As the heart of any home, the kitchen is where we spend a lot of our time. And keeping it clean and organized may sometimes feel like an endless task. But have you ever thought about how to clean your kitchen cabinets? It’s a task that is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for maintaining the look and longevity of your cabinets.
Whether your cabinets are made of wood, stainless steel, laminate, or any other material, it is important to know the appropriate cleaning techniques and products to use, so you don’t damage them.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the steps of how to clean kitchen cabinets made from different materials, and you’d be surprised at how easy it can be.
How to clean wood veneer Kitchen cabinets
Get a damp rag or sponge and a non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap or vinegar to wipe down the surfaces of your cabinets. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives on wood veneer cabinets, as they could cause damage over time.
If you have any lingering specks of dirt or grime on the cabinet doors, try an all-purpose spray cleaner like 409 cleaners or Lysol to remove them completely before they dry up on the surface and leave streaks.
Cleaning products you should never use on wood veneer kitchen cabinets:
- vinegar
- lemon juice
- tub and tile cleaners
- baking powder
- sodium hydroxide cleaning products
- Ammonia Glass cleaners like Windex.
How to Clean Plastic Laminate Kitchen Cabinets
First, ensure all the knobs, handles, and hinges are removed when cleaning plastic laminate cabinets. These can then be wiped-washed with a sponge or damp cloth and mild soap or detergent in warm water. Avoid using Windex or other glass cleaners on these types of materials, as they can damage the finishes.
You may want to use an all-purpose cleaner if some stubborn grease or dirt buildup can’t be removed with warm water alone.
To finish, rinse off any residue with warm water and wipe dry with a towel or microfiber cloth before replacing parts.
Cleaning products you should never use on plastic laminate kitchen cabinets
- Acetone, acid, or ammonia cleaning products.
- Solvent-based cleaners
- paint thinners
- Abrasive cleaners.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Kitchen Cabinets
Stainless steel cabinets are one of the easiest to maintain.
For a quick clean, wipe down the cabinet with a clean cloth dipped in hot water with a drop of dish soap. Rinse with water and dry with a clean towel.
Try spraying or rubbing with white vinegar and/or baking soda for tough stains. Rub with a soft towel for an instant transformation.
To polish your stainless-steel cabinets and keep them looking shiny and new, use a few drops of olive oil and apply using a cotton towel.
Cleaning products you should Never Use on Stainless Steel Kitchen cabinets
- Harsh abrasives.
- Oven cleaners
- Scouring powders.
- Bleach and other chlorine-based products.
- Steel wool.
- Ammonia Glass cleaners like Windex.
How to Clean Thermofoil Kitchen Cabinets
For your thermofoil cabinet, always use cotton cloth or a non-abrasive sponge with mild dish soap like Simple Green.
To finish, wipe down with a damp cloth and a microfiber cloth to dry.
For tough stains, dampen a cotton cloth or sponge with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, place on the stain for about 30 minutes, and wipe off. If the stain persists, repeat until the stain is removed.
Cleaning products you should never use on thermofoil kitchen cabinets
- Lacquer
- Thinners
- Bleaches
- Cleaners containing solvents or abrasives.
- Toluene or acetone-based products
How to Clean MDF Kitchen Cabinets
Start by wiping the cabinet with a dry rag and damp cloth to remove any dirt that may have collected on the surface.
Use mild soap or detergent with warm water and a microfiber cloth or soft sponge to clean the cabinet doors and drawers. Avoid using too much pressure when scrubbing, as this can cause damage to your MDF cabinets.
Wipe off soap residue with a clean towel and allow it to air dry before packing up your cabinet again.
Cleaning products you should never use on MDF kitchen cabinets
- Harsh abrasives
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Tub and tile cleaners
- Baking powder
- Sodium hydroxide cleaning products
- Ammonia Glass cleaners like Windex.
How to Clean Melamine Kitchen Cabinets
Remove any food or grease from the surface of the cabinet with a clean sponge or cloth.
Mix dish soap or detergent with warm water. Gently clean the surface with a dish sponge or dishcloth to remove all specks of dirt and grime.
Use diluted vinegar or 10% lemon juice for stubborn and difficult stains and rinse off with warm water. Dry up with a paper towel or dry cloth.
Cleaning products you should never use on Melamine kitchen cabinets
- Scouring pads or abrasive cleaners
- Silicone-based products.
- Ammonia-based products.
- Bleaches
How To Clean Plywood Kitchen Cabinets
To get rid of any loose dirt or dust particles clinging to the surface of the cabinet, you can vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
Wipe down any stains or smudges on the surface of the cabinet with a damp cloth. Make sure it’s just damp—if it’s too wet, it could cause water damage!
To finish, use a dry towel to wipe off any excess moisture from your mild cleaning solution and leave it to air-dry.
Cleaning products you should never use on plywood kitchen cabinets
- Harsh abrasives
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Tub and tile cleaners
- Baking powder
- Sodium hydroxide cleaning products
- Ammonia Glass cleaners like Windex.
How to Clean Acrylic Kitchen Cabinets
Use a soft cotton cloth to wipe down the cabinets, paying special attention to the dust and dirt collected on the surface.
Use a damp microfiber towel to wipe away any grime and stain using light pressure and make sure not to rub too hard or use too much water.
If necessary, use a mild soap and water solution to clean the inside of the cabinets, but be careful not to spill too much water.
Cleaning products you should never use on acrylic kitchen cabinets
- Scouring pads or abrasive cleaners
- Acetone cleaners
Need Help with Kitchen Remodeling?
We hope you’ve learned the various ways to clean and maintain your kitchen cabinets,
irrespective of the materials they are made from. Remember, it’s important always to keep them clean and moisture free. That way, they will look nicer and serve your kitchen for longer.
Considering kitchen remodeling? HRC offers a wide range of services to help you turn your kitchen into an extension of your lifestyle. We have the experience and expertise to work with the various materials used in kitchens today.
Also, we provide everything from cabinet refacing to full kitchen transformations, including all the fixtures, appliances, and accessories that go with them.
Do you want to transform your kitchen into something that’s both beautiful and functional? Request a free kitchen consultation today!