How to clean kitchen cabinets?

Looks like they may be a wood veneer over particle board or MDF.... If they are really greasy.. I like to use Simple Green and hot water. If they just need a good washing... Murphy's Oil Soap will do the job....

You might want to consider putting several coats of clear sealer on them once you get them clean...

Love that you consider 1972 "very old!" That cracks me up! Murphy's Oil Soap is your answer. Chances are they are wood veneer over mdf. Murphy's is good for all woodwork in your home. Happy cleaning!

Use Cabinet Magic available at Home Depot down the cleaning aisle,easier then Murphys oil soap

I use Old English furniture polish. It cleans as well as brightens the cabinets. I use it 2 times a year for fall and spring cleaning. One bottle goes a long way. Dab a little on a soft cloth and wipe the cabinets down. I also do it to the furniture. You can find it where furniture polish is sold. It comes in dark or light wood colors. You would probably use the light kind.

If 1972 is old, I'm ancient ROFL - Just kidding around. :) I still use old-fashioned vinegar and water to get off anything greasy. If it's veneer or some kind of manufactured finish it should work fine. Wishing you the best.

Mine had 8 years of build up. First used a mix of warm water, vinegar, and Down. Then I used Olive oil and a clean dry cloth to get what was left and shine them up. My grandmother taught me this and it makes them easier to clean the next time. I've also used coca nut oil.

I agree with some answers: TSP or Goo Gone, followed by a sealer as recommended above. Hey! I was born in 1961, so it cracks me up when stuff made in the 70's is considered old!

Hahha, I was born in 1967 but cabinets that have not been cared for with build up for over 40 yrs seem old! I have tried everything listed (thanks for answering!) Any thing stronger? After some of these I have even tried a putty knife to scrape, but nothing seems to work. I have tried sandpaper as well, but because the groves on the boarder are so small, it was sanding away at the wood. Any other ideas?

Don't use TSP on kitchen cabinets unless you are prepping for painting, its a deglosser and will ruin the finish. You need a degreaser, my preference is Dollar Tree Awesome Degreaser, and Awesome Orange in the half gallon mixed in hot water. Wear kitchen gloves and get the car sponge, and round plastic scrubbies to use with the Degreaser in the spray bottle for stubborn spots.

Awesome is really awesome from $$ Store. Use it straight if really bad.

Try Mean Green found in Lowes. Not the same as simple green this is stronger. I cleaned 10 years of crud off a tile floor, the grout looked brand new! Its now my only cleaner. Good luck...Happy Holidays

I have also used Spray Nine. It’s a degreaser that is very strong but safe to use. It might take a scrub brush too.

I cleaned my kitchen cabinets with turpentine and water mix then rubbed linseed oil. My neighbor came over and asked if I got new ones. It's a little smelly be sure you have window open.

I'd be tempted to try alcohol (tested in a small hidden area). because alcohol removes grease. It'll probably work but then there is the matter of working with such a combustible material on a large space. I also don't know what it would do to whatever finish is on the cupboards and whether you want to paint them.

You could also try windex which is pretty good on grease and dirt. Soap and warm water is also good on dirt and grease. Cracks and crevices can be scrubbed with a stiff brush and soapy water.

I have a post that might help https://chascrazycreations.com/cleaning-kitchen-cabinets/