The kitchen is the heart and entertainment center of the home and one of the most used areas. Therefore, the kitchen needs to be clean and safe. We are pretty good about cleaning floors, dishes, and countertops, but what about the cabinets? When it comes to cleaning the kitchen, unfortunately, cabinetry tends to get overlooked. Cabinetry accumulates dirt, grease, and grime day-to-day, which becomes sticky over time. Additionally, the handling of raw food can contaminate pulls and knobs with bacteria, such as salmonella. That bacteria can make their way inside cabinets where items are stored.

Cleaning the Exterior

Every 1 to 2 weeks, you should wipe down the exterior surfaces with a clean damp cloth and wipe dry. Clean the inside of the cabinets every 3 to 4 months.

To remove light grease build-up and food smudges:

• Liquid dish soap and warm water solution. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly. If scrubbing is required, take care not to scratch the finish.
• Use a solution using equal parts vinegar and warm water to clean cabinets, drawer pulls, and knobs. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
• Also, a variety of specialty cabinet cleaners are available that effectively clean cabinets and hardware.

For hard grease build-up and stubborn stains, you can:

• We recommend using an orange oil soap such as Murphy’s Oil Soap.
• If you still are unable to remove stains and build-up, it may be best to call a professional.
• We don’t recommend baking soda solutions or magic sticks as those products are abrasive and can damage the finish, if not used properly.

Cleaning the Interior

• Empty cabinets and remove any crumbs.
• Wash the interior with liquid dish soap and warm water. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth. Wipe dry.

Protect Your Cabinets

Always avoid excessive moisture and heat. It’s good practice to quickly wipe
up spills and avoid placing damp dish towels or cloths over the cabinet door
beneath the sink as the moisture can permanently damage the door over time. Protect your cabinets from excessive heat by moving heat-generating appliances such as deep fryers and coffee makers, away from the cabinetry.

It’s crucial when using any cleaning product, to always test on a hidden area. Do not use any products that will damage the finish on your cabinets.

Never use products containing wax, silicones or petroleum solvents:

• Wax-based products as they can create a wax film build-up on your cabinets over time
• Silicone polishes as they can damage the cabinet’s finish
• Spray polishes containing petroleum solvents are toxic and flammable
• Powdered or abrasive cleaners
• Scouring pads
• Never allow oven cleaner to contact any part your cabinetry

With the right products and regular maintenance, you can keep your kitchen cabinets looking great for years to come.