Optional)
Put down new shelf liner if desired. Wash existing liner in soap and water and let fully dry before putting back in the cabinet.
6. Add Food and Dish Items
Once cabinets are fully dry, put all food and dish items back neatly into place.
Be sure to get into those back corners where grease and crumbs hide. Pay extra attention to greasy areas near the stove and rangehood.
How to Clean Outside Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinet exteriors get dusty and smudged from everyday use. Follow this process:
1. Remove Surface Clutter
Take everything off the countertops and move small appliances away from cabinets. This gives you access to the entire cabinet surface.
2. Dust All Surfaces
Use a microfiber cloth or feather duster to dust the tops, sides, fronts, and doors of all upper and lower cabinets. This removes surface dust and dirt.
3. Fill a Bucket With Warm Water
Mix in a small amount of mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner. Dampen a clean rag or sponge in the water.
4. Wash Cabinets
Wring excess water from rag and wipe down all exterior cabinet surfaces from top to bottom. Avoid excessive moisture that could damage wood.
5. Rinse Cabinets
Wipe again with a clean damp rag to rinse off soap residue. Try not to soak the cabinets.
6. Dry Thoroughly
Wipe away all moisture with a dry lint-free cloth. Allow cabinets to fully air dry before replacing food items.
7. Polish and Shine (Optional)
Use a small amount of polishing wax, conditioner, or oil to add extra shine and protection to natural wood finishes. Buff with a soft cloth.
Be careful not to allow excess water to drip inside cabinets or onto countertops. Take your time and make sure to get the doors, edges, and cabinet face frames clean.
How to Clean Cabinet Doors and Fronts
Cabinet doors take a lot of abuse from greasy hands and splatter. Follow these steps:
1. Remove Grease and Grime
Use an all-purpose cleaner and soft sponge to scrub the door fronts. Let the cleaner penetrate for 2-3 minutes before scrubbing.
2. Wash With Soapy Water
Make a mild soap solution and use a fresh sponge or rag to wash the doors. Scrub troublesome spots. Rinse thoroughly with clean water on a rag.
3. Clean Around Handles/Knobs
Use a toothbrush or q-tips dipped in cleaner to gently scrub around and underneath hardware. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Dry and Shine
Wipe doors with a dry lint-free cloth. Buff with a microfiber cloth to create shine.
5. Touch up Paint (Optional)
Use matching paint on a q-tip to cover any scratches or worn edges that cleaning exposed. Let paint fully dry before closing doors.
Get into the crevices where grease can collect, like around handles and the edges of inset cabinet doors.
How to Clean White Kitchen Cabinets
White cabinetry looks wonderful when freshly cleaned. Here are some tips:
- Use a bleach-based cleaner or magic eraser sponge to remove yellow stains from grease splatter.
- For hard water spots, wipe with equal parts white vinegar and water. Rinse.
- Baking soda mixed with water makes a mild abrasive paste for scrubbing gunk. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
- Avoid very wet rags that soak into wood grain. Wipe up excess moisture immediately on white painted cabinets.
- If white laminate cabinets are badly stained or marked, use a white laminate repair marker to cover up flaws after cleaning.
Take extra care when cleaning white cabinets to avoid moisture damage or visible scratches. Work gently when scrubbing.
How to Clean Wood Kitchen Cabinets
Real wood cabinets add warmth and value to a kitchen. Here are tips for properly cleaning wood:
- Wipe spills immediately to avoid stains. Use a damp cloth with mild soap. Wipe with the wood grain, not against it.
- For a deeper clean, use a wood cleaner/polish formulated for cabinetry. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and wipe in the direction of the wood grain.
- Avoid excessive water. Wipe wood with a dry cloth after cleaning to remove moisture.
- Every 3-5 years, use a wood refresher to strip old wax/polish buildup and recondition the wood. Follow product directions.
- Use wax or conditioning oil 1-2 times per year to enhance and protect the wood. Rub a thin coat into the grain using a lint-free cloth.
Always read the cabinet manufacturer’s care instructions before choosing cleaners. Test all cleaning products on an inconspicuous spot first.
How to Clean Greasy Kitchen Cabinets
Grease splatters are inevitable near a stove or oven. Here are some tips for cutting through tough grease on cabinets:
- Use a degreasing cleaner like Formula 409 or Pine-Sol (outdoors/ventilated only). Spray directly onto grease spots, wait 5+ minutes, then scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse.
- Make a paste with baking soda and water. Scrub onto greasy areas using a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly when finished scrubbing.
- Degreasing dish soap like Dawn works well. Make a warm soapy water solution and scrub greasy spots with a sponge.
- For glossy cabinet finishes, wipe down with rubbing alcohol after degreasing. This helps remove residue.
- Magic Eraser sponges work well on grease stains. Dampen sponge and gently rub stained areas until grease lifts away.
Heavy grease accumulation may require repeated cleaning over time to fully remove it. Be patient and persistent.
How to Clean Inside Kitchen Drawers
Kitchen drawers tend to collect crumbs, spills and debris over time. Follow these steps to clean them:
1. Remove All Contents
Take everything out of the drawers so you can access all surfaces.
2. Vacuum Inside
Use a handheld vacuum or small brush to suck up all loose debris. Reach into corners.
3. Wash Interior Surfaces
Wipe down the bottom, sides, back, and front of the drawer box using an all-purpose cleaner and rag. Let soap sit for 2-3 minutes before scrubbing.
4. Rinse Drawer Box
Wipe all surfaces with a clean damp rag or paper towel to remove soap residue.
5. Dry Thoroughly
Ensure the drawer box is completely dry before replacing items. Leave it open to air dry or wipe with a lint-free cloth.
6. Clean Drawer Front Exterior
Use the cabinet cleaning method to wash, rinse, and dry the outside of the drawer front.
7. Add Contents Back
Once fully dry, put items neatly back into the drawer. Consider using drawer organizers.
Repeat cleaning for all kitchen drawers as part of your regular cabinet cleaning regimen.
How to Clean Under the Kitchen Sink
The cabinet under the kitchen sink takes a lot of abuse from leaks and spills. Give this area extra attention:
- Remove all contents from under sink. Throw away old rags, sponges, etc.
- Check for leaks and repair as needed. Wipe up any standing water.
- Spray an all-purpose cleaner and let it soak for 5+ minutes to penetrate gunk.
- Scrub the cabinet interior bottom, sides, back, and doors with a brush or sponge. Use an old toothbrush for the corners.
- Rinse surfaces thoroughly with a wet rag. Dry with a towel.
- Disinfect the area using a bathroom/kitchen disinfecting cleaner spray. This kills germs.
- Use baking soda or odoban to deodorize and neutralize unpleasant smells. Sprinkle on and wipe up after 15 minutes.
- Install new shelf liner. Organize items neatly when putting them back in. Consider installing leak trays.
Be very thorough when cleaning this high-traffic cabinet area. Disinfecting is important to control germs.
How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting or Refinishing
Cleaning cabinets properly before painting or refinishing ensures best results. Here’s how:
Remove Doors and Hardware
Taking doors off makes cleaning easier. Number doors and remove hinges and hardware. Set aside hardware in a bag.
Clean All Surfaces
Scrub inner and outer surfaces with TSP substitute cleaner. Use a scrub brush or abrasive sponge on stained/greasy areas. Rinse.
Sand Away Imperfections
Use 120-220 grit sandpaper to sand cabinets smooth. Pay attention to worn edges and corners. Wipe away sanding dust.
Clean Again With Tack Cloth
Wipe sanded cabinets with a tack cloth to remove all remaining dust particles before painting or refinishing.
Thorough prep work leads to a smooth, long-lasting finish. Allow cabinets to fully dry before painting or applying new stain/sealant.
Top Tips for Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets
- Always read the cabinet manufacturer’s care instructions before cleaning.
- Work top to bottom so grime doesn’t drip onto already cleaned areas.
- Soak grease splatters with degreaser for 5+ minutes before scrubbing.
- Use a toothbrush or q-tips to scrub crevices and hardware.
- For wood cabinets, wipe spills immediately to avoid stains.
- Dry cabinets fully before closing them up to avoid moisture damage.
- Buff wood cabinets with polish or conditioner 1-2 times per year.
- Replace shelf liner regularly to keep drawers and cabinets fresh.
- Clean under the kitchen sink cabinet thoroughly and disinfect regularly.
- Empty all cabinets before washing so you can access all surfaces.
Common Questions about Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets
How can I get grease splatter off wood cabinets?
Spray degreaser directly onto the grease spots and let soak 5-10 minutes. Scrub with a damp sponge or soft-bristled brush, then wipe clean. Repeat as needed for tough grease.
What’s the best way to clean inside cabinets?
Take everything out, vacuum up crumbs, then wash all surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner. Rinse and dry completely. Work top to bottom so grime doesn’t drip.
Should I use vinegar to clean cabinets?
White vinegar is too acidic for some cabinet finishes, especially wood. Use a mild soap solution instead. For metal hardware, vinegar works well followed by an immediate rinse.
What should I use to clean painted cabinets?
Use a mild detergent and soft sponge or rag. Avoid abrasive scrubbers. Magic Eraser sponges also work well. Be gentle around areas with worn paint.
How do I get sticky residue off cabinets?
Dampen a sponge or rag with Goo Gone or another adhesive remover. Gently rub sticky areas to dissolve residue, then wipe clean. Avoid harshly scrubbing.
What’s the best way to clean outside cabinet surfaces?
Dust first, then wash with a mild soap solution (1-2 tsp per quart of water). Wipe small sections at a time and rinse/dry as you go. Work top to bottom.
Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean cabinets?
Yes, rubbing alcohol is safe for most cabinet finishes. It helps dissolve grease and sanitize surfaces. Wipe on with a damp lint-free cloth and follow with a rinse. Don’t saturate wood cabinets.
How often should I wash kitchen cabinets?
Clean grease splatters right away. For a full clean, scrub cabinet interiors 1-2 times per year and exteriors as needed, at least annually. Clean more frequently for high-traffic kitchens.
What’s the best way to dry cabinets after cleaning?
Wipe away all excess moisture with dry microfiber cloths or paper towels. Leave doors open to ensure cabinets fully air dry before closing them up.
Conclusion
Cleaning kitchen cabinets thoroughly doesn’t need to be a dreaded chore. By following these steps and techniques, you can easily remove built-up grease, drips, dust, and debris. Regular cabinet care keeps your kitchen looking fresh and extends the life of your cabinetry.
Be sure to use cleaning products compatible with your cabinet finish. Work methodically from top to bottom. Pay extra attention to greasy areas and frequently used lower cabinets and drawers.
Set aside time each month or season to give cabinets a good deep cleaning. Maintain the finish with polishing wax or conditioner. Your cabinets will look like new for years to come.