When it comes to your kitchen, you will likely find that over time the wooden kitchen cabinets endure the biggest beating.
Because of this they can start to look worn, and not quite as attractive as you remember them being.
Not only are they used daily, but they are also subjected to a build up of grime, whether that is from food that drips during meal preparation, or from sticky fingers.
Due to this, it is a good idea to clean the wooden cabinets as often as you can.
If you are looking at cheap and easy ways to clean your kitchen cabinets, then you have come to the right place.
Here we will tell you how to not only clean the cabinets on a budget, but how you can do it without the need of chemicals which may damage the wood.
Before You Begin
One of the best ways to stop wooden kitchen cupboards from becoming dirty is by regularly cleaning out the contents if it includes food. This also means storing food properly.
Anything that is partially open or not closed properly can attract bugs, and the last thing you will want is an infestation.
You might find that you have accidental spills when it comes to baking ingredients and spices, and this can cause grime to gradually build up.
Taking the time to wipe up any food mess, and to wipe down the inside of the cupboard as part of a cleaning routine can keep cupboards clean and healthy.
Dusting the cabinets is also helpful to stop the build up of grime and dirt.
You might find that grease from cooking will stick to dust and make the problem worse, so preventing it is the best way to avoid having to deal with the situation.
White Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is a great option when cleaning the home as it is a natural antibacterial substance.
To create, mix a cup of the vinegar with a cup of water (half and half) either in a bowl or spray bottle.
To use, you can either spray directly onto the wood and wipe off with a damp cloth, or you can apply with a well-squeezed cloth that has been dipped into the solution, and then wiped away with a clean damp cloth.
Once finished, wipe the wood with a dry cloth. Avoid letting it air dry or stay damp due to mold loving warm, dark and damp areas.
You want to avoid those issues as much as possible.
Dish Soap And Water
If you do not like the idea of using vinegar, then dish soap is another good option, though you will want to be careful about adding too much of it when making the solution.
To prepare, add a teaspoon of dish soap to a cup of water and treat it the same as you would vinegar, either in a spray bottle or bowl.
One thing you do want to avoid is using an all-purpose spray, as this can damage the wood and cause it to either discolor or warp.
Olive Oil, White Vinegar And Warm Water
For an even extra cleaning kick, you can add olive oil with white vinegar and warm water to gently yet effectively remove greasy debris.
To do this, add two tablespoons of olive oil, 4 tablespoons of vinegar and warm water to fill a spray bottle, and then shake to mix.
Spray it directly onto the wood and then wipe with a clean cloth to scrub away the dirt.
You do not need to wipe it down with water, and instead you can move straight on to polishing it once finished to add a wonderful shine.
Vinegar And Salt
If you need a deeper clean, you can add salt to the vinegar. To do this, you will need to have a small cup of salt and add vinegar until you make a paste.
Dip a toothbrush (one that you are not currently using and never will) into the mixture and use it to lightly scrub at the stain you are trying to remove.
Make sure you do not scrub hard as this can damage the wood, and you do not want to make the stain worse either.
It is also a good idea to use a soft toothbrush and avoid steel wool.
Once you have finished, wipe the area with a damp lint-free cloth, and repeat if necessary. Once you have finished removing the stain, wipe it dry.
Baking Soda For Thick Stains
If there are caked on stains that will not become removed with the vinegar or dish soap, and you would prefer not to use salt, then baking soda is a great option.
It can act as a mild abrasive, helping to safely remove stains and difficult to remove substances.
In a cup, add a few teaspoons of baking soda, and then add enough water to make a paste.
You might want to do this by adding a teaspoon of water at a time until you create a good paste to use.
There are a couple of ways to use the paste.
You can dip a dry cloth into the paste and apply it to the substance to gently remove, or you can apply the paste to the dirt and allow it to sit for around 15 to 20 minutes to work.
Once the time is up, you can gently scrub it away with a soft toothbrush or the cloth. Something as soft as a spatula may also work if it just will not budge any other way.
Polishing The Wood
After cleaning the wood, it can lack shine and appear dull. When this is the case, some people choose to polish it to bring it back to life.
This can look great on the doors and sides of a kitchen cabinet.
You can buy a dedicated polish or wax, or even make your own beeswax to polish the surface of the wood.
No matter what you choose to use, always be respectful of the grain of the wood, and buff the product into the wood using circular motions.
Also, depending on what you choose may give a different finish.
Some products may give a beautiful shine, whilst others may help bring the color out – it really all depends on what the look is of your kitchen, so choose something that suits it.
If Your Cupboards Are Too Chipped Or Damaged to Clean
Whilst your first thought might be to throw them out and buy something new, it is costly.
To save some money and the hassle of redoing the whole kitchen because of the odd chipped cabinet, there are ways to fix them.
Research ways you can reface or refinish the cabinets yourself, or get in a professional to do it for you. Whilst it is still spending money, it is much cheaper than replacing the whole thing.
Final Words
Cleaning your kitchen cabinets should be a part of your regular house maintenance schedule.
Due to the nature of where they live, food and other grime will become attracted to the wooden surfaces fast.
Even so, cleaning a wooden kitchen cabinet is not a hard task, and can be completed fairly quickly.
There are also a number of ways to remove the stains and grime without resorting to harsh chemicals which may ruin the wood.
From vinegar and baking soda, it is all about finding what works best for you!
