How to clean kitchen cabinets without ruining finish?

Lin28647783
by Lin28647783
  11 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 02, 2017

    what are they made of

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 02, 2017

    Baby Wipes for the Gentle touch!

  • Suzette Suzette on Aug 02, 2017

    Hi Lindamay, Here's a link that may help! http://www.improvenet.com/a/how-to-clean-kitchen-cabinets


    Good luck!

  • Holly Kinchlea-Brown Holly Kinchlea-Brown on Aug 02, 2017

    If you use a mild liquid soap such as Dawn and water....don't soak and don't scrub too hard

  • Elizabeth Dion Elizabeth Dion on Aug 02, 2017

    You can wash them down with TSP or Murphy's Oil Soap

  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Aug 02, 2017

    Wipe greasy cabinets with a clean cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar. Rinse this cloth with warm water, wring out most of the moisture, and wipe the cabinets again. Dry the damp surfaces with a paper towel.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Jan 14, 2024

    To clean wood cabinets with Murphy's oil soap, you can follow these steps:

    1. Dilute the Murphy's oil soap with water according to the instructions on the bottle.
    2. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and wring out the excess liquid.
    3. Gently wipe the wood cabinets with the damp cloth, making sure not to oversaturate the wood.
    4. Wipe the cabinets again with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
    5. Dry the cabinets thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.


  • The finish or paint of kitchen cabinets may be harmed by vigorous cleaning; save your abrasive cleaners and scrub brushes for the sink. Alternatively, make your own mild cleaner by combining the same amount of distilled white vinegar with hot water, or one part mild dish soap to two parts water.

  • I use TSP substitute powder (found at your local home improvement store) in a spray bottle mixed with water and a rag. Cleans grease right off with zero effort. Murphy’s Oil Soap dulls wood and builds up over time.

  • Deb K Deb K on Feb 04, 2024

    Hello, here are some great recipes for you to check out.

    1. Removing Grease with White Vinegar and Hot Water

    White vinegar is a natural cleaning product with excellent degreasing properties, due to its acidity. White vinegar is also very effective in cleaning other kitchen appliances.

    What You Will Need:

    • White vinegar
    • Warm water
    • Clean spray bottle
    • Soft cloth
    • Dishwashing liquid (for tough grease stains)

    How to Remove Grease with White Vinegar

    1. Using the spray bottle, measure a 50/50 mix of vinegar and warm water.
    2. Spray the solution directly onto the kitchen cupboards and leave for a couple of minutes.
    3. Wet the cloth in warm water, then thoroughly rinse the cloth as too much water could damage a wood cabinet.
    4. Wipe over the cupboards with the damp cloth to remove grease stains.
    5. Stubborn stains, such as marmite or chocolate spread may need a little extra TLC. Create a paste of vinegar and salt. Then scrub the stains with an old toothbrush and wipe clean.

    2. How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets and Remove Grease with Dishwashing Liquid

    Washing up liquid is very effective in cutting through grease and grime on dishes, so it makes the perfect cabinet degreaser.

    What You Will Need:

    • Dishwashing soap
    • Warm water
    • Cleaning sponge
    • Soft dry cloth
    How to Remove Grease with Dish Soap
    1. Add a few drops of your favourite dish washing soap, into a bowl of warm water.
    2. Dip the cleaning sponge into the water and give it a good squeeze.
    3. Begin to scrub the cabinet back and forth with a soft sponge, following the grain on wood cabinets.
    4. If you face a stubborn grease stain, apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the sponge, and wipe over again. Rinse the sponge and repeat until all the grease stains are removed.
    5. Wipe the kitchen cabinets down with a dry cloth to remove any remaining grease or soap residue.

    3. Remove Cabinet Grease with Citrus Multipurpose Cleaner

    icon Similar to white vinegar, citrus oil is a natural degreaser. Many multipurpose cleaners contain citrus oil, so have a look in your cleaning cupboard or treat yourself to a new product from the supermarket.

    What You Will Need:

    • Citrus multipurpose cleaner
    • Soft cloth x 2
    • Warm water
    How to Remove Grease with Citrus Multipurpose Cleaner
    1. Spray the cleaner directly onto the kitchen cabinets, leaving it to sit for a couple of minutes.
    2. Use a soft dampened cloth to gently remove the grease from the cupboards.
    3. Remove any remaining grime with a clean damp cloth and then thoroughly dry.

    4. Cleaning Kitchen Cupboards with Baking Soda and Lemon

    Baking soda and lemon are the heroes of natural cleaning products. For stubborn thick layers of grease in the kitchen, this duo can be used to make the cabinets look as good as new.

    You Will Need:

    • Soft sponge
    • Baking soda
    • Warm water
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • Spray bottle
    How to Remove Grease Stains with Baking Soda
    • Create a cleaning solution with 1-part baking soda, 2 parts warm water and the lemon juice.
    • Add the solution to a spray bottle and spray the liquid onto the kitchen cabinets.
    • Leave for 2-3 minutes, allowing the baking soda to work its magic.
    • Use the soft sponge to gently scrub the grease away. Rinse sponge and repeat as necessary.
    • Use a clean cloth to buff the cabinets dry and enjoy!