Cabinets are vital for kitchen storage and organization, but they attract dust and food particles on the inside. Then, splattered oil and spills make cabinets look grimy on the outside. It doesn’t take long for new cabinets to start looking old. With your busy schedule, you may not have time to clean your cabinets thoroughly every week. Fortunately, you can use these cleaning tips to keep your cabinets looking newer longer.
Install Cabinet Hardware
If your cabinet doors and drawers don’t already have knobs or handles, install them to help prevent greasy fingers from touching the wood surface. It’s much easier to clean a metal knob with all-purpose clean and a washcloth than it is to scrub grime off wood.
Use a Cabinet Shelf Liner
Different types of liners are available to help protect your cabinet and pantry shelves. They prevent freshly washed dishes from warping the shelf, and they’re easier to wipe clean than wood. You can purchase shelf liners, or you can make them yourself from any of these materials:
- Self-adhesive laminate floor tiles
- Leftover linoleum floor pieces
- Leftover wallpaper pieces
- Plastic canvas
- Laminated paper
- Wax paper
- Contact paper
Keep Doors & Drawers Closed
The best way to keep kitchen cabinets clean on the inside is never to leave them open. Grab what you need, and then close them. While some dust and crumbs may still find their way inside, the amount should be much lower. If your cabinet doors or drawers don’t close properly, have the hinges or drawer glides fixed as soon as possible.
Avoid Water Exposure
Wood and water don’t mix. It’s okay to clean with and immediately wipe up a water-based cleaning solution, but otherwise, keep moisture away from your wood cabinetry. This means you shouldn’t hang towels or washcloths over cabinet doors, and you should wipe up any spills or splatters right away. Failure to follow these tips could damage your cabinets and lead to wood rot.
Wax Your Cabinets
Every six months, apply wood furniture wax to provide a protective barrier for your cabinets. This helps prevent oil, grime, and other debris from sticking to and discoloring the wood. For smooth application, spray the wax onto a rag and rub over the entire surface of your kitchen cabinets.
Clean Your Cabinets with Vinegar
While the above cabinet cleaning tips help prevent grime and dust buildup, you can’t go forever without cleaning them. Fortunately, the best way to clean kitchen cabinets is simple, cheap, and chemical-free. Just follow these steps:
- Empty your cabinets.
- Mix a 50:50 solution of vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent for extra grimy surfaces.
- Spray the solution on the outside of the cabinet doors and let it sit for a minute or two.
- Wipe the cabinet doors clean with a soft cloth. Repeat if necessary to tackle stubborn spots.
- Open the cabinets and spray the inside of the door and the shelves. Let the solution sit on any trouble spots.
- Wipe the cleaner away with a soft cloth.
- Clean around hinges, knobs, and handles with Q-tips saturated in the cleaning solution.
- Wet a second cloth or sponge with clean water and wipe over all surfaces to remove residual cleaner.
- Dry all surfaces thoroughly with a clean towel.
With these cabinet cleaning tips; your kitchen will look cleaner and newer. If you have other home cleaning needs, rely on the professionals at Molly Maid. Our team is fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind. Contact your local Molly Maid or call today for a free estimate!
