How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets to Remove Tough Messes

Project Overview
  • Total Time: 2 - 4 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to $10

Cleaning your kitchen cabinets rids them of the dirt, dust, and splatters of grease that collect on the surfaces every day. If left uncleaned, this residue sticks to cabinet surfaces like a tacky glue that becomes difficult to remove. In addition, bacteria like Salmonella can easily contaminate cabinet handles and knobs. Learn how to quickly clean your kitchen cabinets to remove those tough messes.

woman putting jars into cabinets

The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu

How Often to Clean Kitchen Cabinets

Ideally, wipe down the exterior of your cabinets every week, or at least every other week. Cabinets need a deeper cleaning every few weeks. Tackle one cabinet at a time to make it easier and less overwhelming. For example, if most of your glasses are in the dishwasher, take the opportunity to clean the glassware cabinet.

how to clean kitchen cabinets
The Spruce
supplies for cleaning cabinets
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu 

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Cleaning cloths
  • Old toothbrush
  • Vacuum (optional)
  • Bowls/basin

Materials

  • Liquid dish soap
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • All-purpose cleaner (optional)
  • Baking soda (optional)
  • Orange oil cleaner (optional)
  • Melamine magic eraser (optional)

Instructions

How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets

  1. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution

    Mix a simple, mild solution of warm water and a few drops of degreasing liquid dish soap in a bowl to clean most cabinets.

    If using a commercial all-purpose cleaner, read the instructions before using it and first test it in a hidden spot to make sure it won't damage the finish.

    woman dipping rag into soapy water
    The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu 
  2. Work From the Top Down

    Begin at the top and work your way down each cabinet. For very dirty cabinets that are empty, spray directly onto the surface; otherwise, spray onto a cleaning cloth and then wipe the cabinets down. Remember to clean the edges and sides of your cabinets.

    woman beginning at the top of her cabinets
    The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
  3. Wipe Off the Cleaner

    Rinse thoroughly with another clean cloth, before drying with a final cloth. Water left sitting on your cabinets can discolor and damage them.

    woman drying off cabinets with a dry rag
    The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
  4. Clean Glass or Mirror Features

    Spray commercial glass cleaner onto a lint-free cloth or paper towel before wiping onto the glass or mirror insets of cabinets. Never spray the glass directly because the cleaner can seep into woodwork or other parts of the cabinet and cause discoloration.

    woman spraying cleaner onto a cloth
    The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu 
  5. Wipe Handles, Knobs, and Pulls

    Clean cabinet hardware. For metal hardware on wood cabinets, dip a toothbrush in a bowl with a solution of 50/50 distilled white vinegar and warm water and scrub the hardware, the surrounding wood, and the crevices of ornate trim.

    woman using a toothbrush to scrub hardware
    The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
  6. Remove Thick Grease Buildup

    Remove the buildup of thick grease—an orange or yellowish sticky substance—on your kitchen cabinets using a few methods:

    • Orange oil: Allow orange oil cleaner to sit and penetrate the grease for two to four minutes. Repeat if necessary.
    • Baking soda: Make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
    • Magic eraser: A melamine magic eraser might be a good option for stubborn grease but test it on a hidden spot to make sure it does not scrub away the cabinet's finish.

    Warning

    Avoid trying to scrape away the grease on the cabinets since this method may damage the cabinets' finish.

    using baking soda to clean grease off cabinets
    The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
  7. Empty Each Cabinet

    Start at the top. Beginning with the highest cabinet, empty the contents and remove any torn or discolored shelf lining.

    Vacuum the cabinets to get rid of crumbs and residue before wiping them down.

    woman emptying out cabinets
    The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
  8. Wash the Interiors

    Wipe down the interior of the cabinets using a cloth dampened with warm water and a mild liquid dish detergent.

    woman wiping down cabinet interior
    The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
  9. Rinse With a Damp Cloth

    Rinse with another clean damp cloth. Wipe dry with an additional cloth to make sure no standing water is left to damage the cabinet surfaces.

    woman wiping down interior of the cabinets
    The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
  10. Clean Cabinet Contents

    Wipe down dusty cans and containers with warm water and dish soap on a dampened cloth. Throw out any items that have expired. Dry items thoroughly before replacing them in the cabinets.

    Leave the cabinets open for one to two hours to fully dry before replacing the contents of the cabinet.

    woman wiping outside of jars
    The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu 

Do's and Don'ts of Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets

  • Do dust your cabinets at least once every two weeks with a soft cloth, rag, or standard duster to reduce the need for a deeper cleaning.
  • Do clean up spills as soon as they happen with a damp cloth or sponge. The longer a substance hangs around on your cabinets, the greater the likelihood it will cause stains that are difficult to remove or other damage.
  • Don't keep the cabinets and drawers near a self-cleaning oven closed during a cleaning cycle. Nearby cabinets are prone to damage from the intense heat that can escape from a faulty heat gasket seal. To avoid this, open or remove the doors (if possible) and drawers from all cabinets above or adjacent to the oven during cleaning.
  • Do keep heat-producing appliances—such as coffee makers, air fryers, and toasters—away from cabinets; the excess heat and moisture can damage cabinet surfaces.
woman drying off cabinets
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
FAQ
  • What is the best way to clean greasy wood kitchen cabinets?

    Scrubbing with a solution of water and grease-cutting dish soap is usually sufficient to clean greasy wood kitchen cabinets. You also can use an all-purpose cleaner if it says it's safe for wood or a baking soda paste.

  • Why are my kitchen cabinets sticky after cleaning?

    It's possible you didn't rinse thoroughly enough if your cabinets are still sticky after cleaning. Another possibility is the cleaner didn't get all the grease and grime, in which case you must repeat your cleaning process.

  • Does vinegar harm wood cabinets?

    Cleaning wood cabinets with vinegar can strip the finish due to its acidic properties. You can use a vinegar solution on metal hardware, but it's best to keep it off a wood cabinet's surface.