Cleaning your wood kitchen cabinets can feel like a tedious task that many of us prefer to put off. Yet, by applying a few simple tips, you’ll be rewarded with sparkle and shine in no time.
Follow the effective and efficient ShelfGenie® step-by-step guide on how to clean wood kitchen cabinets. With the right supplies and advice, you will have those kitchen cabinets spotless in no time.
Gathering the Right Cleaning Supplies
While grocery and home improvement store aisles hold a dizzying array of household cleaners, a few stand out as top performers for cleaning wood cabinets – whether they are painted wood, finished wood, or laminate. Arm yourself with grime-cutting supplies:
- Grease-cutting all-purpose cleaner
- A mixture of dish soap and water
- A wood oil
- Vinegar and oil mixed in equal parts
- A cloth
- A scrub pad for wiping greasy cabinets like the ones above the stove
- Microfiber cloth for drying
- Cabinet cream for finished wood cabinets
How Often to Clean Wood Kitchen Cabinets
How often you should clean your wood cabinets largely depends on how often you cook. The objective is to keep your wood kitchen well-maintained to prolong its lifespan.
Generally speaking, it is recommended that wood kitchen cabinets be deep cleaned once every few months to maintain their clean appearance and prevent excessive food and grime buildup.
Remember to always clean up any spills on your cabinets right away to prevent damage. Wiping down the cabinets regularly with a duster is a good idea to maintain the wood luster.
How to Get Rid of Stains on Wood Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets, especially white ones, can be difficult to keep clean and are often subject to staining from cooking ingredients and grease buildup.
- Type of stain: Identify whether the stain is caused by grease, water, or food to better know how to clean it.
- Cleaning solution: Mix mild detergent or dish soap with warm water. It is not advisable to use cleaners with chemical or abrasive sponges on cabinets, as you could harm the wood.
- Clean: Immerse a soft cloth into the cleaning solution and gently scrub your cabinetry. If you are trying to get rid of grease stains, use a soft-bristled brush.
- Dry: Use a dry cloth to thoroughly dry the cabinets.
- Wood polish or oil: Apply wood polish or oil to the stained area to reduce wood discoloration and create a nice shine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Wood Kitchen Cabinets
Wood cabinets are subject to warping, staining, and chipping if they are not treated properly. Knowing the common mistakes made when cleaning wood cabinets will prevent permanent damage.
- Do not allow spills to sit on your wood. Wipe them using solutions specifically designed for wood.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia on your wood cabinets because it could strip the finish.
- Spot-test the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous cabinet corner and watch for discoloration.
- Do not use steel wool or scrubbing sponges on wood cabinets. They can scratch the paint and leave permanent marks.
- When cleaning your cabinets, don’t use an excessive amount of liquid to prevent water soaking into the wood.
- Always dry the cabinets thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water damage.
Additional Tips to Thoroughly Clean Your Wooden Kitchen Cabinets
The best way to clean wood kitchen cabinets is by using a simple cloth, dish soap, and water.
- Start at the top and work your way down.
- Clean cabinet interiors first, working back to front.
- Tackle shelves and drawers.
- Use a toothbrush spritzed with a cleaning solution to clean corners.
- Remove soap residue with a cloth soaked in plain water.
- Wipe dry.
- Clean sides.
- Finish with doors and drawer fronts.
Ready to Spruce up the Heart of the Home?
With ShelfGenie, you can count on quality cabinetry and shelving. Thanks to over 30 years of experience building custom kitchen shelves, we will design, build, and install custom Pull-Out shelves in your pantry and offer a lifetime warranty on parts and installation.
Reach out to your nearest ShelfGenie to learn more about the seamless steps from your free design consultation to installation.
We are so confident you will love your transformed kitchen pantry that we back our work with the Neighborly Done Right Promise™. Call us for a free design consultation today.
