How to Clean Wooden Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets seem to be magnets for sticky buildup from cooking grease and dirty fingers, all of which can ruin the appearance of your wooden cabinets. Keeping your cabinets clean and shiny requires routine care. Here are a few pointers on how to keep those cabinets looking their best.

Things You'll Need

• Mild dish detergent
• Mild laundry detergent
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Murphy's oil soap
• Wax
• Soft cloth/sponge
• Soft-bristled brush

Instructions

1. Use a mild dish detergent or a laundry detergent that is designed to cut grease. Mix the detergent to a strength of two parts warm/hot water and one part detergent. Be sure to mix it well and apply with a clean sponge or cloth. Scrub cabinets with the solution to remove buildup. Use a soft-bristled brush or a scrubber designed for silver stone, but be careful not to remove the finish from the cabinets. Rinse the cabinets well as soap residue can create sticky film and leave your cabinets gummy to the touch.

2. Try vinegar and water to remove a sticky film on your cabinet doors. Be sure you use a soft cloth or sponge and pay special attention to areas around hinges, knobs and drawer pulls. Rinse the cabinets with plain water to prevent leaving a residue.

3. Mix a paste of baking soda and water and apply to sticky areas where dirt and grime has built-up. Scrub with a soft brush or a sponge to remove the grime, and rinse thoroughly.

4. Avoid using harsh chemicals on your cabinets, as this will often remove the protective finish from your cabinets and leave them in worse condition that before you started. If you must use a stronger all-purpose cleaner to remove all of the built-up grease and grime, always test an area where it will not be seen to determine if the cleaner is safe to use.

5. Wipe down cabinets on a daily or bi-weekly basis with plain dish detergent and water to prevent the buildup of ordinary grease and grime caused by cooking. Murphy's oil soap is mild enough to use regularly on your cabinets. Not only will it clean the surface, it will leave your home smelling fresh, too.

6. Apply a coat of wax designed for the finish on your cabinets once they are clean and dry. This will repel dirt and make routine cleaning easier.

Tips & Warnings

• If your cabinets feel gummy it is probably due to residue from cleaning products. Always rinse well after cleaning cabinet doors to prevent a buildup of residue from the cleaner.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish