When cleaning a kitchen, three areas usually get the most attention: the sink, the stove, and the countertop. That's true, of course, but you shouldn’t forget the doors and sides of kitchen cabinets, which can collect splatters, grease, dirt, and dust over time.
Cleaning kitchen cabinets with slab doors isn't always fun, and sometimes it's even tiring, but if you don't do it regularly, your kitchen will quickly become dull and dirty. Kitchen cabinets are made with the expectation of long-term use, and of course, you don't want their beautiful and cozy appearance to fall into disrepair quickly.
Our clients consult with us on everything, even cabinet cleaning. We decided to investigate this request and discovered the best and easiest ways to clean modern slab door kitchen cabinets.
How often should you clean your kitchen cabinets?
Some methods of cleaning kitchen cabinets with slab doors are directly related to how often you should clean them. The most important thing to decide is not how much with the specific time when it comes to cleaning, but with the regularity.
Of course, there is no need to wipe down the cabinets every day, but it is still necessary to clean them once a week. The best way to get your slab kitchen doors in order is to spot-clean them. Wipe down the tops, doors, and sides of the cabinets, and sanitize the door handles.
It is recommended that you deep clean your cabinets once a season. To do this, empty the cabinet of all items. Then wipe down the shelves and the inside and outside of the slab kitchen doors. A clean toothbrush can be used to remove dirt from small crevices and corners.
Is there a general method of cleaning kitchen cabinets?
There is supposed to be a universal technique for cleaning cabinets, and to some extent, it exists. Usually, all you need to clean your slab kitchen cabinet doors is a soft cloth dampened with soapy water.
However, you need to keep in mind that the material from which the slab kitchen doors are made plays an important role. For example, glass fronts require more care and special cleaners. There are also special cleaners for wood fronts. And while laminate fronts can be wiped down with a mixture of water and vinegar, wooden fronts may damage the finish of the cabinet. To gain a clear understanding of the most appropriate cleaning solutions for each type of slab kitchen cabinets, we will examine them individually.
How to clean wooden kitchen cabinets?
Corner kitchen cabinets are primarily made of wood materials. Therefore, we will first look at recommendations primarily regarding wood slab kitchen cabinet doors.
Wooden fronts
Let's go through the main steps
1. Use a cabinet cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
For weekly cleaning of slab kitchen cabinet doors, this is just right. The formula of the cabinet cleaner is such that it is completely safe for use on wood materials.
What cabinet cleaner needs to be used?
One of the cleaning products for wooden cabinets is Parker & Bailey Kitchen Cabinet Cleaner. It is designed not only as a stain remover but also as a wood cleaning conditioner that can provide long-lasting protection for cabinets. The product is free of waxes, silicones, petrochemicals, and harmful solvents. It has no pungent odor and is safe to use in the home.
So why a microfiber cloth?
It is a type of material made of synthetic fibers. They are very thin, which makes them very absorbent. This ability of a microfiber cloth means that it can do more than just clean up spills. It can also absorb grease and dirt, allowing you to use fewer chemical cleaners.
2. Make sure the cloth is damp, but not too wet
Since the cleaning is done over kitchen cabinets with slab doors made of wooden materials, no water should seep into the material. However, this can affect more than just the wood. Too much water when cleaning can also damage the paint or finish. That's why it's very important to keep the rag reasonably damp, but not so wet that it drips (which you should also be very careful about). Any excess should be squeezed into the sink.
3. Rinse the cabinet doors with a damp cloth
If stains are present, they should be wiped off slab kitchen cabinet doors until they are completely gone. For best results, it is recommended that the doors are wiped in the direction of the wood grain.
After treating stains and sticky spots, wipe the slab kitchen doors the second time to remove any remaining dirt.
4. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth
Remember when we wrote about how overly wet cloth can damage the kitchen cabinet materials? If you want your kitchen cabinet doors to remain truly stylish, don’t leave them in a wet state. Leaving slab kitchen doors to dry after wet cleaning can damage or blister the finish. That's why it's important to wipe the cabinets dry with the same microfiber cloth, only now they're dry and clean.
Painted MDF fronts
Since our modern and minimalist collections include painted and modern slab door kitchen cabinets, it's worth mentioning how to care for them as well.
To clean painted MDF kitchen cabinets, make a mild soap mixture. Use a damp cloth to wipe the stains and then a clean cloth to remove the residue. To clean grease from slab kitchen doors, use a cloth dampened with diluted rubbing alcohol. Gently wipe the cabinet until the stain is removed or less visible. Palerol can also be applied for protection.
Laminate fronts
Laminate fronts are cared for similarly to painted MDF fronts, but there are a few special considerations.
For example, a mixture of mild dish soap and water is sufficient for basic cleaning of slab kitchen cabinet doors. A blend of vinegar and half-diluted water can be used for stubborn stains. It is necessary to place a damp cloth on the stain, leave it for a few minutes, and then wipe off the stain along with any residue. The most important thing is not to rub too hard and not to damage the surface of the laminate. The procedure is the same as previous ones: rinse with water and wipe slab kitchen doors with a clean, dry cloth.
What should be avoided in cleaning kitchen cabinets?
We've mentioned the consequences of excessive moisture when cleaning slab kitchen cabinet doors, and it's worth noting here that you should also be careful with high temperatures. You must allow the cabinets to dry sufficiently before using the stove or oven nearby.
Never use abrasive cleaners to clean the slab kitchen doors, as they can scratch the fronts and sides of the cabinets. It is also not recommended to use a washcloth or dishwashing sponge, as they may contain harsh soap or grease particles, requiring double cleaning afterward.
Do not rub too hard in one spot. This may cause the cabinet finish to polish in that area, leaving a different type of visible stain.
Never use products that contain bleach, ammonia, silicone, wax, polish, or other chemicals unless it's a special treatment for a specific type of kitchen cabinet (still check the description of the cleaner)Be careful with the cabinet hinges. The mechanisms will begin to rust if they come in contact with liquids, whether water or cleaning agents. It's best to wipe the hinges with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt. If there is a particularly greasy or dirty stain, apply a drop or two of cleaning solution to the cloth, rub the dirty spot, and then wipe the metal dry.
Caring for kitchen cabinets with slab doors is not as difficult as it may seem. Follow the instructions and cautions, and you will be able to care for your cabinets and keep them looking good for a long time. Treat your cabinets with care, and they will treat you the same.
