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How To Clean Painted Cabinets The Right Way

A clean kitchen makes a difference. While some stains are easy to wipe off, others require more complex cleaning to clean without damaging the paint underneath. Cleaning cabinets is easier than you might think. Just keep reading to learn the best tips and tricks on how to clean painted cabinets.

How Often To Clean Cabinets 

Ideally, your cabinets should be wiped once a week or every other week. However, this amount will vary based on usage. In general, the more you wipe down your cabinets, the less grease and hard-to-remove stains will build up. With regular cleaning, you can prevent unwanted dirt, bacteria, and grease. For painted cabinets, regular cleaning will help prolong their coating.

How To Clean Painted Kitchen Cabinets?

Clean Painted Kitchen Cabinets

When it comes to everyday cleaning, taking care of kitchen cabinets is actually pretty easy. Here are a couple of methods for everyday cleaning:

  • Warm water and dish soap

This method is great for removing small amounts of grease, sticky fingerprints, splattered food, spills, and a variety of other everyday kitchen grime and grease.

In a mixing bowl, mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap until you get a nice lather consistency.

Soak a cloth (or sponge) in the solution until you have an even, damp cloth.

Wipe down the cabinets with a damp cloth, paying special attention to any cracks, crevices, and places where you see grease or food spilling. Use circular motions for larger sections of cabinets.

Allow to dry or dry the surface with a soft cloth.

  • Warm water and white vinegar

Similar to baking soda, vinegar is one of the everyday kitchen items and one of the best cleaning products you can find! Because of its acidity, it’s the perfect cleanser for nasty grease and grime, give this cleanse a try.

Using a spray bottle, prepare a solution of 5 parts H2O to 1 part distilled white vinegar. This is usually strong enough, but if you have stubborn stains, try a 2:1 ratio.

Spray liberally on your surface, then wipe with a damp sponge, using careful circular motions and gentle strokes as you wipe. The sponge should remove grease and stains easily.

Let the cabinets air dry, or dry quickly with a soft cloth.

How To Clean Sticky Painted Cabinets?

If you have very hard grease and grime that needs to be removed without damaging the cabinets, we have to take a more technical approach. Traditional kitchen cleaners can damage your surfaces, but using this method to clean your sticky kitchen cabinets will do the trick to get rid of the grease without causing damage!

Water, alcohol, and soap

  • Add 1/8 alcohol, a few drops of Dawn dish soap, and water to a spray bottle. Also, consider a few drops of essential oils if you want to leave a nice scent after eating.
  • Lightly spray the cabinets with the cleaner, then wipe the fronts of the cabinets with a soft microfiber cloth. It’s important to use a microfiber cloth, as regular clothes can be too irritating and fade.
  • Use the large Q-Tip to clean hard-to-reach areas, small nooks, and crannies in your cabinets. Spray the cleaner on the Q-tip and carefully wipe it around the spot.
  • Dry or wipe the cabinets with a dry cloth.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Painted Cabinets 

  • Abrasive scrubber or sponge
  • Cleaners that contain bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals
  • Soak your cabinets
  • Soak the hinges or get water inside the cabinet
  • Keep the cabinet damp to dry

How to Keep Painted Cabinets Clean 

The best way to keep your cabinets clean is regular gentle cleaning to prevent stains, grease, dust, and debris. Here are some tips to help further keep your kitchen cabinets clean:

  • Wipe regularly.
  • Clean while you use the kitchen.
  • Clean up spills immediately.
  • Do not hang wet towels on cabinet doors or drawers.
  • Deep clean the exterior and interior 1-2 times a year.
  • Refinish paint if necessary.

How To Clean Painted Wood Cabinets 

Clean Painted Wood Cabinets 

The best way to clean painted wood is to use an all-natural cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth. The most important part of taking care of your kitchen cabinets is regular cleaning, not mixing the perfect solution. If you’ve been without baking soda or vinegar for a few weeks, you can wipe the surface with soap and warm water.

The Bottom Line

With regular cleaning, grease and grime will not be able to degrade the painted surface. You will protect your investment for years to come. Plus, whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or a weekend get-together with friends, you’ll have a beautiful kitchen.

Related Posts:

How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets And Make Them Shine

How To Clean Sticky Wood Kitchen Cabinets Easily