Cabinets are the primary focus of almost every kitchen, so when they’re dirty, people will notice.

Fingerprints, food splatters, and water marks are the main culprits, but tougher stains can build up over time if not dealt with sooner.

Maintaining your new kitchen not only will increase the useful life of cabinets, appliances, and floor and wall coverings; regular maintenance also will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the space.

Before you begin, read through the 5 tips and make sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies on hand.

You’ll also want to make sure you know what cabinet material you’re working with.

The difference between wood and laminate. Consult a cabinet professional if you’re not sure.

1. Cabinet Face

Cabinet faces can collect dust, oils from hands and splashes from food. To keep them clean, wipe down cabinet faces using a damp cloth with mild soap.

For recessed faces, use a toothbrush to get into hard-to-reach corners. Clean the cabinet face at least twice a month or as needed.

Tip 1 – If there’s grease build-up, make a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water, and wipe.

2. Inside Cabinets

It’s a good idea to clean the inside of your cabinets occasionally, as it gives a fresh look to the space and helps de-clutter the area.

Using a solution of water and vinegar is helpful if you haven’t got any surface cleaner.

Tip 2 – Remove all items and use an all-purpose cleaner or a solution of equal parts of water and vinegar.

3. Above Cabinets

The area above your cabinets is prone to collecting dust and grease, and since it’s out of sight, planning a yearly cleaning check-up is a great way to keep the space tidy.

If you find grease, spray the top of the cabinets with a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water and wipe clean.

Tip 3 – To reduce the cleaning frequency, place a sheet of wax paper or newspaper above the cabinets to collect the dust and grease. Replace the paper one to two times a year.

4. Painted vs Wood Cabinets

Painted kitchen cabinets are very common. They’re an easy way to inject new colour and warmth into a space without a total remodel.

But like any other paint project, they require some maintenance to look their best.

To learn how to clean grease off kitchen cabinets, use a cloth dampened with diluted ammonia.

Gently wipe the cabinet until the stain is removed or visibly less noticeable.

Tip 4 Painted – For an easy, budget-friendly spot cleaner, just mix one-part water with two parts baking soda.

Dab the paste onto the stain, let sit for a few minutes, and wipe clean. Buff out any remaining residue with a clean cloth.

Wooden cabinets: It’s tough to determine the best way to clean wood kitchen cabinets because they come in many different finishes with a variety of different seals.

Some seals are more forgiving than others, but to be safe, stick with gentle cleaners on wood cabinets.

Tip 4 Wooden – Monitor the cabinets in high-moisture parts of the kitchen, such as directly above the stove.

These are the cabinets that will need the most care as they’re exposed to steam and condensation on a regular basis.

Consider an extra coat of sealant for these cabinets.

5. Laminates vs Glass Cabinets

Laminate is very forgiving. The material responds well to most cleaners and requires little maintenance beyond weekly wipe downs.

As with painted cabinets, remove stains with a paste made from baking soda and water. Let the mixture set into the stain, then wipe clean.

Tip 5 Laminates – Avoid using abrasive cleaning pads, as they could scratch the cabinet’s surface.

For scuffs on lower cabinets, use a soft eraser to remove marks.

Glass cabinets are often mixed with another material, such as wood or laminate, to create a panned door.

Though the glass is simple to clean, make sure you choose an agent that won’t harm the adjacent cabinet material.

Use glass cleaner and a polishing cloth to remove fingerprints and other marks from the glass panes.

Tip 5 Glass – Avoid oil-based cleaners on the adjacent cabinet material.

They can leave residue and streaks on the glass that are tricky to remove.

At Hardis we can help you make your dream kitchen into reality at an affordable cost.

With 30 years of industry experience, we promise the best custom made residential and commercial furniture solutions.

Visit our website today or shoot us a mail and let one of our experts make your kitchen dreams come true.