Updated on Apr. 12, 2024
Don't let the kitchen of your dreams look dingy! Find out how to clean white cabinets the easy way, along with our cleaning tricks for every other surface.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Our first and most important trick for keeping your white cabinets clean is to wipe them down regularly. It might not be groundbreaking, but it works! Use a clean microfiber cloth and warm water to wipe splatters off the walls and cabinets as soon as you spot them. (In a white kitchen, dirt is easy to spot and so satisfying to clean up!)
Vacuuming your kitchen cabinets might sound like a weird idea, but it’s the most efficient way to get rid of dust. Using a horsehair attachment, vacuum your cabinets weekly to prevent dirt and dust from building up in the ridges and door details of your cabinets.
For an easier-than-ever clean, leave your regular vac in the closet and break out a cordless hand vacuum which is much easier to manipulate.
When your cabinets get covered in cooking grease residue, they attract dust and create a gross sticky mess that’s a nightmare to clean.
Prevent greasy cabinets by using your range hood every time you cook, especially when frying. Of course, your hood will only work properly if the filters are clean, so clean them regularly. Always check your manufacturer instructions for the best way to clean your specific filters. Some can be put in the dishwasher, otherwise, scrub with a dish brush and dish soap.
White quartz countertops are gorgeous, but they’re not great for hiding stains! Keep yours glistening by wiping the counters regularly with a cloth dipped in water and mild dish soap. For really tough stains, use an adhesive remover like Goo Gone. Pour it directly on the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes, then wipe off with warm water.
You finally have your dream sink, white enameled cast iron with an apron front—now how do you keep it clean? Our secret weapon is Barkeeper’s Friend (we prefer the liquid version). Give the sink a few squirts, then scrub the entire surface with a cloth or sponge. Rinse away the product, then wipe the whole sink with a dry cloth to prevent watermarks. Your bright white sink will thank you!
Here are more ways to make use of a canister of Bar Keepers Friend.
When wiping down your white cabinets, don’t soak the cloth or sponge. You want it to be damp, but not dripping wet. Too much water can damage the paint finish of your white cabinets; and if you have MDF cabinets, water can get trapped in the corners and cause warping. Always give your cloth or sponge a good squeeze to remove excess water.
Take a peek at the very top of your cabinets, and more than likely you’ll find a thick layer of grease. Scrubbing the area clean is a lot of work. Instead, line the top of your cabinets with sheets of waxed paper. Instead of sticking to the tops of cabinets, particles will stick to the surface of the waxed paper. Then, when it’s time to deep clean the house, all you have to do is carefully fold the sheet up, toss it and replace it with a fresh one.
No, this isn’t a tip about brushing your teeth in the kitchen sink. Your cabinets might have details or molding that’s hard to clean with a regular cloth. But a toothbrush is the perfect size to reach trapped dirt and grime in those small corners and crevices. Dip the toothbrush in a mixture of water and vinegar, gently scrub, then remove any excess water with a dry cloth.
