How to Clean Your Painted Kitchen Cabinets

Five Star Painting explains how to clean painted kitchen cabinets effectively.

Dust cabinets with a microfiber cloth.
Mix mild dish soap with warm water.
Wipe cabinets using a soft cloth or sponge.
Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
Avoid harsh chemicals to protect the paint finish.

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 or schedule an estimate online today.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Five Star Painting is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Five Star Painting location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

FAQs About Cleaning Painted Cabinets

Our years of experience, attention to detail, and decades-long commitment to exceptional customer service set Five Star Painting apart from the competition. Continuing this high standard also includes using our knowledge and experience to answer your most frequently asked questions about the best cleaner for painted cabinets.

What’s the best way to prevent grease buildup on kitchen cabinets?

Grease buildup on kitchen cabinets is a common and frustrating problem. It's caused by airborne grease particles released during cooking, which then settle on surfaces. A combination of proactive measures to minimize the spread of grease, combined with regularly cleaning painted cabinets, can help prevent this buildup.

Follow these steps for effective prevention of grease buildup on cabinets:

Use proper ventilation: A strong range hood or extractor fan is essential. Ensure it's used every time you cook, especially when frying or using high heat.
Employ splatter screens and lids: These tools effectively contain grease splatters, minimizing their spread to surrounding surfaces.
Regular cleaning: Wipe down cabinets regularly, using a mild solution of warm water and dish soap as a painted cabinet cleaner. Frequent, light cleaning is more effective than infrequent, heavy cleaning.
Limit grease in cooking: Consider cooking methods that produce less grease, such as baking, steaming, or using an air fryer.
Cabinet liners: Consider using cabinet liners, especially above the stovetop. These liners can be easily cleaned or replaced.
Promptly clean spills: Addressing grease splatters immediately prevents them from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove.
Maintain appliances: Regularly cleaning appliances like the stove and oven helps reduce the overall amount of airborne grease.
Consider your cooking oils: Some cooking oils produce more grease than others. Consider using oils that are less prone to heavy grease production.

Can I use a Magic Eraser on painted kitchen cabinets?

While Magic Erasers are known for their powerful cleaning abilities, they're not the best cleaner for painted cabinets. Here's why:

Abrasive nature: Magic Erasers act like very fine sandpaper. This abrasive quality can dull or even remove the paint finish, especially on softer paint types like matte or satin.
Damage to sheen: Even on tougher finishes like semi-gloss, frequent use can wear down the protective sheen, leaving cabinets looking lackluster.
Potential for scratches: Aggressive scrubbing with a Magic Eraser can lead to visible scratches, permanently damaging the cabinet surface.

Instead of a Magic Eraser, opt for gentler methods of cleaning painted cabinets. A soft microfiber cloth with a mild dish soap and warm water solution is usually sufficient for removing grease and grime.

Additionally, always test any painted cabinet cleaner solution in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire cabinet.

How do I make my painted cabinets shine again?

Painted kitchen cabinets can lose their shine over time due to grease buildup, dirt, and general wear. Restoring their luster involves gently cleaning painted cabinets, followed by polishing. Here's how to bring back that shine:

Gentle cleaning: Start by wiping down the cabinets with a mild solution of warm water and dish soap. Use a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the paint. A solution of water and a small amount of vinegar can be effective against stubborn grease, but this is not recommended for painted cabinets as the vinegar can damage the finish.
Rinse thoroughly: Ensure all soap residue is removed by wiping the cabinets with a clean, damp cloth. Dry the cabinets completely with another clean, dry cloth. Moisture can damage the paint finish.
Polish with a cabinet-specific polish: Use a polish designed for painted wood surfaces. Follow the product's instructions carefully. Apply the polish in a thin, even layer and buff with a soft cloth to achieve a glossy finish.
Consider a wax: For an extra layer of protection and shine, apply a thin coat of furniture wax. Buff the wax to a shine.
Regular maintenance: To maintain the shine, regularly wipe down the cabinets with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.