We’re so happy you’re here. Now that you’ve got your outboxes all set up and your expiration dates sorted, it’s time to get to cleaning. Today’s task is the easiest way to make your cabinets look refreshed and shiny-like-new.
Clean the outside of your cabinets and hardware.
Often neglected (or, more realistically, forgotten), kitchen cabinet exteriors can quickly gather a layer of grease, grime, and dust — especially if they’re close to your cooktop. Depending on what material your kitchen cabinets are made of — wood, engineered wood, laminate, stainless steel, or something else — here’s how to get them looking their best. You probably already have everything you need, and it’ll only take a minute.
How to clean your kitchen cabinets
- For wood, engineered wood, or laminate cabinets: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap (we love Dawn, but any brand works!) and warm water, then dampen a sponge or microfiber cloth with it. Rub it onto the cabinet exteriors. Scrub gently, then take a clean damp sponge or rag and wipe off the soap. Dry with a microfiber cloth.
- For stainless steel cabinets: Follow the steps above. For extra shine, follow up with a coat of Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser (or skip straight to this step!). You can also shine them with a mixture of one part white vinegar to one part extra virgin olive oil in a spray bottle, followed by a wipe with a microfiber rag.
But don’t forget the knobs, handles, and pulls! Here’s how to clean your kitchen cabinet hardware (probably the germiest part of your cabinets).
How to clean your kitchen cabinet hardware
- For a quick clean: Mix one part white vinegar to four parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the hardware, then scrub gently and wipe off with a clean microfiber rag. (If you have unsealed wood hardware, see the note below.)
- For a deep-clean: Remove the cabinet hardware using a screwdriver, drill, or wrench (you can usually find the screws on the inside of the door or drawer). Soak pulls and knobs in a bowl of warm water with a splash of vinegar and a few drops of mild dish soap for 30 to 60 minutes. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently remove any stains or residue. Rinse and let dry or pat dry with a microfiber cloth, then replace them.
- For unsealed wood hardware: Don’t use vinegar on unsealed wood, as vinegar can damage them! In that case, use the same dish soap solution for cleaning wood cabinets above. Then, use a wood oil for extra shine.
- For metal hardware: After you’ve cleaned your knobs, for extra shine polish them with Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser or another metal polish.
