Grease and Grime Mineral spirits on a clean rag will remove most smudges and dirt. A mixture of water and vinegar in a spray bottle can be used to remove dirt and greasy marks on your cabinets. Greasy marks can get all over a cabinet whether you're cooking or there's just a lot of use.
VertecBio™ 5516 is an environmentally friendly solvent ideal for cleaning polyurethanes. There are no environmentally hazardous ingredients, and it has a moderate drying time that leaves behind no residue. It also has low vapor and a sweet, pleasant fragrance.
Dish soap mixed with warm water would do a fine job on most types of cabinets, including painted wood, plastic laminate, and even metal. This mild soap solution is tough enough to tackle gunky buildup with ease, but it won't ruin cabinet finishes.
Dish soap mixed with warm water would do a fine job on most types of cabinets, including painted wood, plastic laminate, and even metal. This mild soap solution is tough enough to tackle gunky buildup with ease, but it won't ruin cabinet finishes.
We recommend wiping with a damp cloth, either using soap and water or a natural based cleaning solution. Most standard cleaning solutions contain either an alcohol or ammonia base, which over an extended period of time, can eat through the finish.
Wood, Polyurethane (Painted), Melamine, Thermolaminate
Use a damp clean cloth (microfiber or chamois – not paper towel) with soap and water. We recommend a mild non-detergent soap (99 parts water, 1 part dishwashing liquid). Make sure you dry all areas immediately.
For deeper cleaning, use a mild wood cleaner or a mixture of warm water and gentle dish soap. Apply the cleaner sparingly with a soft-bristle brush, working in the direction of the wood grain. As you go, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the wood's surface.
Murphy® Oil Soap gets deep into grime to break up dirt particles and it's safe to use on wood products like cabinets. Next, gather another cloth or sponge. You may also want to use an old toothbrush to get into crevices.
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.
You can also make your own cleaners from ingredients in your kitchen that are eco-friendly, effective and affordable. Vinegar is the go-to natural cleaner when faced greasy cabinets. Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and warm water and pour it into a spray bottle.
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.
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.
Spot Cleaning Polyurethane Fabric
Don't panic! Spot cleaning is your best friend for tackling those pesky stains. Mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water, and use a soft cloth to gently dab at the stain. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can spread the stain or damage the fabric.
Don't use vinegar or baking soda.
They actually damage and dull the polyurethane, which can irreparably ruin them. When it comes to DIY anything and your wood floors, just say no.
Esters are the most commonly used solvents. For instance, ethyl acetate and butyl acetate are frequently used, and historically, acetic acid solvents (ethylene glycol diethyl ether acetate) have also been employed. The latter has strong solubility and a suitable evaporation rate, making it highly suitable for use.
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.
The Best Options for Cleaning Wood Cabinets
Dish soap is easily the best cabinet degreaser for your kitchen. Most of the build-up on your cabinet doors is grease from cooking or food preparation, and dish soap is specially designed to remove grease from your dishes.
Did you know you can use Pine-Sol as a cabinet cleaner? Learn how to use it to clean kitchen cabinets and remove grease and grime.
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.
You can use natural oils, floor wax, or vinegar to clean your unfinished wood floors. You can also use a whole set of cleaning and polishing products, such as mineral spirits, tri-sodium phosphate, oil soaps, chemical cleaners, etc.
For use on all hard finished wood surfaces... fine furniture, antiques, railings and banisters, kitchen cabinets, Stainless Steel, etc. Using a soft cloth simply apply Orange Glo® evenly to a clean dry surface. Wait 10 seconds, then wipe off excess to create a bright clean lustre.
Vinegar. For polyurethane-type finishes, mopping the floor with vinegar is a natural, inexpensive option many people use. A common dilution is a quarter of a cup of vinegar to a gallon of water.
Chemical-based paint strippers, such as those with methylene chloride, are very effective. However, they're also more harsh on your skin and can cause respiratory problems if you're not careful. If you're worried about the effects, you can use water-based strippers instead, though they do take much longer to work.
While painting over polyurethane is doable, it is a process that requires some time and effort. However, when done well, it can rejuvenate old-looking cabinets, furniture, and other surfaces.