The wood cabinets are very beautiful. However, they can get dirty and dirty over time. When your cabinets are dirty, your entire kitchen looks dirty. Cleaning them seems like a lot of work. However, you can clean out the cabinets without much effort. Don’t feel like a hassle if you want to clean your cabinets, there are a few easy ways to make them shine again. Learn some tips on how to clean wooden kitchen cabinets and make them shine again.
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Why Should Clean Wooden Kitchen Cabinets?
Cleaning your cabinets is part of having a clean home. But did you know that cabinets can last a long time, up to 50 years, if cleaned and properly cared for? That’s longer than most kitchen components, including appliances, countertops, and kitchen sinks.
However, if you don’t properly maintain your kitchen cabinets, they will only show wear and tear after 20-30 years.
The replacement of cabinets accounts for 60-70% of the entire kitchen renovation. Considering the average cost of an entire kitchen remodel is about $24,000, that means about $15,000 will go to the cabinets.
This cost cannot be ignored.
So motivated enough to make sure you do your best to keep your kitchen cabinets clean and maintained.
How to Clean Stains on Wood Cabinets
Keeping wood cabinets clean is not a one-time chore. To keep your wood cabinets looking their best, you must develop a cleaning routine. This includes light cleaning once a day and deep cleaning every six months. By creating a routine, you can avoid sticky stains and blemishes in the future. Here are some tips to try when cleaning wooden kitchen cabinets:
Regular Dust Removal Inside the Cabinet
Likewise, you’ll want to regularly dust the interior of your wooden kitchen cabinets to remove any build-up that may have developed over time. Since plates, pots and pans are often stored here, you want to try to be as hygienic as possible. For lower cabinets, be sure to check the corners for food spills and messes that could fall off while cooking. This will attract ants, fruit flies and more pests you don’t want to see in your kitchen.
Wipe After Cooking
To keep your kitchen cabinets from building up, you can create an after-dinner routine. Between dishes and sweeping, use a damp cloth to wipe down the cabinets and handles. This will help remove any grease and grime before it becomes difficult to take off, keeping your cabinets looking good in the long term. This simple habit makes a big difference.
DIY Vinegar Wash
As I mentioned before, you usually don’t need to invest in expensive cleaners to get your wood cabinets looking and feeling good again. Vinegar cleaners are an easy, non-toxic way to keep your cabinets looking as good as new. In a clearly labeled spray bottle, mix one-part vinegar and one part warm water. Shake to mix. Spray it on the cabinets, let it sit for a minute or two, then wipe off with a sponge. If you experience any particularly sticky spots, you might want to try dish soap and scrubbing. However, do not scrub with the abrasive side of the sponge, or you may leave scratches. Let it dry completely.
Restore Shine with Polish
Cleaning solutions and daily use can affect the appearance of wood cabinets. Wood polish restores the natural shine of wood cabinets. I recommend using a commercial wood polish, which you can apply with a cloth. Make sure to match the type of wood you’re using (light or dark) with your polishing choices for the best results.
Baking Soda Stain Remover
If you come across any particularly challenging stains, you’ll want to try another DIY solution. Often these spots will be darker than the wood itself, showing where many hands have touched it and where grease has accumulated. To make this stain-proof cabinet stain remover, you’ll need:
- orange essential oil
- sponge
- olive oil
- baking soda
- small bowl
In a small bowl, combine one part oil, two parts baking soda, and two to three drops of orange essential oil. Mix thoroughly. Sponge on stained and sticky surfaces. Let it sit for about five minutes, then scrub. You need a little elbow grease here. Wipe off any remaining mixture with water to reveal a stain-free sheen.
Oil Soap
If the DIY method doesn’t work, there are some commercial cleaners that might work. If you’re dealing with tough grease, your best bet is an oil-based soap. Often, the best way to remove surface grease and oil stains are to use another oil. If you’ve exhausted all other options, try this.
Deep Clean Cabinet Hardware
Your kitchen cabinet hardware can be one of the dirtiest things in the kitchen, with many different hands touching them throughout the day. As part of your daily cleaning routine, be sure to wipe it down with a disinfectant to stop the spread of germs. For deep cleaning, scrub handles, and knobs with a toothbrush and hot soapy water. This will remove any build-up that has accumulated over time.
Read More: How To Remove Odor From Wood Cabinets?
What Cleaning Products Can Be Used on Wood Cabinets?
First things first: what product should you use to scrub your wood cabinets? Some products can be rough on wood surfaces, while others can be toxic to you and your family, so you need to be careful which cleaning solution you choose. Here are some good options:
Vinegar solution
Vinegar is a natural cleaner that you can use anywhere and for any purpose. It’s cheap, effective, and non-toxic, so it’s hard not to love it. Mix vinegar with equal parts water, or add a few drops of liquid soap to reduce grease. Don’t like the strong aroma of vinegar? You can also add a few drops of any essential oil to enhance the scent naturally.
Vinegar + Salt Scrub
When the vinegar isn’t hard enough, it’s time to pull out the cannon. Mix a little vinegar and salt for a natural scrub that removes the most stubborn oils and grime.
Baking soda
Baking soda is another all-natural strong cleanser. Pour baking soda into the stained area of the cabinet and pour a small amount of water or vinegar on top. Let it soak, then scrub lightly with a soft sponge.
How to Prevent Scratches on Wood Cabinets
Got kids or pets who seem determined to leave their mark everywhere they go? Luckily, there are still a few things you can do to prevent scratches on wood cabinets, such as:
- Only use cleaning products intended for wood: no bleach or ammonia.
- Use soft cloths and sponges to clean: no steel wool or other abrasive pads.
- Dust or vacuum surfaces regularly to avoid buildup.
- Always wipe with the grain, not against it.
Final Words
If your kitchen cabinets look like they need a refresh, don’t lose hope! Cleaning wood cabinets now seems like a piece of cake, starting with a deep clean and then changing up your kitchen cleaning routine to keep them looking fresh. Your cabinets will be sparkling in no time!
