Do you truly have a clean kitchen if you don't have clean kitchen cabinets? You probably wipe down the countertops and mop the floor regularly, but the cabinets rarely get the same attention. It's unlikely that you're dealing with heavy-duty, greasy messes on the surfaces of the cabinets - your main culprits are probably kid fingerprints, food splatters, and water marks. Nevertheless, if a clean kitchen is important to you, cabinets are a great place to start.

Laminate kitchen cabinets look similar to wood cabinets, but they're made by bonding a thin plastic exterior layer to the inner material. Plastic isn't porous like wood is, so stains aren't going to sink into the surface. This durability makes them easier to maintain.

Even though laminate is tough, it can get damaged if you're too rough with your cleaning methods. Skip scouring tools, such as steel wool or wire-bristled brushes, that can leave scratches behind. Avoid abrasive cleaners, acids, and powdered cleansers that can have the same damaging effects.

Popular natural cleaning solutions often include white vinegar or baking soda. At best, vinegar can help in removing soap scum and mineral deposits, which are most likely not a problem on cabinets. Cleaning with a mixture of baking soda and water usually leaves a stubborn white film behind, requiring you to do multiple wipe downs.

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner removes grease and grime from cabinet surfaces. The powerful degreaser also wipes away fingerprints and removes stains, leaving behind a streak-free surface.

Using the directions below, spot-clean any time you notice fingerprints, spatters and other marks, and deep clean at least once a month.

Directions for Cleaning Laminate Cabinets:

1. Mix your Simple Green solution. Mix 1 oz. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 4 cups warm water in a spray bottle or mix a stronger solution for very greasy cabinets.
2. Apply Simple Green. Spray the solution onto a clean, non-abrasive, damp cloth or microfiber pad and wash until clean. Start wiping at the bottom and work your way up, and remember to wash the edges, sides, and handles.
3. Wipe with a damp cloth. When finished, wipe down the cabinet with another water-dampened soft cloth or microfiber pad.
4. Dry. Dry laminate surfaces with a microfiber pad, clean cloth or paper towels. Be sure to dry thoroughly, as water left sitting on your cabinets can discolor and damage them.

TIP: Keep heat-producing and steam-producing appliances, like coffee makers, pressure cookers, and toasters, away from your cabinets. Excess heat and moisture emitted by these can damage laminated cabinet surfaces.

If you're unsure about how Simple Green will affect a surface, be sure to spot test on an inconspicuous area before cleaning.