How to Deep Clean Kitchen Cabinets — Toronto Guide 2026

How to Deep Clean Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets need a deep clean twice a year — the cabinet exteriors near the stove accumulate cooking grease continuously, while the interiors collect food debris, spills, and residue from containers that go in and out regularly. Here's the complete approach.

Exterior of Cabinets (Including Doors and Drawer Fronts)

Cabinet exteriors require a degreaser because the buildup is primarily cooking oils and grease that transfer from fingerprints and cooking aerosols:

1. Spray with a kitchen degreaser (Krud Kutter, Zep, or a dish soap and hot water solution — dish soap is a surfactant that cuts grease effectively)
2. Let sit 3–5 minutes — the dwell time is essential for breaking down grease
3. Wipe with a damp microfibre cloth, working in sections
4. Rinse with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue
5. Dry immediately — moisture left on wood cabinet finishes causes warping and dulling

By Cabinet Material

• Painted wood: Warm soapy water or diluted all-purpose cleaner. Avoid abrasive cleaners that scratch paint.
• Laminate (thermofoil, melamine): Same as painted, but avoid excess water at the edges where the laminate bonds to the substrate — moisture causes delamination.
• Natural wood (oak, maple, cherry): Avoid excess water. Use a wood-specific cleaner or Murphy Oil Soap. Dry thoroughly after cleaning.
• Stainless cabinet fronts: Dish soap and water, wipe in the direction of the grain, dry, polish with mineral oil.

Cabinet Hardware (Handles and Hinges)

• Wipe handles with isopropyl alcohol — they're high-touch surfaces with significant bacteria and grease buildup
• For chrome or stainless handles: dry immediately after cleaning to prevent water spots
• For tarnished brass hardware: a paste of lemon juice and baking soda, left 10 minutes, scrubbed gently, rinsed

Interior of Cabinets

1. Remove everything from the cabinet
2. Vacuum shelves and the cabinet floor — crumbs and food particles accumulate even in well-sealed cabinets
3. Wipe all interior surfaces with a damp cloth and mild cleaner
4. For sticky residue from food containers: a damp cloth with a small amount of dish soap, then rinse
5. Allow to dry completely before replacing items — moisture in closed cabinets causes mould and bacterial growth
6. Replace shelf liner — worn shelf liner retains bacteria and food residue that's difficult to clean around

Under-Cabinet Areas

The underside of upper cabinets and the area above them (if accessible) accumulate cooking grease. Wipe the underside of upper cabinets regularly — this area gets coated with the same grease that lands on the backsplash and range hood. The tops of cabinets that aren't enclosed by the ceiling collect heavy dust — vacuum and wipe annually.

Cabinet cleaning is included in every Maidless deep clean. Book at maidless.ca.