✨ How to Clean Laminate Cabinets (and Keep Them Looking New!)

Be honest—when was the last time you gave your kitchen cabinets a good wipe-down? If you’re like most of us, it’s probably been a while. I’ll admit, I used to think laminate cabinets didn’t need much TLC because they’re marketed as “low-maintenance.” But after one too many sticky fingerprints and grease splatters by the stove, I realized they definitely do need a regular clean to stay looking fresh.

Laminate cabinets are super popular in kitchens because they’re durable, budget-friendly, and come in so many fun finishes. But like anything in a busy home, they attract grease, dust, and food splatter. The good news? With the right care, they’re really easy to clean and maintain. Here’s everything you need to know. 🧽✨

🏡 What Are Laminate Cabinets and Why Do People Love Them?

Laminate cabinets are made from a core material (like MDF or particle board) covered with a thin layer of plastic laminate. That outer layer gives them their color and finish and makes them:

✅ Budget-friendly – Stylish look for less.

✅ Easy to clean – No fancy polishes needed.

✅ Durable – More resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture than wood.

✅ Customizable – Tons of design and finish options.

The only catch? They’re not indestructible. Laminate can chip, peel, or warp with too much moisture or heat—so cleaning them the right way matters.

🧽 Why Clean Laminate Cabinets Regularly?

Laminate may resist stains better than wood, but it’s still a grease magnet—especially around your stove and sink. If you don’t clean regularly:

• Grease + dust turn into sticky buildup 😣

• Stains can set into the surface 🛑

• Moisture at seams/edges can cause peeling over time

• Cabinets lose their “fresh & new” look

I’ve found that a simple weekly routine keeps them looking showroom-ready without much effort. 🙌

🧰 What You’ll Need to Clean Laminate Cabinets

Most of this you probably already have at home. But if not, here are some affordable cleaning tools I love:

• Mild dish soap 🧴 (I recommend Dawn Ultra Dish Soap)

• White vinegar 🍋 (like Heinz Cleaning Vinegar, diluted with water 50/50)

• Baking soda (for stubborn spots—Arm & Hammer Baking Soda is perfect)

• Microfiber cloths 🧼

• Soft sponge or non-scratch scrub pad 

• Small brush 🪥 (for seams and corners)

• All-purpose cleaner

• Magic Eraser ✨ (Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, used lightly & sparingly)

• Cabinet repair markers for scratches

🧹 Step-by-Step: How to Clean Laminate Cabinets

Here’s my go-to process for both everyday and deep cleans:

1️⃣ Prep First

• Empty cabinets if doing a deep clean.

• Wipe off crumbs/dust with a dry microfiber cloth.

• Have your soft sponge ready—nothing abrasive!

2️⃣ Make a Gentle Cleaning Solution

Mix warm water + a few drops of dish soap. Dip your microfiber cloth or sponge in, wring it out well (too much water = damage risk), and wipe down surfaces.

3️⃣ Rinse & Dry

Wipe again with a damp cloth (no soap). Then immediately dry with a clean towel. Laminate and standing water do not mix. 🚫💧

4️⃣ Spot Clean Stubborn Grease

• Use a vinegar-water solution (50/50) for sticky spots.

• For stains: make a baking soda paste and gently scrub with a soft sponge.

• For scuffs: lightly dab with a Magic Eraser (but only if needed and not on dark finishes).

5️⃣ Don’t Forget the Edges & Hardware

Use an old toothbrush dipped in the soap solution to gently scrub around handles, hinges, and edges where grime builds up.

🧼 How to Remove Tough Stains

👉 Vinegar Spray (50/50 with water): Spray, let sit 1–2 minutes, wipe clean.

👉 Baking Soda Paste: Apply, wait 5 minutes, scrub gently.

👉 Magic Eraser (last resort): For scuffs on light-colored laminate. Use lightly to avoid dulling the finish.

⚠️ Precautions to Avoid Damaging Laminate

🚫 No bleach, ammonia, or harsh chemicals.

🚫 No steel wool or abrasive scrub pads.

🚫 No soaking cabinets with water.

🚫 Don’t let spills sit (wipe ASAP).

📅 Cleaning Routine for Laminate Cabinets

• Daily: Wipe cabinet doors with a damp microfiber cloth after cooking.

• Weekly: Use dish soap + water on high-use areas (especially around the stove).

• Seasonal: Empty cabinets, clean shelves & hinges, and check for chips or peeling edges.

👉 Pro Tip: Do a full spring & fall clean-out—wipe inside, toss expired food, and refresh everything! 🌿

🔧 How to Handle Scratches on Laminate

• Small scratches → use a laminate repair marker in a matching color.

• Deeper scratches → fill with a wax filler stick or repair kit.

• Large damage → consider replacing that section or consulting a pro.

💡 Final Thoughts

Laminate cabinets really are the low-maintenance MVP of kitchen design. They’re affordable, stylish, and durable—but like anything in a busy kitchen, they need consistent care. Stick with gentle cleaners, wipe spills quickly, and check edges seasonally to keep them from peeling.

Once you get into the habit, cleaning them is easy and honestly kind of satisfying (there’s nothing like watching grease spots disappear ✨). With just a little effort, your laminate cabinets will keep looking gorgeous for years to come.

💫 Until next time,

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