Cleaning your kitchen cabinets is essential to maintaining a fresh and hygienic cooking environment.
Over time, grease, grime, and food residues can build up on cabinet surfaces, making them look dull and dirty. Murphy’s Oil Soap, a trusted cleaning product, can effectively restore the natural beauty of your cabinets while being gentle on the wood.
This guide will walk you through the steps on how to clean kitchen cabinets with murphy’s oil soap, ensuring they remain spotless and well-maintained.
Understanding Murphy’s Oil Soap
Murphy’s Oil Soap is a specially formulated cleaning product designed to clean wood surfaces gently and effectively.
It is made from 98% naturally derived ingredients, including water, coconut, and plant-based cleaning agents, which makes it both biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
The soap is known for its ability to clean wooden surfaces without stripping away the finish or damaging the wood. It contains no ammonia, bleach, or heavy-duty synthetic chemicals, which ensures that it won’t cause harm to your cabinets’ surface or your indoor air quality.
Suitable for a variety of wood types, Murphy’s Oil Soap can be used not only on kitchen cabinets but also on wooden furniture, floors, and paneling, making it a versatile choice for all your wood-cleaning needs.
Assessing the Condition of Kitchen Cabinets
Before you begin cleaning your kitchen cabinets with Murphy’s Oil Soap, it’s important to assess their current condition.
Start by inspecting the surfaces for any visible damage, such as scratches, dents, or peeling finish. Check for areas where grease and grime have accumulated the most, as these will need extra attention during the cleaning process.
Observe the color and texture of the wood—if it appears faded or dry, it may need more intensive care. Also, open the cabinets and look inside for any hidden spots that might require cleaning.
By thoroughly evaluating the condition of your kitchen cabinets, you can tailor your cleaning approach to ensure the most effective and gentle care for your wood surfaces.
10 Methods How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets with Murphy’s Oil Soap
Method 1: Preparing the Solution
The first step in cleaning kitchen cabinets with Murphy’s Oil Soap is preparing the cleaning solution. Murphy’s Oil Soap is concentrated, so it needs to be diluted before use. Mix 1/4 cup of Murphy’s Oil Soap with one gallon of warm water in a bucket. Stir the solution gently to ensure the soap is fully dissolved.
This dilution ratio is effective for most cleaning tasks and safe for wood surfaces. By preparing the solution properly, you ensure that the soap is gentle on your cabinets while still providing effective cleaning power.
Method 2: Removing Loose Dust and Debris
Before applying the cleaning solution, it’s important to remove loose dust and debris from your kitchen cabinets.
Use a soft microfiber cloth or a feather duster to gently wipe down the cabinet surfaces. This step helps prevent scratching the wood during the cleaning process and ensures that the cleaning solution can work more effectively on any remaining grime or stains.
Pay special attention to corners, edges, and handles where dust and debris tend to accumulate. Removing loose particles first makes the subsequent cleaning more efficient and thorough.
Method 3: Spot Testing
Before using Murphy’s Oil Soap on all your kitchen cabinets, it’s wise to perform a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area. Apply a small amount of the diluted solution to a hidden section of the cabinet, such as the inside edge of a door.
Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a clean cloth. Check the area for any adverse reactions, such as discoloration or damage to the finish. Performing a spot test ensures that the solution is safe for your specific cabinet material and finish, preventing any unintended damage.
Method 4: Cleaning Cabinet Exteriors
To clean the exteriors of your kitchen cabinets, dip a soft sponge or cloth into the diluted Murphy’s Oil Soap solution. Wring out any excess liquid to avoid over-saturating the wood.
Gently wipe down the cabinet doors and sides, following the grain of the wood to prevent streaks and scratches. For stubborn spots or grease stains, you may need to apply a bit more pressure or allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before wiping.
Rinse the sponge or cloth frequently in the solution to avoid spreading dirt. After cleaning, wipe the cabinets with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue, then dry thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
Method 5: Cleaning Cabinet Interiors
Cleaning the interiors of your kitchen cabinets is just as important as the exteriors. Empty the contents of each cabinet to access all surfaces. Use the diluted Murphy’s Oil Soap solution and a soft sponge or cloth to wipe down the shelves, sides, and bottom of each cabinet.
Pay attention to any sticky spots or stains, allowing the solution to sit for a few minutes if needed. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue, and dry thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth before replacing the contents. This method helps maintain a clean and hygienic storage space for your kitchen items.
Method 6: Cleaning Handles and Knobs
Handles and knobs on kitchen cabinets can accumulate grease, grime, and fingerprints, making them important areas to clean. Use a small brush, such as a toothbrush, dipped in the diluted Murphy’s Oil Soap solution to scrub around the handles and knobs.
This allows you to reach into crevices and remove built-up dirt. After scrubbing, wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue, then dry thoroughly. Cleaning the handles and knobs not only improves the appearance of your cabinets but also ensures they remain sanitary.
Method 7: Tackling Stubborn Stains
For particularly stubborn stains on your kitchen cabinets, you may need to use a more concentrated version of the Murphy’s Oil Soap solution. Mix a few drops of Murphy’s Oil Soap with a small amount of water to create a thicker paste.
Apply the paste directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the area, then wipe away the paste with a clean, damp cloth. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth. This method can effectively remove tough stains without damaging the wood or finish.
Method 8: Polishing for Shine
After cleaning your kitchen cabinets with Murphy’s Oil Soap, you can enhance their shine and protect the wood by applying a furniture polish. Choose a polish that is safe for wood surfaces and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Apply a small amount of polish to a soft cloth and rub it into the wood in a circular motion, following the grain. Allow the polish to sit for a few minutes, then buff with a clean, dry cloth to achieve a beautiful, glossy finish. Polishing your cabinets after cleaning not only improves their appearance but also adds a protective layer against future dirt and stains.
Method 9: Maintaining Regular Cleaning
To keep your kitchen cabinets looking their best, it’s important to establish a regular cleaning routine using Murphy’s Oil Soap.
Aim to clean your cabinets at least once a month, or more frequently if your kitchen sees heavy use. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of grease, grime, and stains, making each cleaning session easier and more effective. By incorporating Murphy’s Oil Soap into your regular cleaning routine, you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your kitchen cabinets.
Method 10: Preventative Measures
Preventing dirt and grime from accumulating on your kitchen cabinets can reduce the frequency and intensity of cleaning needed.
Consider applying cabinet liners to protect the interiors from spills and stains. Use range hoods or exhaust fans to reduce grease buildup from cooking.
Wipe up spills and splatters immediately to prevent them from setting into the wood.
Encourage family members to handle cabinets with clean hands and to avoid hanging wet or damp towels over cabinet doors. By taking these preventative measures, you can keep your kitchen cabinets cleaner for longer and reduce the effort required to maintain them.
Conclusion
Cleaning kitchen cabinets with Murphy’s Oil Soap is an effective, gentle, and eco-friendly way to keep them looking their best.
By preparing the solution correctly, removing loose dust and debris, performing a spot test, and thoroughly cleaning both the exteriors and interiors, you can ensure your cabinets remain pristine.
Additionally, addressing handles and knobs, tackling stubborn stains, polishing for shine, maintaining a regular cleaning routine, and implementing preventative measures will help you achieve long-lasting results.
Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to clean kitchen cabinets with murphy’s oil soap!
