How to Clean Your Painted Kitchen Cabinets

Cleaning painted cabinets isn’t just about wiping last night’s sauce splatter off. It’s about removing the buildup that settles over time that stems from cooking, baking, and everyday handling of your painted kitchen cabinets. . Safely removing this buildup can become more difficult, especially when harsher cleaning materials can damage the paint on your cabinets.

Depending on the cabinet material, you’ll need to adjust the cleaning process to keep your painted kitchen cabinets looking their best–even after those creative kitchen messes!

How Often to Clean Kitchen Cabinets

Just like your staple frying pan, how often you prioritize cleaning kitchen cabinets depends on how you use them. Kitchens that get used daily by many hands (or have a single messy chef) will need more frequent attention.

Regular reset: A thorough clean at least once a month helps tackle dust and grime before they become a more stubborn problem.
Spot clean: See a spill? A quick and careful wipe-down keeps things fresh and prevents stains from setting in and getting tougher to clean later.

How to Clean Painted Wood Cabinets

When cleaning your painted wood cabinets, you need to be mindful of the damage that excessive water and harsh abrasives can do to the wood and paint. So, there are a few different gentle-cleaning methods you can try, depending on the amount of dirt and grease buildup. These various methods include:

For light splatters and dust: Use a damp, soft cloth (microfiber will work best) to gently wipe down your cabinets. Then, use another cloth or soft towel to dry them off.
For some grease and grime buildup: Use dish soap and warm water to make a slightly sudsy cleaning solution. Take a soft cloth and dip into this mix (careful not to over soak your cloth), then use it to remove the grease from your cabinets with circular motions. Once you’ve worked out the grease, take another cloth and use non-soapy water to remove any remaining suds and spots. Wipe the cabinets dry with a soft cloth.
For heavier grease buildup and stains: Use a mix of vinegar (1 cup), warm water (2 cups), and baking soda (1 tablespoon) as a cleaning solution (Pro Tip: add a small amount of dish soap for extra-strength). Take a soft cloth, dip into this mix, and work out the heavier grease and stained areas of your cabinets. Alternatively, use a sprayable solution of vinegar and water and let it sit on the heavier grease stains for a few minutes before cleaning them off. Once finished, take a soft cloth and use non-soapy water to remove any residue. Wipe the cabinets dry.

You can also use paint-safe cleaners if these natural solutions aren’t cutting through the grease—just make sure to spot-test before proceeding.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Painted Cabinets

While it's important to clean your painted cabinets every week, there are certain things you should reach for (and avoid) to prevent damage to the paint finish.

Grab the right materials: Work with a soft, lint-free cloth. We recommend microfiber.
Mix up your solution: Fill a 1-gallon bucket with warm water and add a few ounces of your favorite mild dish soap.
Wipe down your painted kitchen cabinets: Dip a clean cloth into your cleaning solution and wring it out well – avoid a dripping mess. Wipe down the cabinets in smooth, circular motions. If applicable, follow the wood grain to avoid streaks.
Tackle tough spots: For those stubborn stains and greasy fingerprints, apply gentle pressure. Avoid scrubbers and sponges – they may scratch your paint.
Rinse and repeat (if needed): Once you're happy with the results, rinse your cleaning cloth. Wipe down the cabinets to remove any soap residue.
Final touches: Lightly buff your cabinets with a dry, soft cloth until they regain their shiny appearance. This will prevent any water spots or streaks from stealing their shine.

How to Keep Painted Cabinets Clean

Keep your kitchen cabinets looking good longer with a few simple steps:

Wipe up spills immediately. Spills happen; just don't let them sit. A quick wipe-up is all it takes to keep stains from setting in.
Prep with cabinet liners. Cabinet liners and mats act as an extra (and budget-friendly) layer of protection for your shelves. Protect your shelf bottoms from potential scratches and staining.
Relocate damp towels. Those hanging dish towels might be handy when drying your hands or freshly washed dishes, but exposing your cabinets to excess moisture can actually damage cabinets and paint. Simply find a different spot for them to dry.

Do Your Newly Cleaned Cabinets Need Refinishing?

Now that your kitchen cabinets are free from grease and dirt, are you noticing they still look a little worse for wear? Whether the paint is dull or chipped, it may be time for a new coat of paint. For superior cabinet paint refinishing quality, count on your local experts at Five Star Painting. We can help make your cabinets and other parts of your home look new again—both inside and out. To learn more, give us a call at (866) 420-2980, or schedule an estimate online today.

Cleaning Painted Kitchen Cabinets FAQs

Can I use vinegar to clean my painted kitchen cabinets?

While vinegar is a natural cleaner, it's not recommended for painted cabinets as it can be too acidic and potentially damage the paint finish. It's best to stick to mild dish soap or specially formulated wood cabinet cleaners to ensure the longevity of your painted cabinets.

How often should I refinish my painted cabinets?

The frequency of refinishing painted cabinets depends on several factors, including the quality of the paint, the level of wear and tear, and personal preference. In general, you may need to refinish your cabinets every 5 to 10 years to maintain their appearance and protect them from damage. However, if you notice significant chipping, peeling, or fading, it may be time to refinish them sooner. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your painted cabinets between refinishing projects.