Wooden

• Wooden cabinets require special care to avoid damaging the wood. Merry Maids suggests using a mild detergent with hot water to wipe down cabinets and remove grease buildup. Use a damp cloth to wipe away cleanser, and then use an oil soap to thoroughly cleanse cabinets. Only a small amount of oil soap is necessary. Follow directions on the packaging when mixing with water. Use a damp cloth to apply the oil soap and then wipe dry quickly. If a greasy film still remains, syndicated TV home expert Danny Lipford suggests warming a wet sponge or cloth in the microwave for a few seconds, and then using this cloth to apply a cleanser containing citrus to your cabinets. Wipe clean with a damp cloth when finished.
  
  

Other Kitchen Cabinets

• Cabinets made from materials other than wood, including plastic laminate, glass or metal, may be cleaned with a mild commercial cleanser to remove grease and grime. Apply the cleanser and let it sit for several minutes. Use a soft scrubber to gently remove stuck-on foods and other debris. Use a damp cloth or sponge to remove soap and use a towel to dry.
  
  

Maintenance and Prevention

• Clean cabinets yearly to avoid a large buildup of grease from developing on your cabinets. You may need to clean grease more often on cabinets close to the stove, or after frequent cooking. Avoid using acidic and powdered cleansers on cabinets, as these may scratch or otherwise damage them. Similarly, harsh brushes and other scrubbing utensils should be avoided.
  
  

Cleaning Inside Cupboards

• The interior of your kitchen cabinets may become soiled due to leaking bottles of food or other debris. Remove all food or dishes and use a brush and dust pan to brush out any dry debris such as flour, sugar or cereal. For spots and stains, use dish soap to create hot soapy water, and scrub on cabinets gently using a sponge or cloth. Spots and stains inside the cabinet should be much easier to clean, as the greasy residue found on the outside of your cabinets rarely gets inside. Use a damp cloth to wipe off soap and residue. Let cabinets dry completely before returning items inside.