Cabinets are among the first things people see in your kitchen. If they’re dirty, just about everyone will notice as soon as they walk in. The main culprits are typically food splatters, fingerprints, and watermarks. These aren’t actually very difficult to remove, so you can get rid of them pretty quickly. As time goes by, however, already-tough stains (like spills from food) can become harder to remove, and may eventually set. That’s just one reason why we recommend a regular cleaning schedule for your kitchen cabinets.
If you’re dealing with some cabinet stains, there are a couple of fairly easy tricks you can follow to rejuvenate them.
How to Get Rid Of Stains on Your Kitchen Cabinets
Here are a few of the most common types of stains you will encounter on your kitchen cabinets, and how to get rid of them.
Grease. Removing grease stains from kitchen cabinets is actually easier than you may think. Similar to oil-based fingerprints (see below), this can be done with the help of diluted vinegar. In a spray bottle, mix warm water with white vinegar (50/50). Spray it, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes. When the time is up, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. Because these stains will typically be bigger than a fingerprint, you may have to repeat the process a couple of times to get rid of all the grease.
Fingerprints. When someone touches a cabinet with oily fingers, it can leave behind ugly marks. Once again, diluted vinegar again comes to the rescue! Prepare the same solution as before (see above), and then add one final step: Use a polishing cloth to carefully buff the area.
Scuffs. There’s an easy trick to removing scuffs caused by tables, shoes, or chairs, and it’s to use a soft eraser and gently rub it along the mark. It should clear the scuff out pretty quickly. Once you’re done, use a clean cloth to wipe away any possible residue. This trick will come especially handy if you need to clean white kitchen cabinets.
Food splatters. Perhaps a spill trickled down from the countertop to the base cabinets, or a squirt of ketchup landed where it wasn’t supposed to. Whatever the case, your best option is to wipe up food spills the moment they occur, and then immediately clean the area with baking soda (this is especially true for porous materials, like wood cabinets). As soon as you see it, use a damp cloth to wipe the area. Then, apply a paste of water and baking soda to the spot (again, 50/50 usually does the trick). Leave it for a couple of minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth.
Water stains. Water stains can be stubborn, and if a sponge dunked in a mixture of water, soap, and vinegar (⅓ of each) doesn’t work, here are a few other things you can try.
How Often Should You Clean Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Weekly. Rather than wiping down your cabinets frequently, it’s better to give them a weekly spot treatment. Simply use a microfiber cloth, spray some multi-purpose cleaner on it, and wipe off spatters, fingerprints, and other marks to keep them maintained.
Seasonally. Every season, your cabinets should get a deep clean. It may take a little longer, but it’ll help your cabinets last longer, so it’s worth the time. First, remove all the contents. Then, wipe down the outside and inside of doors, shelves, crevices, and handles with a microfiber cloth and gentle cleaner.
When you keep up with your cabinets, it’s a lot easier to clean them. Instead of letting gunk and grime build up all year long, you can clean it up as it appears. Not only does this help your kitchen stay clean, but it also keeps your cabinets looking good for years to come. For those who have made the choice to install custom kitchen cabinets, it’s certainly a wise move so they can get the most out of their investment!
Interested in Getting Custom Cabinets for Your Home in Perry, NY?
Your kitchen is one of the most important spots in your home. That’s why our custom cabinet company in Perry, NY builds and installs cabinets that transform kitchens into spaces where families love to gather.
To learn more, give us a call today at (585) 237-3733 or fill out a form to get a free estimate. We look forward to serving you!
