How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets by SMY Home Improvement in Lynnwood, WA
- SMY Home Improvement
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
Updated: May 22
Why Cleaning Your Kitchen Cabinets Properly Is Crucial
Kitchen cabinets take a beating—grease, steam, spills, and fingerprints can all wear down their finish. But did you know using the wrong cleaning method can also void your cabinet warranty?
At SMY Home Improvement, we help homeowners across Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Everett, Edmonds and beyond select top cabinet brands and understand how to maintain them long-term. This guide will show you some kitchen cabinet cleaning ideas that can be helpful.
Always Follow the Manufacturer's Care Instructions
Every cabinet brand has its own cleaning guidelines, and ignoring them can lead to permanent damage or a voided warranty. Here are some cabinet care and cleaning instructions from some of the cabinet companies we offer:
Waypoint Simple Trends
Exact Manufacturer Instructions Per Waypoint Simple Trends Spec Book
“While our finishing processes promote durability, care should be taken to preserve the original factory finish:
Wipe up spills immediately
Use mild soaps only
Be sure to read all cabinet care guidelines and cleaning product instructions carefully
Use a touch-up stick to fill any scratches or nicks and remove excess residue, leaving a smooth surface. Touch-up kits are included with every sink base cabinet or can be ordered separately as needed.
Medallion Cabinetry Wood and Veneer Door Styles
Exact Manufacturer Instructions Per Medallioncabinetry.com
Once your cabinets have been installed, wipe down all exteriors and interiors with a damp cloth to remove dust, drying immediately with a dry cloth. Be careful not to scratch the surface when wiping off dust and debris.
• Regular exterior and interior cleaning requires only wiping with a damp cloth and then drying. Remove oil, grease or general soil using a clean cloth dampened with a fresh solution of mild soap and water. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth, then dry thoroughly. It is important to wipe spills immediately. Prolonged exposure to spills, including food, water or other liquids can cause permanent discoloration or damage to your cabinet’s finish.
• Avoid using harsh detergents, strong soap, abrasive cleaners or self-polishing waxes. All of these items can damage the factory-applied protective finish.
• Avoid using your dishcloth to clean or dry cabinet exteriors. It may contain remnants of detergents and grease.
• Immediately dry surfaces where water may have spilled using a clean cloth. Never hang damp towels over cabinetry to dry. Excessive moisture will cause the wood to expand and damage the finish. Treat your cabinets as you would fine furniture and they will reward you with long-lasting beauty.
Waypoint Living Spaces
Per Waypoint Living Spaces Spec Book
Cabinet Care
Remove dust from cabinets frequently with a soft lint-free cloth. The cloth may be slightly dampened with water. Do not use a paste wax type material. Wax build-up is difficult to remove and will leave a residue that attracts dust and moisture. Polishes containing silicon should not be used. Clean spills immediately. Use a clean cloth and mild soap if necessary. Wipe dry with a clean soft cloth. Do not use detergents, citrus cleaners or ammonia-based cleaners, chlorine-based cleaners, steel wool, soap pads, or abrasive cleaners on cabinets.
Extra care should be taken that cabinet finishes are not exposed to heat in excess of 200° Fahrenheit. Do not place or mount small appliances beneath wall cabinets. These appliances (such as coffee makers and toasters) can produce excessive heat, which can damage the finish of cabinets. Do not expose doors or drawer fronts to heat created from self-cleaning ovens or ranges.
Local Help You Can Trust
At SMY Home Improvement, we provide every cabinet customer with the official manufacturer care instructions for their selected brand — including Waypoint, Medallion, and others. These documents are essential for protecting your cabinet finish and ensuring warranty compliance.
If you’ve purchased your cabinets from us, our team is always available to:
Help you interpret brand-specific care recommendations
Provide replacement touch-up kits (included with most sink base cabinets)
Answer questions related to product maintenance, finish care, or wear
We’re proud to support our customers throughout Lynnwood, Everett, Mukilteo, Edmonds, and surrounding areas. If you didn’t purchase your cabinetry through SMY, we recommend reaching out directly to the manufacturer or retailer where your cabinets were purchased.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to clean kitchen cabinets with?
A soft, lint-free cloth and warm water. Use mild dish soap only if your cabinet manufacturer allows it. Always dry immediately with a clean towel. Avoid using paper towel or napkins as they are abrasive and can scratch the cabinet finish.
Can I use Dawn dish soap to clean my cabinets?
Dawn is a soap that can be safe, but ALWAYS check your cabinet brand’s care guide first.
What is the best way to clean grease off kitchen cabinets?
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Apply with a soft cloth and wipe gently. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry completely.
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