How to Clean Wood Kitchen Cabinets & Restore Their Shine

How to Clean Wood Kitchen Cabinets & Restore Their Shine

Cleaning the kitchen goes beyond just wiping off counters. Cabinet care is often overlooked while keeping the kitchen tidy and new. It’s often wondered how to clean wood kitchen cabinets to maintain overall upkeep. 

From protecting the wooden surfaces from stains to excessive wear, learn how to keep your cabinets clean and restore the original glory with basic ingredients from the pantry. 

The cabinets are the backdrop of our kitchen so they must be in pristine condition. There could be many built-in grime spots from the food splatter and the stray crumbs in the shelves and nooks. If neglected for long, grime accumulates so cleaning regularly helps in regular maintenance. The wooden cabinets need extra care to prevent ruining the material while cleaning and drying. 

Wood kitchen cabinets add extra warmth and elegance to your home but need maintenance to prevent buildup and wear over time. Without care, they lose their shine, become sticky and get a dull appearance. 

In this guide, we will find a step-by-step guide to clean kitchen wood cabinets, preventative measures and popular cleaners typically used in the UK to elevate the beauty of the kitchen. 

Why Regular Wood Cabinets Cleaning Is Essential

  • Maintains the wood’s shine and prevents discoloration. 
  • It prevents grime accumulation on nooks and grooves and prevents grease buildup. 
  • Extends the lifespan of kitchen cabinets by tackling tough stains and food splatters.
  • Regular upkeep keeps the kitchen hygienic and visually appealing.  

Step-by-Step Wood Cabinets Cleaning Guide

The cleaning strategies vary as per your needs, you can do daily cleaning for some light maintenance but for grease buildup, you may require deep cleaning. 

Daily Cleaning (Light Maintenance) 

To avoid getting dust and grease accumulated on wooden cabinets, here’s a step-by-step guide: 

  • Use a microfiber cloth to clean dust and debris from wooden cabinets. 
  • Make a solution by mixing a mild dish soap and warm water. 
  • Dampen a soft cloth in it, wipe down the cabinets and dry promptly to avoid any moisture damage. 

Deep Cleaning (For Grease, Stains, and Sticky Residue)

To remove grease, stubborn stains, and sticky residues, you should follow this method: 

Material Required

  • Dish soap
  • Warm water 
  • Soft sponge/ Microfiber Cloth
  • Toothbrush (Soft-bristled) 

Cleaning Method

  • To prepare a degreasing solution, mix vinegar and warm water in equal amounts. 
  • Or mix a teaspoon of dish soap with warm water. 
  • Dampen the cloth or sponge in the solution and gently scrub the cabinet surfaces. 
  • To remove the tough stain, make a homemade paste using baking soda and water and gently rub using a sponge. 
  • To clean crevices, use toothbrush scrub handles, corners and other carvings. 
  • Remove any excess moisture using a dry cloth to prevent wood warping. 

Polishing and Restoring Shine To Wood Cabinets 

Have your wooden cabinets lost their shine? Use either a commercial wood polish or you can make a DIY mix of olive oil and lemon juice. 

How to Clean Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Dampen a soft cloth in this solution and buff in circular motions to restore shine. Remember to remove any residues. 

Best Commercial Wood Cabinet Cleaners in the UK

For meticulous and professional cleaning, go for commercial cleaners as they are designed specifically to cater to wood cabinets ensuring the best results and long-term protection. We have listed some top-rated products in the UK, based on their suitability: 

  1. Professional-Grade Cleaners (Heavy-Duty Grease Removal)

These cleaners are typically used in households where the cabinets are neglected for years, there’s heavy cooking and excessive grease buildup. 

Products Benefits 
Murphy’s Oil SoapA reliable natural formula that deep cleans the wooden surfaces and preserves its shine. 
HG Cabinet CleanerAn excellent degreaser that eliminates buildup and restores cabinet luster. 
Zep Heavy-Duty DegreaserThis heavy-duty solution works well for tough greasy cabinets found in high-use kitchens. 
  1. Eco-Friendly & Non-Toxic Cleaners

These cleaners are perfect for households having pets and children and those are eco-conscious. 

ProductsBenefits
Method Wood Polish It’s a biodegradable, vegan cleaning solution that gently cleans and adds luster to wood kitchen cabinets. 
Better Life Natural Wood Polish This natural cleaner uses beeswax and coconut oil to clean and avoid damaging wood. 
Astonish Wood Floor & Cabinet Cleaner This biodegradable and cheap cleaner is an ideal choice for homes with children and pets. 
  1. Budget-Friendly Wood Cabinets Cleaners 

If you are looking for budget-friendly maintenance then these cleaners are the best choice for households. The top-rated products are: 

ProductsBenefits
Mr. Sheen Multi-Surface It’s an affordable staple product easily available in the market that wipes off and shines wood.
Pledge Restoring OilThis economical cleaner moisturizes and polishes the cabinets. 

Preventive Tips to Keep Cabinets Clean

  • Address spills and splatters immediately to prevent stains and moisture damage. 
  • Avoid oversetting the cabinets as moisture can ruin wood by causing it to swell and warp. 
  • Use cabinet liners within drawers to prevent dirt and grime accumulation. 
  • Ventilate your kitchen to avoid causing grease Vapor to settle on cabinets while cooking. 
Also read about Top Oven Grease Removers for Stubborn Buildup in the UK

Final Thoughts

How to clean wood kitchen cabinets without making it a daunting task? It’s possible if you do regular cleaning, and deep cleans once a month using the right technique and products. Regular maintenance ensures the extended lifespan of cabinet cleaners and keeps them looking brand-new for years to come. 

Whether you choose a commercial-grade degreaser, or an eco-safe cleaner or a cheap polish, upkeep is the key. Doing regular care keeps the cabinets in pristine condition. 

Have you noticed just today that the wood cabinets in your kitchen have seen better days? Start today to get back that shine and revive your cabinets by giving them the care they deserve. Contact Perfect Cleaning Services for your concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the most effective thing to use to clean kitchen cabinets? 

The gentle cleaner is mixing dish soap and warm water. Use it on cabinets using a soft cloth and wipe it off. For stubborn grease, make a solution of vinegar and water but avoid using toxic chemicals and excessive water. 

Is Murphy’s oil soap harmful on wooden cabinets? 

No, it isn’t as it works pretty well on wooden cabinets when mixed with warm water. It smells fresh cuts through heavy-duty grease and leaves no soapy residues behind. 

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