Cabinets are one of the first things people notice about your kitchen or bathroom. Their appearance contribute to the ambiance and overall look of both spaces, which is why you should take good care of them to ensure they last over time.

The secret to keeping your kitchen and bathroom cabinets looking and working great is proper maintenance. Clean your kitchen cabinets regularly to help extend their life, for both appearance and functionality. Learn more about how to clean your kitchen cabinets easily with ingredients you likely already have at home.

Cabinet Care

When it comes to cleaning your kitchen cabinets, avoid harsh cleaning solvents and instead opt for a mixture of soap and water. However, make sure not to expose your cabinets to excess moisture to avoid damaging the wood and wood finishes. Follow the steps below to ensure long life for your cabinets. With proper care and cleaning, you can keep your cabinets looking great for years.

10 Steps to Maintain Your Cabinets

1. Choose Your Cleaning Cloths Wisely 2. Avoid Abrasive Cleaning Solvents 3. Use a Mild Detergent 4. Wipe Cabinets With Mild Soap and Water 5. Use Baking Soda for Difficult Stains

6. Limit Exposure to Moisture 7. Avoid Staining or Discoloration 8. Don't Overlook Cabinet Tops 9. Polish for Shiny Cabinets 10. Avoid Commercial Waxes or Sprays

To clean cabinets, the best choice is soft cloths that are lint-free. Great types of cloths to use are soft cotton fabrics such as cheesecloth or chamois. An old t-shirt also works well. Some fabrics may leave lint residue like old flannel shirts or old dish towels. The best option for cabinets are older materials that have been washed frequently and are softer.

TIP: Avoid using a used dishcloth or sponge. They carry residue and chemicals that can damage the cabinet surface

When cleaning your cabinets, use natural products that won't scratch the cabinet finish or leave sticky residues. Avoid using any cleaning products that contain ammonia, and avoid any abrasive cleaners such as powdered cleaners.

TIP: Mild, grease-cutting hand washing dish soap makes an ideal cabinet cleaner.

You can make your own cabinet cleaning soap easily with ingredients you already have at home. Mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap into 2 cups of warm water. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water. Apply the mild cleaning detergent of your choice to your cabinets using a clean, soft cloth or sponge.

TIP: If using a commercial cleaning product, buy one made specifically for wood cabinets.

While mild soap and water is the preferred solution for cleaning all kitchen cabinet types and finishes, too much moisture is an enemy of wood and wood finishes. For the best results, apply a mixture of soap and water using a soft cloth or sponge. Then, rinse the cabinet with clean, fresh water using a second clean cloth to remove detergent residue.

TIP: To avoid water damage, use a third clean, dry cloth to dry the cabinet right away.

For tough stains, some water spots respond to white toothpaste or baking soda. Use a non-abrasive wet sponge to clean the cabinet surface, while being careful not to scratch or otherwise damage the surface. Test the cleaner on the interior of the cabinet before you use it on the cabinet exterior for best results.

TIP: For problem areas with built-up grease or food, try an emulsifying cleaner such as an oil soap.

Avoid hanging wet dishcloths or towels over cabinets or cabinet doors, since long exposure to water will damage the finish and may leave stains. Use a hanging towel rack or consider washing and drying your dishcloths and towels with your laundry.

TIP: Dry wet dishcloths or towels in the dryer rather than leaving them to hang on cabinets or cabinet doors.

To keep cabinets looking their best, follow best basic care practices. Immediately clean up any spills, splatters, or water spots with a soft cloth. The sooner you spot clean, the less chance of staining or discoloring the cabinetry. Grease and food particles also become more difficult to remove over time.

TIP: Removing dried-on residue may require tough scrubbing and a harsh cleaner. Be careful not to damage the cabinet finish.

One part of the cabinetry that is sometimes overlooked is the tops of cabinets, which do collect dust. Although cabinet tops do not need cleaning as often as the front surfaces, they should be cleaned regularly—at least every other week, and more often if you cook regularly.

TIP: Dust can mix with oil and grease. Avoid build-up by regularly cleaning the tops of your cabinets

For a buffed shine on wood cabinets, use a furniture polish after cleaning. Polishes are usually applied using a soft cloth, then buffed to a shiny finish. Polishes contain mild detergents and emulsifiers to clean and shine wood cabinets and leave a protective coat of mineral oil.

TIP: To create a homemade polish, mix half a cup of olive oil with one tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix well and apply to wood cabinets with a cloth.

Use commercial furniture waxes, sprays, and polishes sparingly on kitchen cabinets. Spray polishes often contain silicone, which does form a shine, but can also create a barrier over the wood. This barrier makes touch ups or refinishing impossible. Waxes form a buildup over time, attracting dust, dirt, smoke, and pollutants from the air.

TIP: Wood doesn't need oily polishes or cleaners to moisturize. If wood cracks or dries, it is a result of a lack of humidity in the air.

While caring for your cabinets may seem time-consuming, it can be done easily with ingredients you have on hand. Clean cabinets can also help you better organize your kitchen cabinets.

All you need to preserve your cabinet's life is a clean, soft cloth and a detergent of soap and water. You can polish your cabinet regularly to leave a protective coat that can help your cabinets look better for longer.

Above all, remember to respond to spills and stains quickly and avoid harsh solvents and scrubbing. These simple steps can help you maximize the look of your high-quality kitchen and bathroom cabinets and preserve them for years to come.

Cabinet Care

10 Steps to Maintain Your Cabinets

Choose your cleaning cloths wisely

Avoid abrasive cleaning solvents

Use a mild detergent

Wipe cabinets with mild soap and water

Use baking soda for difficult stains

Limit exposure to moisture

Avoid staining or discoloration

Don't overlook cabinet tops

Polish for shiny cabinets

Avoid commercial waxes or sprays

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