How do I clean my wood kitchen cabinets?
karen c asked:
I have these old kitchen cabinets that I’d like to clean, but everything I try using doesnt take off this gummy dirt that has collected. The dirt is around the areas where everyone is opening the cabinet doors. Ive tried using a small scrubby but that was a big no no because it started to take off the finish. Any ideas on what will remove the dirt? I’ve tried murphy’s oil soap and no luck with that. Tried goo gone also and that didn’t work either. Also, the cabinets are a light color so you can see the dirt!
I have these old kitchen cabinets that I’d like to clean, but everything I try using doesnt take off this gummy dirt that has collected. The dirt is around the areas where everyone is opening the cabinet doors. Ive tried using a small scrubby but that was a big no no because it started to take off the finish. Any ideas on what will remove the dirt? I’ve tried murphy’s oil soap and no luck with that. Tried goo gone also and that didn’t work either. Also, the cabinets are a light color so you can see the dirt!
March 17th, 2009 at 7:48 am
You will have to use a good degreaser. I like one called “Mean Green”-I used it on my cabinets and it took the sticky greasy stuff right off. Then you can use a good wood polish. Someone gave me a thumbs down, but this really worked for me, why would someone not believe me? Would I lie about cleaning my cabinets?
March 17th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Try Mr. Clean magic eraser.
March 19th, 2009 at 3:08 am
grease lightening works great.
March 21st, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Use Liquid Gold–they sell it at hardware stores, Home Depot, etc. It is exactly for cabinets with this problem.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Check your phone book for a Janitorial supply store. Most have an all purpose cleaner that you let stay on the Cabernet for just a little while. Use the hottest water you can stand with rubber gloves on. Most supply co’c are open to the public. I always use Zep from a Company Local here
Ask if they have that. 
March 25th, 2009 at 3:57 am
I have owned a cleaning service for over 20 years — here goes the secret of the pros-lol. I use warm water(hotter the better). A scoop of oxyclean powder and a cap full of orange clean cocentrate (both available at a good home store such as Bed, Bath and Beyond). This should do it. Use a rag such as old terry cloth towels to scrub with. Do not use anything scratchy. You will smell like oranges so this is pretty pleasant to do also. good luck -k-
March 26th, 2009 at 3:43 am
Murphy’s oil soap
March 26th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Spice and Span in hot water. Cheap, effective and doesn’t have any oils in it.
I’m not arguing with the others who have given suggestions like Murphy’s. I’ve used it and it works, but I had a guy in a paint store told me that the oils in some of the other suggestions can lead to build up over time.
Note the product I reference is not Spice and Span– but the censors won’t let me use the correct word because it is also a derogatory term for an ethnic group.
March 29th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
409 is a good degreaser but so is dawn dish water and yes I am saying it an S O S pad it is gentler than the finest sand paper it works great! Also I have found on some stubborn grease you have to do everything 2 x the second time it comes right up every time hardly even have to scrub!
March 30th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Try degreaser uncut. It will cut the greasy residue and remove the stain. Otherwise you may have to strip and repaint.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Buy a bottle of Ammonia, read the directions on the bottle, I wear a mask, because the smell can take your breath away. But it does a good joy. And then I use Mop & Glow to give them a shine.
March 31st, 2009 at 9:23 pm
The correct product to use is determined by the finish of the cabinets, and the type of dirt. Do your cabinets have a real wood finish, or something else? Assuming the dirt is grease from cooking, try dish washing liquid and warm water. Start in a less visible spot, like down by the floor. If that doesn’t work well enough, you can try something stronger, as long as the finish can take it. There are lots of grease cleaning products out there. “Grease Relief” is a good one. Whatever you end up using, be sure to try it in a less visible spot, first.
April 1st, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Fantastic and a sponge. Have a bowl of warm soapy water handy to follow up. works great for me.
April 4th, 2009 at 12:48 am
Try Murphy’s oil soap in the spray bottle. Spray it right on the cupboard, straight from the bottle. I used to clean houses for a living and found this to work great!
April 5th, 2009 at 12:47 am
Clean the cabinets with Clorox bathroom cleaner & hot water. After you do that & get the greasy mess off condition the wood again with murphys oil soap.
April 5th, 2009 at 7:45 am
have you tried vinegar?? just plain old vinegar
April 8th, 2009 at 5:33 am
try the new Mr Clean sponge, I love them cheap 2.
April 8th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Have you tried lemon oil?
It’s what I use on my cabinets and always does a good job.
April 9th, 2009 at 7:37 am
There’s this magic stuff that works on most stains. It’s called elbow grease. Get on your knees and scrub.
April 9th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
remove the doors from their hinges and find a strong degreaser, purple power is really good, then take a piece of scotch-brite and go to work. If that doesn’t work, you might want to strip them with paint stripper and refinish your cabinets.