A Guide to Cleaning Your Cabinets

Whether you have just remodeled and installed brand new kitchen cabinets, moved into a newly built custom home, or you just want to properly care for your current space, cleaning your kitchen cabinets with the right methods and products will help protect and maintain their appearance.

The majority of the cabinets in your home are located in one of the most dirt-prone areas—the kitchen. Grease, food spills, and splattered food result from cooking. In addition, dirty or sticky hands from both children and adults can quickly accumulate on your cabinetry. Although grease isn’t as much of a problem in the bathroom or other rooms with cabinets such as the laundry area, dirt and stains can still build up over time in these spaces and it is important to clean all of your cabinets properly.

Cleaning Products Guideline

Regular cleaning can help reduce the build-up on cabinets and makes it easier to remove bigger spills or spots when they occur. The cleaning method you should use depends on the material your cabinets are made from. For cabinets made of specialty materials, such as stainless steel or glass front doors, material specific cleaners should be used.

However, all-purpose cleaners can generally be used on most cabinet surfaces. Read the label carefully before using any product on your cabinetry. Information is included for consumers regarding surfaces where a cleaner is safe and those it can damage. To be safe, always test the cleaner on an area that is hidden before using it on the entire cabinet. Rinse and dry to remove any residue.

For heavily soiled cabinets, you can use a degreaser, however these contain harsher cleaning ingredients so this should be a last resort. To really keep the shine on your cabinets and extend their life, regularly clean your cabinets with gentler products and the degreaser won’t be necessary.

What about Environmentally Friendly Solutions?

If you or a family member is sensitive to a specific chemical or you want to use more environmentally conscious cleaners as opposed to household chemicals in common cleaners, there are environmentally friendly alternatives right in your own kitchen.

· White vinegar or lemon juice can be mixed with water to clean grease from cabinets.

· Baking soda or club soda can be used to remove staining.

· In both cases, rinse with water and dry with a lint free cloth after cleaning.

It is also worth repeating, even though these are environmentally friendly cleaners, you need to test the solution on a hidden area before using on the entire cabinet.

Cleaning Your Wood Stained Cabinets

Although many all-purpose cleaners can be used on wood surfaces, it’s important to check the label first. If you are concerned about the finish on your cabinets, spray cleaners that are made for wood furniture can be used on stained cabinets. Be sure to follow these tips:

· Check to be sure the product you purchase is safe for your finish.

· Follow the directions carefully when using the cleaning product.

· Don’t forget to test a spot before using the cleaner, even if the can states that it’s good for your finish.

Be mindful that sometimes cleaning wood cabinets may dull the finish. If this happens, you can restore the shine with furniture polish. Furniture wax can also be used to improve your finish.

Cleaning Hardware on Your Cabinets

The hardware on your cabinets can get the same grease and grime build-up that your cabinets get from foods. It’s generally recommended to clean your hardware before cleaning your cabinets.

The cleaner you should use for your hardware depends on the material, and cleaners and polishes are commercially available for every type of metal. The most important thing is to simply be sure that the cleaner you choose is suitable for your hardware. Using the wrong cleaner could damage the handles and cost you money in replacing them.

Regular cleaning with the right products will help maintain your cabinets and keep them as beautiful as the day they were installed. If cleaning your cabinets isn’t enough and you are looking to make a change so you can love where you live, check out ACo’s guide to cabinets, or connect with us for a complimentary design consultation.