Cleaning Your Cabinets

How Often Do You Clean Your Cabinets?

Think about it. We spend a lot of time in our kitchens. Whether you are an experienced cook preparing elaborate meals, or only re-heating take-out leftover, you most likely use your countertops and kitchen cabinets daily. But when is the last time you actually cleaned your cabinets?

Frequent use and moving food around inevitably leads to a little mess here and there. Some coffee spills… ketchup dribble. Don’t worry, It happens to the best of us! These spills can accumulate before you know it.

But never fear, because keeping your cabinets clean is easy! There are a few trustworthy techniques and eco-friendly cleaning materials to have, and a few harmful ones to remember to avoid.

Keep These Cleaners Handy 

• Diluted all-purpose cleaner – They call it “all-purpose” for a good reason! Mix some with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use it in a spray bottle. You can spray a little on most surfaces, then wipe clean with either a microfiber cloth or paper towel.
• Cleaners specifically for wood – If you have the cabinet made of unsealed wood, then you should buy a specialized wood cleaning product. This is because the untreated wood will be a little more vulnerable to damage. The oil-soap wood cleaner is one example.
• White vinegar – Simple white vinegar is an excellent cleaning product to have on hand. For many situations, it functions just like an all-purpose cleaner. It’s great for wiping down countertops. You can put it in a spray bottle too.
• Baking soda and water – This combination makes a paste that can be handy for cleaning spills that are stubbornly stuck to the surface. It can also help loosen up some stains. Mix and apply to the face of the cabinet. Scrub gently and not too hard, because you don’t want the grit of the baking soda to scratch the cabinet material
• Disinfecting solutions – Once in awhile it is important to disinfect kitchen cabinets, especially any food-prep surfaces. Antibacterial all-purpose cleaners or a mixture of bleach and water both work well for killing germs. For the bleach mixture, use one tablespoon of bleach per quart of water. However, bleach should not be used on non-painted wood, since it could damage the wood. After you apply the disinfectant, wipe away with a damp cloth, and then dry with a separate clean cloth.

Avoid Using These Items 

• Tough scouring pads – These can leave scratch marks on your cabinets.
• Abrasive cleaners – Just like scouring pads, they can damage your cabinets when you are trying to clean them.
• Excessive water – Too much water spells danger for cabinets. Wood is especially vulnerable to water damage. It can warp and crack when it gets too wet and then dries out. Metal cabinets are also vulnerable to water, but for a different reason: rust.
• Steam or other high heat – Hot steam can also warp wood and laminate cabinetry.

Final tip, seal rough surfaces. This will make your cabinets more durable and easier to clean in the future. What are you waiting for? Get to cleaning those cabinets!