Quick guide to cleaning cabinet doors without damaging them

Photo by create.vista

Light-colored cabinet doors can make a kitchen look more vibrant and spacious, which is one of the reasons they are so popular. Cleaning cabinet doors requires skill to avoid damaging the safety surface.

1. Select the right products to clean cabinet doors
You need a cleaning solution that is gentle enough to avoid damaging the coating but reliable enough to remove grease. Use these options:

Dishwashing soap: Mix one part of prescription soap with 2 parts of warm water, for example, half a cup of dish soap with one cup of hot water. Select dish soap made for cleaning glass or similar lightweight products. Avoid harsh cleansers or bright shades.

Vinegar: For daily cleanings, mix one part white vinegar with two parts warm water. For grease, it’s safe to go with a 50/50 ratio. Mix one cup of warm vinegar with one cup of water.

Baking soda and water – Baking soda can penetrate dirt and grease more easily, making it a great choice for a deep clean. Make a paste by mixing baking soda in a dish of hot water. Apply, let sit for a few minutes, then rub gently.
Hot water makes a big difference. It helps loosen grease and dirt from the surface so you can clean it.

2. Take a microfiber cloth or sponge
Never use rough materials with your cabinets, no matter how dirty they look. Stay away from bristle brushes or scouring pads. Because they can scratch the surface, even paper towels are a poor choice.

Your best bet is to choose microfiber cloths to clean cabinet doors. Sponges are also practical. These options are safe for painted cabinets, finished wood cabinets, and laminate surfaces as well.

3. Use a spray bottle
Keep moisture to a minimum when cleaning wood cabinets. Follow these steps:

Add your recommended cleaning mix to a spray bottle.
Spray the microfiber cloth first, then wipe down the cabinet door.
Make sure the fabric is damp, never soaking wet.
Do not spray cabinets directly.

4. Remove stains immediately
To avoid stains, act quickly when you notice splashes, specifically red foods like red wine or pasta sauce. Clean immediately with a microfiber towel and water. If you still see a residue, apply the baking soda paste, wait a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a clean cloth.

5. Rinse and dry
After cleaning cabinet doors, wipe them down with a damp (not wet) cloth. Start with the top and work with the bottom. This removes any deposits that can attract dirt.

For best results, use a microfiber cloth to completely dry surfaces as the last action. This also offers you the opportunity for a shine action.

Know when it’s time to clean cabinet doors.

You only need to clean the cabinets when stains are visible. Or, give your doors a quick wipe-down once a week to remove fingerprints and grease. Take time for a deep clean every 3-4 months.

Cleaning cabinet doors is the best method that can help them last a decade before requiring refinishing or painting. Discover many more cabinet pro tips from our pros at surfacedesigners.us to keep your cabinets looking clean and bright.