How do I keep my kitchen cabinets looking new?

Author: Kip Hermann Sr.  |  Last update: Sunday, March 22, 2026

A Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Your Cabinets
  1. Upon Installation. ...
  2. Avoid Excessive Moisture. ...
  3. Avoid Temperature And Humidity Extremes. ...
  4. Avoid Exposure To Harsh Cleaners. ...
  5. Avoid Exposure To Waxes. ...
  6. Guard Against Scratching And Abrasion.
  7. Clean with a soft, damp cloth when necessary. ...
  8. Stubborn Spots and Stains.

How do you make old kitchen cabinets look new again?

You can transform your cabinets quickly by refacing them with a new veneer. You can make your veneer any color you like, but cabinet refacing is a step above painting. It replaces cabinet surfaces instead of just covering them with paint.

Is it better to spray or roll paint on cabinets?

Spray painting is generally considered a better option for painting kitchen cabinets. It provides a smoother, more professional finish and allows for better coverage in hard-to-reach areas. Hand painting can be a viable alternative for smaller projects or when a more rustic or textured look is desired.

How often should wood cabinets be oiled?

Wood kitchen cabinets should be oiled approximately every 6 to 12 months to maintain their appearance and protect the wood from drying out. However, the frequency may vary depending on factors like wood type, kitchen conditions, and personal preferences.

Is Murphy oil soap good for kitchen cabinets?

Tried-and-true Murphy's Oil soap has been around for more than 100 years, and it won my overall vote. It cut through the grime and grease with more ease than the other products and left a beautiful, silky finish on cabinet surfaces. The citrus scent is also mild and doesn't linger.

How To Clean Kitchen Cabinets (The Right Way)

Is Dawn dish soap good for cabinets?

Apply a few drops of concentrated dish liquid, like Dawn®, into a bowl of warm water, then dip the sponge in. Squeeze the sponge until suds form. The cleaning agents in Dawn absorb grease just as well on kitchen surfaces as they do on dishes.

When should you not use Murphy's oil soap?

For Water Based Finishes

Cleaners such as Pledge and Murphy's Oil Soap are not recommended because they leave a dull residue on the finish. Water based surfaces may be cleaned with a damp cloth or General Finishes Orange Oil.

What is the best thing to clean your kitchen cabinets with?

Generally speaking, you should clean your kitchen cabinets with water or simple dish soap with a soft clean cloth. You definitely want to stick to more common cleaning agents such as baking soda and vinegar. For certain, it should always be something non-abrasive so as to not mar the surface of your cabinets.

What is the best oil for kitchen cabinets?

4 of The Best Oils to Use for Wood Furniture
  • Lemon Oil. If you have hardwood furniture, this is probably the most important oil you should try using. ...
  • Lavender Oil. Just a few drops of lavender oil added to your cleaning mixture can have your furniture looking and smelling like new. ...
  • Mineral Oil. ...
  • Tung Oil. ...
  • Conclusion.

How do you rejuvenate wood cabinets?

Easily Renew Wood Cabinets Without Actually Refinishing
  1. Step 1: Supplies. Ugly Cabinets. ...
  2. Step 2: Clean Cabinets. First clean the cabinets. ...
  3. Step 3: Go to Home Depot. Buy Restor-A-Finish, Super Fine (0000) Steel Wool and Howard Feed-N-Wax. ...
  4. Step 4: Apply Restor-A-Finish. ...
  5. Step 5: Apply Howard Feed-N-Wax. ...
  6. Step 6: You Are Done!

What do professionals use to spray kitchen cabinets?

Since many rooms with cabinets usually get a lot of traffic and activity, you'll want to get this project done fast. Using a Magnum airless paint sprayer will provide the fastest way to achieve a perfect finish.

What is the best brush for kitchen cabinets?

Which brushes do professionals recommend for a smooth paint finish on cabinets? Professionals often recommend Purdy or Wooster brushes with soft, synthetic bristles that don't lose their shape. These brushes offer a consistent and smooth finish.

Are foam rollers good for painting cabinets?

DIY enthusiasts and professionals have grown fond of using high-density foam rollers. This makes them a great choice is their ability to provide a flawless, smooth surface, making them ideal for use on cabinets and furniture. The dense foam ensures even coverage, eliminating the problem of brush marks or uneven layers.

How can I update my old cabinets without replacing them?

Let's Begin!
  1. 9 Ways to Update Kitchen Cabinets without Replacing Them. Paint Kitchen Cabinets. ...
  2. Distress the Cabinets. ...
  3. Whitewash. ...
  4. Two-Tone. ...
  5. Change the Cabinet Handles. ...
  6. Add Molding. ...
  7. Change the Kitchen Door Fronts. ...
  8. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting.

Does Lowes do cabinet refacing?

Kitchen Remodeling Made Easy and Affordable.

Lowe's cabinet refacing with National Refacing Systems uses your existing cabinets while transforming your kitchen with premium-quality cabinet doors, drawers, hardware, and accessories.

What is the best product to restore cabinets?

2K Polyurethanes on Cabinets

2k polyurethanes or 2K polys are fantastic products for cabinet refinishing as it has been groundbreaking for the wood coatings industry in general. 2K polys require a mix of a catalyst or hardener, resulting in a pot life of a few hours.

Is Murphy's oil good for kitchen cabinets?

Murphy® Oil Soap gets deep into grime to break up dirt particles and it's safe to use on wood products like cabinets.

What is the best degreaser for cabinets before painting?

Best Option for Greasy Surfaces: Krud Kutter excels at eliminating layers of grease on wood surfaces, providing a versatile solution for various cabinet materials. Gentle Cleaners: Despite its heavy-duty cleaning capabilities, Krud Kutter is formulated to be gentle on surfaces, ensuring no damage to your cabinets.

What is the most durable finish for kitchen cabinets?

Semi-Gloss Finish

As the most popular sheen, semi-gloss provides your kitchen cabinets with a nice shine that is not overbearing. Semi-gloss finishes like polyurethane are known for their easy application and high durability.

How do you remove gunk and dirt off of kitchen cabinets?

The majority of kitchen cabinets, no matter whether they are made from wood, metal, laminate, glass, etc. can be thoroughly cleaned with liquid dish soap mixed with warm water. Also, you can use an all-purpose commercial cleaner.

Can you use Windex to clean kitchen cabinets?

NO! Windex – and any chemical based cleaner will damage your newly painted cabinets. 98% water + 2% dish soap only! When most homeowners think of a kitchen tune up, they think of changing out the appliances, getting a new countertop and getting new cabinetry.

Is Bona better than Murphy's oil?

Conclusion. So, the Murphy's Oil Soap vs Bona debate is over, and Bona wins. These are some of the best hardwood floor cleaners, but the flooring market is full of competitors. Their hardwood floor cleaner is said to be overall better by all the homeowners who have been using it for years.

Does Murphy's oil soap cause buildup?

When diluted properly, Murphy® Oil Soap Original Formula does not leave a residue. Despite the fact that it is called "oil soap," there is no "free oil" left behind. If you see a residue after applying Murphy® Oil Soap for the first time, it's likely that another cleaner was previously used.

Does Murphy's Oil soap get too old to use?

A: Not as a rule. If it's a concentrate then it will keep indefinitely.

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