To keep the tops of your kitchen cabinets clean, line them with wax paper, parchment paper, or tin foil. These barriers catch the sticky, greasy dust that accumulates over time. When it gets dirty, simply throw the liner away and replace it.
Yes, you can use Murphy Oil Soap on kitchen cabinets. However, it is specifically designed for natural wood and relies on proper dilution.
Decorating above kitchen cabinets is all about creating vertical interest without causing clutter. The best items are large-scale, cohesive pieces. Use stylish items like oversized woven baskets, trailing faux plants, groups of ceramic vases, or large wood cutting boards to bring warmth and texture.
Prevent Dirty, Sticky Cabinet Tops
After your cabinet tops are clean, put wax paper on top of them. The wax attracts the dust and grime like a magnet. All you have to do is replace the wax paper a couple times a year and you're good to go.
Some people consider decorating the tops of kitchen cabinets outdated, while others consider it a timeless option. Displaying essential kitchen items, incorporating natural storage baskets, or carrying your backsplash or wallpaper into the space above cabinets can keep them looking current.
An outdated kitchen usually gives itself away through a few telltale signs: heavily patterned "builder-grade" granite, short or multi-level upper cabinets, poor or overly harsh fluorescent lighting, and outdated built-in appliances (like over-the-range microwaves).
Add baskets to hide clutter
Not only do wicker baskets add texture to any space, they're great for storage. Tuck infrequently used items (think small appliances or seasonal tea towels) into baskets to keep them out of sight.
To keep the tops of your kitchen cabinets clean, you can prevent future buildup by laying down a protective barrier of parchment paper, wax paper, aluminum foil, or old newspapers on top of the cabinets. When these liners get covered in dust and grease, simply throw them away and replace them.
Professionals rely on tools that physically trap and remove dust rather than just scattering it into the air. Their standard arsenal includes high-quality microfiber cloths, flexible dust wands, and commercial vacuum attachments, prioritizing these over traditional feather dusters.
Grandma’s classic trick to eliminate and repel dust is a DIY anti-dust spray made of water, white vinegar, a little dish soap, and a splash of olive oil. The vinegar cleans and breaks down grime, while the oil leaves a subtle, protective coating that prevents dust from easily sticking to surfaces.
To make your kitchen look expensive on a budget, focus on high-impact, low-cost details rather than a full remodel. Swap builder-grade hardware for premium finishes, declutter your countertops, and add under-cabinet lighting. These targeted swaps instantly elevate the space, costing hundreds instead of thousands.
As a general rule, if you have under 2' of space above kitchen cabinetry, very tall armoires or built-ins, don't decorate the space. All too often, doing so dates you to the 1990's and the area does nothing but catch dust.
In 2026, kitchen design is pivoting away from cold, minimalist aesthetics toward warm, nature-inspired, and highly functional spaces. Top trends include light wood stains overtaking stark white cabinets, bold slab backsplashes, multifunctional super-islands, and integrated, seamless smart technology.
Professionals use professional-grade HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure) or Air-Assisted Airless (AAA) sprayers to achieve a smooth, factory-like finish on kitchen cabinets. These systems maximize paint transfer to the cabinet wood while significantly reducing overspray and material waste.
Avoid using Murphy's Oil Soap on unsealed/raw wood, laminate, polished stone, and modern hardwood floors with water-based finishes. The soap's oily base and alkaline ingredients can leave a cloudy residue, strip protective sealants, and make future floor refinishing impossible.
To clean years of kitchen grime and grease, start by dusting cabinets from top to bottom. Next, scrub with a mixture of warm water and a degreaser like Dawn dish soap. Wipe with a damp cloth to rinse, and immediately dry with a towel to protect the wood or paint.
The "20-minute rule" of cleaning is a productivity strategy that combats chore fatigue by breaking tasks into short, focused sessions. You clean aggressively for 20 minutes, then stop. This makes cleaning feel less overwhelming, preventing burnout and keeping your home consistently tidy without the exhaustion of a marathon weekend scrub.
To prevent dust from quickly resettling, clean with microfiber cloths and anti-static or oil-based dust sprays. Microfiber magnetically traps particles instead of pushing them into the air, while sprays (like furniture polish or DIY mixtures) leave a thin coating that naturally repels new dust.
There are three dusting rules that every homemaker should remember: Always dust from top to bottom for effective results. Stop the fan or AC when removing dust from surfaces. Always vacuum last.
Wax paper should be placed on your cabinet tops once they have been cleaned. Like a magnet, the wax draws in the dirt and dust. All you need to do to be set to go is swap out the wax paper a few times a year.
Using the wrong tools and cleaning methods can cause permanent damage to wooden kitchen cabinets. Avoid using harsh chemicals and oil-based solutions as they can strip its protective layer. Stay away from excessive amounts of water or mixed cleaning solutions when cleaning wooden cabinets.
Use a mild detergent
Mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap into 2 cups of warm water. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water. Apply the mild cleaning detergent of your choice to your cabinets using a clean, soft cloth or sponge. TIP: If using a commercial cleaning product, buy one made specifically for wood cabinets.
Baskets, woven boxes, or decorative bins placed above cabinets can serve both function and form. Store seasonal items, cookbooks, or seldom-used appliances in beautiful containers that blend with your kitchen aesthetic. Tip: Choose uniform containers to maintain a sleek, clutter-free appearance.
Stark white, cool gray, and yellow-toned honey oak cabinets are currently considered outdated. Designers are moving away from these shades, as they often look sterile or overly trend-specific, favoring warmer, nature-inspired tones instead.
Keeping your kitchen counters clear comes down to strict boundary setting, optimizing your storage systems, and building daily reset habits. Clear everything off to start with, find new homes for non-kitchen items, put away appliances you don't use daily, and commit to a 5-minute nightly tidy-up.