Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets

Of all the household chores that we must do, one of the least desirable and often neglected of them all is the task of cleaning the kitchen cabinets. These cabinets are especially prone to sticky spots left from food, greasy films caused by cooking, and other stubborn messes that make them difficult to clean. The fact that many kitchen cabinets are made of wood is also tricky: you must use extra care when cleaning them to avoid damaging the surface. Fortunately, there are some ways that you can get your cabinets clean without too much time or effort. Here are some options to choose from when deciding how to go about cleaning your cabinets:

• Use dishwashing soap. Because your cabinets are likely to have a greasy film on them from cooking, scrubbing them with a washcloth soaked in a water and soap mixture can be very affective. The soap should not be harmful to the wood, and it is formulated to clean away grease and dirt.
• Clean with vinegar. Vinegar is a natural way to get those cabinets clean. Depending on how dirty the cabinets are, you may want to dilute the vinegar with water or use it full-strength. Remember, though, that vinegar has a very strong odor and might be overpowering to your nose as you clean. If you can't stand the smell of vinegar in your house, this method is not one that you will want to try.
• Try an all-purpose cleaner. All-purpose household cleaners are designed to tackle messes on most surfaces in your house. These cleaners should be safe to use on your cabinets and are likely to work very well. Just spray on the surface and wipe with a washcloth or paper towel until the dirt and grease are gone. Be certain to read the label before using the cleaner on the surface of your cabinets so you can be sure it won't cause harm to the finish.

By trying one of these cleaning methods, you should be done with the task in no time. Remember, though, that regardless of which way you choose to clean your cabinets, the use of steel wool for scrubbing will scratch and ruin the finish on your cabinets. Instead, use a soft sponge or washcloth to do the job. Make sure to wipe off the wet cabinets when you are done cleaning with a dry cloth or paper towel.