“Baking soda and vinegar are your go-to household ingredients for the removal of these difficult stains,” says Deonarain.

A 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water is the best recipe for general cleaning, according to the National Sanitation Foundation (now simply called NSF). White vinegar removes food and ingredients-based stains on almost any surface, Deonarain says.

When you encounter a dried-on forgotten stain inside your cabinets, rub a paste of baking soda and a little water on it to break it free. Wood cabinet interiors respond well to baking soda, Deonarain says. It’s abrasive enough to remove stains and safe around food.

While it’s tempting to mix them, it’s not necessary. Cleaners work because they’re acids or bases. Vinegar is a weak acid, and baking soda a weak base. Mixing them creates carbon dioxide, which can facilitate removal of soil but neutralize the cleaning power of the individual ingredients.

Stubborn Stains

If you’ve discovered a crusty, unidentifiable glob on your cabinet exterior that’s not responding to the sponge or microfiber cloth, grab an old toothbrush. (Make sure it won’t be used again for teeth when you’re done!)

Using your trusty degreaser, coat the stain in solution and let sit for one minute, then scrub the stain with the toothbrush until the abrasive action breaks it free. Finish by wiping down the cabinet with your damp microfiber cloth or sponge.

Don’t use vinegar or baking soda on the exteriors of your cabinets unless you test them first. Both substances can damage the surface of wooden cabinets in particular. Test an inconspicuous spot, and if it looks okay, go ahead. Just make sure to immediately rinse off the cleaners after they’ve done their job on the exterior stains.

Quarterly Cleaning

Periodically, take everything out of your kitchen cabinets so you can take action on stains before they sit too long, says Deonarain. He recommends doing this quarterly, or you can stagger the job by working in three sections. Each month do a different section, which works out to quarterly for all cabinets.