How to Clean Wood Kitchen Cabinets (And Make Them Shine Again)

Wooden kitchen cabinets collect grease and dirt. Over time, dirty cabinets start to look bland. Here’s how to clean wood kitchen cabinets easily and remove that dirty, sticky layer of grease. 

So now the time has come to make your wooden kitchen cabinets shine again!

Cleaning wood kitchen cabinets is not that tough. You won’t have to do that much research. In this article, we will talk about some of the DIY ways so that you clean your cabinets without calling in a pro. 

So, if you are all set, let’s go!

How to Quickly Clean Wood Kitchen Cabinets (And Remove Grease & Gunk)

If you own wood cabinets, you should know that cleaning them is not a one-time task. To keep them at their very best, you must stay at the top of maintenance. 

Start by planning out a cleaning routine. Like, you can plan to clean them lightly every day after use and clean the entire kitchen every six months. 

When you follow a cleaning routine, it will help you avoid stubborn stains and blemishes and will help you maintain a clean kitchen. 

Here we have enlisted a few techniques that you can try when you plan on cleaning your cabinets. 

1. Dusting the cabinets (inside and outside)
2. Wiping after cooking
3. Using baking soda as a stain remover
4. Vinegar wash (DIY)
5. Restoring shine using polish.
6. Deep cleaning the hardware

#1 Dusting the Cabinets (Inside-Out)

If you wish to prevent dust-build with minimal effort, plan to dust the cabinets daily. 

This will keep the cabinets from dust-build up, as you keep all sorts of plates, pans, and pots here. Also, you will be able to maintain proper sanitation as well. 

#2 Wiping After Cooking

Wiping the cabinets after cooking can help you prevent build-ups on the cabinets. After cleaning the dishes, you can plan a wiping routine later at night. 

All you have to do is take a piece of cloth, soak it in water, and gently wipe the cabinets and their hardware. This will help you eliminate grease and dirt before they become stubborn to clean. 

Also, this helps you keep your kitchen nice and tidy. 

#3 Use Baking Soda as a Stain Remover

While cleaning, if you ever encounter a stubborn stain, try this solution. All you will do is prepare a stain remover and then scrub. 

To prepare the stain remover, take a small bowl, add a part of olive oil, two parts of baking soda, and three or two drops of orange essential oil. Mix thoroughly. 

When ready, dip the sponge, and wipe off the stained surfaces. Allow the mix to sit for roughly 5 to 6 minutes, and scrub. 

Clean the surface with regular water, and the shine is back on. 

#4 Vinegar wash (DIY)

Why invest in getting some cleaners when you can use vinegar? Make a vinegar cleaner; it is a cost-effective and non-toxic method of cleaning your cabinets. 

You must take a bottle, add some water and vinegar, and give it a nice mix. Now, spray the solution on the stained surface, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a soft cloth or a sponge. 

Now, if the stains are tough, add some dishwashing liquid, and scrub using the soft part. Using the abrasive side can end up scratching the surface of the cabinets.

#5 Restoring Shine Using Polish

It’s natural for your cabinets to become dull in their appearance after daily use. If you wish to hold its looks and shine for a longer period, use a polish. 

You can get it at your nearest hardware store. You can simply apply it using a soft cloth. But, make sure to purchase the right wood polish according to the type of wood. 

#6 Deep Cleaning the Hardware

The hardware on your kitchen cabinets can make a big difference in how your kitchen looks.

But unfortunately, cabinet hardware can be among the DIRTIEST items. 

Now, to keep it clean and tidy, wipe the hardware using a disinfectant solution; this will prevent the spreading of germs all around your house. 

For cleaning, prepare a solution using hot water and soap, and gently scrub using a toothbrush. Doing this daily will help you terminate dust build-up formed over time. 

The Bottom Line

Cleaning your kitchen cabinets once in six months or annually can take a lot of effort and time. Why would you go through so much hassle when you can clean it using easy cleaning techniques every day?

Cleaning the cabinets can prevent dust build-up and allow the cabinets to hold their freshness for a long time. 

To keep your kitchen nice and tidy, develop a cleaning routine today!