Reviewed by Shawn Sivils, owner of The Painting Company, with more than 42 years of experience in the painting trade.
Here’s how to clean painted cabinets: gently rub them with a soft cloth, warm water, and a very small drop of Ivory Liquid. Then dry them with a clean, soft cloth.
Below, Shawn explains what to use, what to avoid, and when to call us.
Make sure your cabinets are cured before you clean them. If you just had them painted, check out our article on how long it takes to paint kitchen cabinets. We go over the first week in detail.
How to Clean Painted Cabinets
To clean painted kitchen cabinets, The Painting Company recommends warm water, a soft cloth, and a very small drop of Ivory Liquid. A microfiber cloth or a soft cotton cloth, such as a cloth diaper, works well. We don’t recommend other dish soaps. This method removes daily grime without damaging your finish.
- Dampen a soft cloth with warm water and a very small drop of Ivory Liquid.
- Wring the cloth out well to avoid excess moisture.
- Gently rub the surface in a circular motion.
- Dry the surface afterward with a clean, soft cloth.
- If you still have dirt on your cabinets, repeat the gentle circular motion instead of pressing harder.
In Shawn’s experience, the Ivory is there for lubrication rather than cleaning power. It lets the cloth glide over the finish, so it isn’t dragging dirt and grime across it.
What Should You Not Use on Painted Cabinets?
Do not use abrasive pads, Magic Erasers, harsh degreasers, strong solvents, vinegar, or oil soaps on your cabinets. Also, don’t scrub your cabinets hard. These can all damage your painted kitchen cabinets. By using warm water, a soft cloth, and a very small drop of Ivory Liquid, you can keep your cabinets looking great.
| Use | Don’t Use |
|---|---|
| Microfiber or soft cloth | Abrasive pads/scrub sponges |
| Warm water and a very small drop of Ivory Liquid | Magic Erasers |
| Light pressure and repeat if needed | Scrubbing your cabinets hard |
| Clean dry cloth | Harsh degreasers/strong solvents |
| Wipe up spills when they occur | Vinegar/oil soaps |
Magic Erasers may feel soft, but according to Family Handyman, they are abrasive and can damage a painted finish. They can make glossy finishes look dull and uneven. Sherwin-Williams also states that harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing can damage a painted finish.
How to Remove Grease from Painted Cabinets
To remove grease from your painted cabinets, use warm water, a soft cloth, and a very small drop of Ivory Liquid. Gently rub the area in a circular motion. Repeat until the grease is removed. Do not use vinegar, degreasers, or abrasive pads. It is better to wipe your cabinets several times with light pressure than scrub once with a harsher chemical.
Many articles will tell you to use vinegar to clean your kitchen. Shawn suggests being patient with your painted cabinets.
What Areas of Your Cabinets Will Show Wear?
Edges, corners, and the areas around handles of your painted cabinets usually show wear first. Under your sink, around your trash pull-out, and frequently used drawers will show wear as well. These areas see more contact, moisture, and bumps from everyday use.
This is normal wear. If your cabinets are peeling or chipping all over, it could be due to improper preparation. Check out our article on why painted cabinets fail.
What Can Damage Your Painted Cabinets?
Having a damp towel hanging over your doors, water sitting around your sink, repeated heavy steam, and slamming your cabinets can damage your finish. Each one adds moisture or impact to the same spots over time. Try to avoid these to help your cabinets last longer.
Steam can be a big factor for your cabinets, but ordinary cooking is fine. Boiling an egg or using a tea kettle won’t hurt your cabinets.
In Shawn’s experience, problems come from repeated, sustained heavy steam from several boiling pans as a regular cooking habit. Run your exhaust vent whenever you cook.
If heavy steam is a regular part of how you cook, discuss it with us before painting. That way, we can try to mitigate it.
Humidity in Nebraska can also affect your wood. Wood will absorb and release moisture based on the environment around it, according to the USDA Forest Products Laboratory’s Wood Handbook. Your cabinets should be able to withstand these changes if they are coated properly.
Should I Touch Up My Cabinets or Call a Painter?
If your cabinets have chips or are wearing, The Painting Company recommends calling us to touch them up. There are many things to consider when touching up cabinets. We have found that it’s better to have a professional do it for you.
If we have any paint left over from your project, we will leave it with you. If we don’t have any left, you don’t have to purchase more paint and store it. When you need touch-up paint, call us, and we’ll supply it at our cost. That price can be significantly less than retail. It covers the paint only, with no labor involved in that purchase.
How Long Will My Cabinets Last?
With proper care, your painted cabinets can last you a decade or longer. We recently went back to a customer’s house to paint their trim. We had painted their kitchen cabinets about 12 years ago. They still looked great except for some buildup around their trash pull-out. That’s one example from our experience rather than a typical lifespan or a guarantee.
Results depend on how you use and clean your cabinets. When your cabinets start to show wear, whether to touch up or repaint depends on how much wear there is and the finish’s overall condition.
What Does Our Warranty Cover?
At The Painting Company, we offer a five-year warranty on all of our work. This includes our cabinet work. Our warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover normal wear and tear, accidental damage, or misuse. If you have any issues with your cabinets during your warranty period, please contact us. We will inspect them and fix covered defects at no charge.
Feel free to call us after your warranty has expired as well. We will try to help you out, but this will not extend your warranty.
FAQ
How often should I clean my cabinets?
Clean your cabinets as needed. Wipe up any spills when they occur.
How long until I can clean my cabinets?
Once your cabinets are cured, you can clean them. With the coating system we use, full cure typically takes about 7 to 10 days, depending on temperature and humidity. Do not rub or scrub your cabinets during this time.
Can I use a Magic Eraser on my cabinets?
No. Magic Erasers can damage your painted cabinets. Use a soft cloth, warm water, and a very small drop of Ivory Liquid instead.
Need Your Cabinets Touched Up?
Schedule a free estimate with The Painting Company in Omaha or Bellevue. Or learn more about our cabinet painting services.
