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Wiping grease and stains off kitchen cabinets is easily one of the most arduous chores there is. However, it’s a necessary evil when it comes to keeping your kitchen hygienic and spotless. It may be tempting to use cleaning agents that cut through the muck easily, but you risk damaging the finish of cabinets. If you’re wondering how to clean kitchen cabinets while bypassing the damage, we’ve got some home remedies for you!
How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets #1: Drying Oils
If your kitchen cabinetry is made of wood, then drying oils are your best bet to cut through the grease and grime. Walnut, orange and linseed oil can be used to wipe cabinets down effectively. Work them into the grooves and angles with an old toothbrush and wipe off the dirt. When you’re through, the oil dries to form a protective layer over the surface, repelling grime well into the future. Avoid using other oils like coconut or olive because these remain soft on the surface and only act as a magnet for more dirt.
How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets #2: Baking Soda
Baking soda features in a lot of home remedies– it’s once again an answer to your ‘how to clean kitchen cabinets’ conundrum. Mix two parts baking soda with one part water and work the paste into the cabinets, taking take to hit any blind corners. A word to the wise– baking soda is an abrasive so be very gentle when using the paste so as to make sure the cabinet finish doesn’t wear out. This is a good remedy for laminate and wood cabinets; however, avoid using baking soda on metal cabinets.
How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets #3: Warm Water and Dish Soap
This tactic works well on all cabinet finishes including metal. Choose a non-abrasive dish soap, dilute it in warm water and use a clean cloth to wipe down your cabinets. Some areas might take a bit more scrubbing, but that shouldn’t damage your finish if the dish soap is mild. Wipe the surfaces down with clean warm water and you’re all set. If you have metal cabinets, ensure the surface is completely dry because exposure to prolonged dampness could lead to rust.
How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets #4: Soft Erasers
This tactic works like magic on certain scuffs and marks usually found along the bottom of cabinets. Simply work the eraser into the scuff mark and it’ll soon disappear. Test your eraser on paper first, to see that it doesn’t leave colour or a trail of its own.
Pro Tip: Instead of relegating cabinet cleaning to the end of your task list, consider wiping it down every day to avoid build-up. A lint-free cloth and a spray bottle with diluted dish soap are all you need. This is especially helpful when dealing with wood cabinets, as the porous surface might lead to stains setting in and becoming hard to get off.
There you have it! Home remedies that resolve the question of how to clean kitchen cabinets without damaging the finish. The secret is non-abrasive cleaners and warm water, always.
Planning to clean up your kitchen entire kitchen? We’ve got just the thing for you! Check out Tired of Your Dirty Kitchen?
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