Michigan
State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500119
06/24/03
Kitchen Cabinets - Regular Cleaning
Kitchen cabinets collect more grease, food spills, and moisture than
most other parts of the house. Grime builds up fastest around handles
of doors and drawers, which are constantly opened by sticky hands.
Greasy soil comes off more easily if it isn't allowed to build up too
long.
Painted wood, metal, laminated plastic or wood-grain vinyl surfaces can
be cleaned with detergent and warm water solution. Rinse with a cloth
or sponge dampened in clean water. Using a dry cloth or paper towel to
wipe the surface dry prevents streaking. Most all-purpose household
cleaners may also be used; read the label to be sure it can be used on
that surface, and follow directions exactly. Test inside a door to be
sure it will not harm the finish.
Natural-finished wood cabinets may be cleaned with a variety of
commercial products, usually sprays, made for this purpose. Read the
label to be sure it can be used on the finish, and follow directions
exactly. These have a solvent base, so read and follow carefully
cautions about ventilation, and make sure there is no spark or flame or
pilot light burning in the area that could cause a fire. Dispose of
cloths used in a tightly sealed container, again not near a spark or
flame. Test inside a door to be sure the cleaner will not harm the
finish before starting on other surfaces; they can damage some, or make
a smooth floor slippery.
References
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus
with references from Purdue Extension, and the Soap and Detergent
Association.
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