How to Clean Melamine Cabinets

If your melamine cabinets have recently accumulated a noticeable amount of grease, dirt and debris, you may want to consider cleaning them. Fortunately, your melamine cabinets can be successfully purged of dirt with a few basic cleaning tools.

Step 1 - Dust Your Cabinets

Before proceeding to clean your melamine cabinets, you will need to give them a thorough dusting. Begin this process by removing the everything from your cabinets, then use a mini vac, feather duster or a damp washcloth to remove all traces of dust from both the interior and exterior of the cabinets. Once the cabinets are dust free, you'll be ready to move on.

Step 2 - Mix Your Cleaning Solution

If you'd prefer to use a commercial cleaner like Lysol or Spray Nine for the cabinet cleaning process, you're free to skip this step. However, if you like to know exactly what goes into your cleaning products, you'll be pleased to learn that you can easily produce your own cabinet cleaner with nothing more than warm water and mild liquid soap. Combine these two ingredients in an empty spray bottle, then shake the bottle until your cleaning solution takes shape. This solution works particularly well for getting rid of dirt. If you're primarily dealing with grease, you're better off just using Lysol. For personal safety reasons, it is strongly recommended that avoid combining cleaning products.

Step 3 - Apply Your Cabinet Cleaner

Now that you've decided on a suitable cabinet cleaner, proceed to vigorously spray down the cabinets' interior and exterior. If you're using the homemade soap-and-water solution, allow it to set in for 3 to 5 minutes. If you're using a commercial cleaner, consult the product's packaging to determine the recommended amount of set-in time. After your cleaning solution has been given ample time to sit, use a sponge, washcloth or paper towel to wipe the cabinets clean using broad, circular strokes. Once you're satisfied that your melamine cabinets have been sufficiently cleaned, you'll be ready to proceed with the final step.

Step 4 - Rinse Your Cleaning Solution

Having successfully carried out the cleaning process, you're just about finished. Begin the final step by lightly dampening a sponge, washcloth or paper towel and once again wiping your cabinets in broad, circular motions. You may have to go over the cabinets several times before entirely removing the cleaning solution. Alternatively, you can fill a spray bottle with warm water, spray the water onto your cabinets, then use a dry cloth, sponge or paper towel to wipe away your cleaning solution.

Step 5 - Keep Your Cabinets Clean

Now that your cabinets are clean, you can easily keep them that way by performing some regular maintenance. Once or twice a month, make sure to thoroughly dust the outside and inside of your cabinets, then wipe them down with a lightly dampened cloth. This should help cut back on the number of full-scale cabinet cleanings you will need to administer.