How to Clean Wood Cabinets and Cut Through Grime Using Vinegar and Dish Soap Pro tip: Never let the wood get too wet because it can cause warping. In This Article View All In This Article Materials Cleaning Stain Removal Polishing Frequency FAQ Close Credit: GETTY IMAGES Key Points Regular cleaning of wood cabinets helps remove built-up grime.Use a mixture of white vinegar, warm water, and dish detergent for cleaning, and always conduct a patch test first.Apply natural wood furniture wax every six months to protect cabinets and prevent stains. Wood kitchen cabinets are a key part of your kitchen's appearance, and keeping them in top condition requires regular cleaning. Grease splatters, crumbs, and grime can quickly accumulate, making these cabinets cluttered and dirty. To maintain their freshness and prevent damage, we spoke with experts for the best ways to clean kitchen cabinets—without causing damage. How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen from Top to Bottom Materials Needed Make sure you have these tools on hand before you tackle this household chore. White vinegar Vacuum with crevice tool Spray bottle Liquid dish detergent Microfiber cloths Multi-purpose cleaner How to Clean Wood Kitchen Cabinets Before getting started, patch-test the cabinets with your cleaning solution. "Wood is naturally porous and needs to have a protective finish that turns it into a hard, non-porous surface—this makes it safe to apply cleaning products as long as the finish is in good condition," says Mary Gagliardi, in-house scientist and cleaning expert for Clorox. "Testing first on a hidden area before use is important if you aren't sure if the finish is safe for a product." Once you know the product won't damage your cabinets, you're ready to begin cleaning your cabinets. Instructions Empty the inside of your cabinets. Vacuum inside the cabinets, using a crevice tool attachment. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, adding a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to cut through the grease. Spray outside doors and let the solution sit for one to two minutes. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Spray inside doors and shelves, and let the solution sit for one to two minutes. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Wet clean cloth with water and wipe all surfaces you cleaned with the vinegar solution. Use a clean, microfiber cloth to dry all surfaces thoroughly. "It is so very important that you do not leave the wood sitting wet for too long, as this can cause warping or expansion in the wood itself," says Melissa Poepping, founder of The Chemical Free Home. "Always wipe the cleaned area completely dry immediately and be sure to leave no water spots, as this can also cause staining." If your microfiber cloth gets too damp when drying, immediately swap it out for a dry one. How to Get Rid of Stains on Wood Cabinets If you use your kitchen often, it's not uncommon for your wood cabinets to have a few stubborn stains lingering even after a deep clean. Here's how to remove stains from your cabinets. Materials Needed Multi-purpose cleaner Nylon brush Microfiber cloth Instructions Spray a multi-purpose cleaner onto the stain, lightly scrubbing with a nylon brush to dislodge older stains.Rinse with cold water to remove any lingering product.Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. How to Prevent Stains and Protect the Surface The best way to treat stains is to prevent them from forming altogether. Apply a natural wood furniture wax to your kitchen cabinets every six months to create a protective barrier, says Vera Peterson of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. "This will help to prevent oil, grime, and other debris from sticking to and discoloring the wood. For the best results, spray the wax onto a rag and then rub it over the entire surface of the cabinets." Just be mindful of the wax or polish you choose. "While you can use a kitchen cabinet or appliance polish to [protect] your cabinets, some of those products contain toxic chemicals and can be harmful when ingested," says Molly Mock, president of Molly Maid. "Overall, it is best to use a natural cleaner such as olive oil or beeswax to give the same result of cleaning and protecting your cabinets." Don't Miss How to Clean Every Type of Kitchen Countertop 31 Kitchen Cabinet Ideas for Beautiful, Practical Storage How Often to Clean Wood Cabinets As a general rule, kitchens that are heavily used will require a monthly deep clean with weekly touchups. However, how frequently you clean your wood kitchen cabinets depends on how often and what you cook. "When oils or fats are heated during cooking, some of the oil becomes airborne and disperses into the room—not just around the stovetop or oven," says Gagliardi. "Kitchen cabinets pick up the oil, which attracts dust and makes cabinet surfaces grimy and difficult to clean." If you're cooking with high heat and oils, you'll likely need to wipe down the cabinets more often. The Best Way to Clean the Cabinet Knobs and Pulls in Your Kitchen Frequently Asked Questions What cleaning products are not safe for wood cabinets? To prevent potential damage, use only gentle cleansers on finished wood, like diluted dish soap, white vinegar solutions, or plant-based cleaners. "Do not use any products that contain ammonia, bleach, solvents, strong detergents/soaps, nail polish remover, or paint thinner," says Mock. All these cleaners and solvents could remove or wear down the protective coating. Is Murphy's Oil Soap safe for cleaning wood cabinets? Yes, Murphy's Oil Soap is generally considered a safe and effective cleaner for wood cabinets. It is made from plant-derived cleaning agents that are biodegradable and gently remove grime and dirt from finished wood when used as directed. Always dilute it enough and do a small patch test before cleaning your cabinets. Which cleaning tools are safe for wood cabinets? Opt for soft cloths and rags—nothing abrasive, says Mock. "Stay away from plastic brushes, steel wool, and scouring pads," she says. "All of these products and tools can strip the wood or paint finish and damage your cabinets." Explore more: Cleaning & Organizing Kitchen Cleaning Tips