How to Clean Melamine Cupboards

Many kitchens have melamine cupboards due to its price and durability. It is considered a low pressure laminate. Melamine is a synthetic material and can come in a variety of colors and styles. It is made from wood particles, paper and resins or glues.

The first step in cleaning melamine kitchen cabinets is to make sure the cupboards are free of dust, dirt or any small pieces of food. Use a Swiffer, duster, wet cloth or vacuum to clean the melamine surface. Wipe it off with just water to remove as much debris as possible. You want to do this at least once a month to get ahead of any stains, dust and dirt buildup.

Do It Yourself recommends making a homemade cleanser that works well for removing dirt. Mix warm water with some mild dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake the spray bottle vigorously to mix the soap and water together. If grease is what you are trying to remove, Lysol works wonders. For mildew and mold, make a homemade cleanser mixing 1/4 cup white wine vinegar and 1 cup of warm water.

Spray a generous amount directly onto the inside and outside of the cabinet. Allow the homemade cleaning solution to set in for 3 to 5 minutes. If using a commercial cleanser, read the label for instructions on how to proceed. Once the cleanser has had time to work, wipe vigorously with a washcloth or sponge. Do not use an abrasive scrubbing tool as this could cause damage to the cupboards. VS America recommends avoiding microfiber cloths, plastic cleaning pads and steel wool.

When cleaning melamine cupboard doors, you need to rinse any kind of cleanser off the cabinet using water. If the stains did not come off the first time, you can repeat the process with the cleanser. It may take more than one try to remove any grime. Dry the melamine once rinsed off properly. Do It Yourself recommends drying it with a soft material, such as a paper towel, cloth towel or a dry sponge. You want to get any moisture out of melamine because water could cause mildew and mold to appear. This is especially common in warmer areas and during summer.

If you are trying to remove more stubborn and difficult stains, such as limescale, VS America recommends using vinegar or 10 percent lemon juice. Next, rinse the cupboard off with warm water. Dry the cabinets with a paper towel, sponge or cloth. If the melamine cupboards get marker or ink on them, try to remove the stain while it is still fresh and has not dried. If it has dried or is a particularly difficult stain to remove, such as paint or adhesives, you may need to have a professional clean it.

Cleaning melamine board is fairly easy given how durable the material is. While melamine is waterproof, if water sinks into the particleboard, it could cause warping. In general, it is a reliable material and most stains can be removed with various cleansers.