Is vinegar good for cleaning kitchen cabinets?

Author: Mr. Hudson Collier  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

White vinegar is effective at cleaning soap build-up and mineral deposits, which are highly unlikely to be a problem in kitchen cabinets. But white vinegar and baking soda are abrasive and are more likely to do more harm than good.

Is vinegar safe for kitchen cabinets?

Vinegar is a great cleaner for many surfaces, but wood isn't one of them. Vinegar is acidic, which means that, even when diluted with water, it can damage the cabinet finish.

What is the best thing to clean cabinets?

Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and warm water and pour it into a spray bottle. Mist on cabinets, let sit for a minute or two and then wipe clean with a soft cloth. Add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to the vinegar and water solution to clean extremely grimy cabinets.

Can you clean wood cabinets with vinegar and water?

Mix a cup of white vinegar with a cup of water. This mild cleaning solution is perfect for everyday use on wooden cabinets. It won't warp the wood or take off the finish. If you dislike cleaning with vinegar, you can use a light soap solution instead. Add 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar.

Will vinegar remove grease from kitchen cabinets?

Vinegar: The Natural Degreaser

White vinegar, famed for its cleaning prowess, is highly effective against grease due to acetic acid. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, apply it to the cabinets and wait a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.

The Best Way to Clean Kitchen Cabinets!

Can you use Dawn dish soap on wood cabinets?

For those stubborn messes, apply a squirt of Dawn® Platinum directly to a sponge or dish cloth under warm running water, then gently scrub the greasy surface.

How do you remove icky sticky greasy gunk from kitchen cabinets?

How to Remove Very Greasy Grease with White Vinegar
  1. Using the spray bottle, measure a 50/50 mix of vinegar and warm water.
  2. Spray the solution directly onto the kitchen cupboards and leave for a couple of minutes.
  3. Wet the cloth in warm water, then thoroughly rinse the cloth as too much water could damage a wood cabinet.

What's the best degreaser for kitchen cabinets?

Dish Soap. Grease-cutting dish soaps, like Dawn, are the gentlest choice for degreasing kitchen cabinets. If extra cleaning power is needed, use a non-scratch abrasive sponge to help safely scour away sticky grease film.

Is it OK to clean wood with white vinegar?

Don't use vinegar on unsealed wood: If your wood furniture is unsealed, vinegar can penetrate the wood and cause damage. Only use vinegar on sealed wood furniture. Don't use vinegar on waxed or oiled wood: If your wood furniture is waxed or oiled, vinegar can dissolve the wax or oil and cause damage.

Is Murphy's oil soap good for wood cabinets?

Some of the benefits and uses of Murphy's Oil Soap are: It smells fresh; it cleans without leaving a soapy residue as long as you do not use too much; cuts through grease that you may encounter on cabinets and paneling; great in luke warm water for wood floors (not laminate). I love, love, love Murphy's Oil Soap.

How to clean years of grime off kitchen cabinets?

Start by mixing a solution of warm water and a mild dish soap. Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently scrub the greasy areas, applying light pressure to avoid damaging the cabinet finish. For tougher grease stains, add a small amount of white vinegar or baking soda to the soapy solution.

How often should kitchen cabinets be cleaned?

You should clean the exterior of your kitchen cabinets about every 1 to 2 weeks. It's not necessary to wipe them daily or multiple times a week. However, if you notice food, grease, or sauce splatters on your cabinet face, spot-clean them right away to avoid stuck-on food.

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 white vinegar a good kitchen cleaner?

A non-toxic alternative to commercial cleaners, white vinegar can handle the majority of your kitchen cleaning tasks. Vinegar is a brilliant low-cost cleaner that will remove dirt, grime, and stains, and it's incredibly simple to make a scented DIY cleaner that leaves your kitchen extra fresh and sparkling.

What is the best cleaner for kitchen cabinets without leaving residue?

Mix one part water with two parts baking soda for an easy, budget-friendly spot cleaner. Dab the paste onto the stain, let sit for a few minutes, and wipe clean. Buff out any remaining residue with a clean cloth. Use a cloth dampened with diluted ammonia to clean grease off kitchen cabinets.

How to deep clean inside kitchen cabinets?

You can make an easy, affordable cleaner by mixing water and baking soda in the ratio of 1:2. The product is very effective in removing spots. Spread a little amount of the paste on the stain. Allow a few minutes for the paste to sink into the stain before wiping the area off.

Where not to use vinegar for cleaning?

Vinegar can be a great cleaning solution for floors, counters, and tiles – but remember, you shouldn't use it on natural stone (like granite or marble) or natural wood (like hardwood flooring or wooden furniture).

Can you use Dawn and vinegar on wood?

Safe Cleaning

It's important to dilute these substances properly. Too much vinegar can potentially dull the wood finish over time due to its acidity, while too much Dawn can leave a slippery residue. The ideal mixture typically involves a mild solution of diluted vinegar with just a few drops of Dawn.

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar for cleaning?

Both distilled and white can be used in cooking, cleaning, food preservation, and for medical and laboratory purposes. However, since white is stronger than its counterpart, it is more suitable for cleaning and disinfecting.

What is the absolute best degreaser?

  • Best Overall. KH-7 Super Degreaser. ...
  • Best Budget. Lysol Kitchen Pro Cleaner. ...
  • Best for Kitchens. Krud Kutter Cleaner/Degreaser. ...
  • Best Automotive. Purple Power Industrial Cleaner and Degreaser. ...
  • Best Scented. Method Heavy Duty Degreaser. ...
  • Best Heavy-Duty. Zep Heavy-Duty Degreaser. ...
  • Best for Stoves. ...
  • Best for Cabinets.

What is the best thing to use to clean wooden kitchen cabinets?

Mix a Cleaning Solution

Fill a spray bottle with a 50:50 mixture of cool water and distilled white vinegar. If the cabinets are heavily soiled or sticky from a greasy film, add 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Shake the bottle well to mix.

What can I spray on greasy kitchen cabinets?

HG Grease Away Cleaner, Simple & Strong Kitchen Degreaser, Multi Use for Any Surface, - Removes Fat & Oil Easily - 500ml Spray (128050106)

Why are my kitchen cabinets sticky after cleaning?

Your Kitchen Cabinets Did Not Dry Properly

This can happen when you use too much water or leave the cabinets wet after cleaning. To prevent this, use a dry cloth to wipe down the cabinets after cleaning with a damp cloth.

How to keep wood cabinets looking new?

Wipe the cabinets clean with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately with another clean, soft cloth. Always wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Apply a thin coat of high-quality polish. Choose a polish that does not contain silicone or wax, and follow the manufacturer's directions for application.

Does vinegar remove grease from cabinets?

Greasy Cabinet Cleaning Method: Vinegar Soak

The method: Soak a washcloth in distilled white vinegar, like this classic from Heinz. Apply to cabinets, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe off with a damp sponge.

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