Next to your appliances, your cabinets have the biggest impact on your kitchen's style and budget. They also happen to be placed precisely where some of the messiest work in the home occurs. You keep your countertops sanitized and your appliances polished, but are you giving your cabinets the regular attention they need? You've invested a lot in your cabinetry. Make sure you keep them working hard and looking beautiful with these proper cleaning and caring tips. 
Cleaning Is Easy Despite what information might be out there online, you don't need a lot of fancy cleaning supplies or products to properly clean your cabinets. In fact, it's best to keep it as simple as possible. For regular care, you really only need a soft cotton cloth dampened with warm water to wipe down your cabinets a few times a week. If your cabinets require a more thorough cleaning, you can use a fresh solution of mild dish soap with warm water. Then simply wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth (no soap) and dry immediately with another soft, clean cloth. 
Cleaning Products To Avoid Some cleaning supplies and products can actually do more harm than good. To avoid scratching your cabinet's surfaces, it's best to always avoid any abrasive materials, such as scouring pads and steel wool. Even sponges and dish cloths can contain particles that could cause small scratching. Also, avoid any harsh chemicals that can damage your cabinet's finish. Ammonia, bleach, and tub cleansers can slowly (or sometimes quickly) erode your cabinet's sealant and finish and cause permanent damage. It's not necessary to wax or polish your cabinets as the compounds can actually buildup over time and become very difficult to remove. 
Daily Maintenance Your cabinets see a lot of action and should be regularly wiped down to avoid long-term damage and buildup. Since prolonged exposure to foods and liquid can cause permanent discoloration and damage to your cabinet's finish, it's best to clean up any spills and splatters immediately with a clean cloth. Make it a regular habit to wipe down any nearby cabinets after using your microwave, oven, and even your dishwasher (think about all the liquid splatters that can happen just from loading dishes from the sink). Dust and grime can also collect over time and should be regularly wiped away with a clean, lint-free cotton cloth. 
Avoid Additional Damage Moisture, heat, and light can all cause damage to your cabinets. Moisture can cause peeling and discoloration to your cabinet's finish so avoid hanging damp cloths or dishtowels over your cabinet doors. Heat can also cause damage and even warping so either remove your cabinet's doors and drawers near your oven before using the self-cleaning feature. Exposure to direct sunlight can actually darken the color of your natural wood cabinets or fade painted wood surfaces. Consider drapes or blinds on nearby windows to protect your cabinets from direct sunlight. 
How do you keep your cabinets clean?
Cleaning Is Easy Despite what information might be out there online, you don't need a lot of fancy cleaning supplies or products to properly clean your cabinets. In fact, it's best to keep it as simple as possible. For regular care, you really only need a soft cotton cloth dampened with warm water to wipe down your cabinets a few times a week. If your cabinets require a more thorough cleaning, you can use a fresh solution of mild dish soap with warm water. Then simply wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth (no soap) and dry immediately with another soft, clean cloth. Cleaning Products To Avoid Some cleaning supplies and products can actually do more harm than good. To avoid scratching your cabinet's surfaces, it's best to always avoid any abrasive materials, such as scouring pads and steel wool. Even sponges and dish cloths can contain particles that could cause small scratching. Also, avoid any harsh chemicals that can damage your cabinet's finish. Ammonia, bleach, and tub cleansers can slowly (or sometimes quickly) erode your cabinet's sealant and finish and cause permanent damage. It's not necessary to wax or polish your cabinets as the compounds can actually buildup over time and become very difficult to remove. Daily Maintenance Your cabinets see a lot of action and should be regularly wiped down to avoid long-term damage and buildup. Since prolonged exposure to foods and liquid can cause permanent discoloration and damage to your cabinet's finish, it's best to clean up any spills and splatters immediately with a clean cloth. Make it a regular habit to wipe down any nearby cabinets after using your microwave, oven, and even your dishwasher (think about all the liquid splatters that can happen just from loading dishes from the sink). Dust and grime can also collect over time and should be regularly wiped away with a clean, lint-free cotton cloth. Avoid Additional Damage Moisture, heat, and light can all cause damage to your cabinets. Moisture can cause peeling and discoloration to your cabinet's finish so avoid hanging damp cloths or dishtowels over your cabinet doors. Heat can also cause damage and even warping so either remove your cabinet's doors and drawers near your oven before using the self-cleaning feature. Exposure to direct sunlight can actually darken the color of your natural wood cabinets or fade painted wood surfaces. Consider drapes or blinds on nearby windows to protect your cabinets from direct sunlight. How do you keep your cabinets clean? 
