Laminate cabinets are sleek, practical, and economical, making them a popular choice for many kitchens. Cabinets are the focal point of almost any kitchen, so when they get dirty, people notice. Daily fingerprints, food splatters, and watermarks are often the main culprits, but older stains can build up over time. Fortunately, laminate kitchen cabinets are easy to clean. In today’s article, we will provide simple tips to answer the question of how to clean laminate cabinets in the most effective way.
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Basics of Laminate Cabinets
Laminate cabinets often look like wooden cabinets, but they are made differently. In fact, Laminate is just a type of glued surface with a thickness of about 0.5mm that is glued on the surface of the moisture-resistant green core MDF laminate. The outside is a thin layer that is bonded to the cabinet material. They are usually made of plywood or a similar inexpensive material. The durable surface makes the cabinet easy to maintain.
How to clean laminate cabinets?
Performing general cleaning
- Step 1: Use a lint-free cloth or small-grain towel to gently wipe the stains on the cabinet surface 1-3 times per week.
- Step 2: Use mild dish soap to clean. 1 quart of warm water and 1 spoonful of dish soap should be combined. Wring out a clean towel after soaking it in water for three to five minutes. Then, clean your cabinets with a moist cloth. The cabinet door should be cleaned on both the front and rear. Check the handles and hinges thoroughly. Cabinets in a busy kitchen could require daily cleaning. Cabinets in kitchens that are rarely used may just require weekly cleaning.
- Step 3: After cleaning the cabinet with soap and warm water, fill a bowl with warm water. Then, use a clean towel to wipe down your cabinets again, shaking off any remaining detergent.
- Step 4: You might not be aware of this, but too much moisture can harm your laminate cabinets. Carefully dry your laminate cabinets with a soft cloth or towel. Do not just let them air dry.
Removing Grease with Vinegar
- Step 1: First, proceed to mix the vinegar and water solution. You might need to perform a deeper cleaning if your cabinet has developed a coating of grease and filth. 2 cups (480 ml) of warm water should be added to 1 cup (240 ml) of white vinegar. For three to five minutes, dunk a clean towel in this mixture, then wring it out. Grease stains on your cabinets can be removed using this towel.
- Step 2: Rub vinegar on the sticky areas after that. After cleaning the cabinet, if any greasy or sticky stains remain, apply some white vinegar directly to a towel and re-clean the affected areas. White vinegar can also be poured into a spray bottle and used to mist spots.
- Step 3: Rinse once more in warm water, then pat dry with a soft towel. Pour clean warm water into a bowl or bucket. To remove any remaining vinegar, wash down your cabinets with a clean towel dipped in water. Utilize a delicate cloth to dry the cabinet.
Tackles stains with Baking Soda
Laminate cabinet stains can be carefully removed with baking soda. This powder offers exactly the right amount of scrubbing power without wearing down the top coat. To form a thick paste, combine 1 tablespoon (14.7 ml) of vinegar with 1 tablespoon (14.7 ml) of baking soda. Use this mixture to remove tough stains. On any food or stains, dab the mixture. For 3 to 5 minutes, let the mixture sit. After that, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub these areas until the food or stains are removed. With a fresh, damp towel, remove the adhesive from the laminate.
Lemon juice can also aid in the cleanup of laminate stains. Hold a piece of cloth over the stain after dipping it in lemon juice. Use a clean, wet towel to wipe and rinse the area. Use a towel to dry the laminate surface after cleaning.
Avoid abrasive materials
Even though laminate is highly durable, if you use too much force during cleaning, it could become damaged. Repairing laminate that has been chipped or damaged can be challenging or impossible. The cabinet’s damaged components frequently need to be replaced. Avoid using scrubbing materials like wire bristle brushes or steel wool. They will almost always produce scratches when used to clean smooth surfaces like wood or laminate. It is advisable to use a soft, moist cloth or microfiber cloth to clean laminate cabinets. Steer clear of corrosive cleaners that can do the same harm. In cases of uncertainty, test items on a discrete region of the laminate to look for damage.
Rinse and Dry
You must wipe the surface clean with a moist cloth after using any cleaning, even dish soap. Any residue left behind can result in an unattractive film or chemical reactions that could cause the wood to potentially lose or change color. After washing the wood with any cleaner, you should make sure the surface is entirely dry. When there is water around, organic surfaces like wood can quickly turn into an inviting environment for the growth of mold and germs.
The expansion of the wood brought on by water can also lead to deformation, cracking, and splintering. After cleaning is finished, make sure to wipe the surface with a dry towel. Drying wooden kitchen cabinets with hot air is not recommended. Excessively drying the wood, may cause the fibers to contract, resulting in splits and splinters. So we’ve answered the question in today’s post “How to clean laminate cabinets?” with the most basic and quick methods that anyone can easily do at home.
To sum up, the easy answer to the question of when to clean your kitchen cabinets is that you can begin at any moment. The solution is more challenging when it comes to cleaning your kitchen cabinets. Depending on the material your cabinets are built of, you can choose the methods and products you want to utilize. A cheap substitute for wood cabinets is plywood. Compared to traditional wood, laminate surfaces are more resilient and simpler to maintain. Today’s article has provided some simple methods for how to clean laminate cabinets. Hope it helps with your kitchen cabinet cleaning.
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