Mix a solution of a few drops of dish soap to about 2 cups of warm water.

Soak a sponge in the soapy water and wipe the cupboards down to remove surface dirt and dust. Clean in all cracks and crevices, including around hinges, knobs and handles.

Soak the sponge in clean water and rinse the cabinets thoroughly, including around the hinges, knobs and handles.

Dip a sponge into a small bowl of vinegar and wring it out so that it is just damp. Scrub light patches of sticky residue from the cabinets with the sponge, rubbing the vinegar over hinges, knobs and handles as well.

Rinse the cabinets and hardware with clean water to remove the vinegar.

Mix equal parts baking soda and water in a bowl to combat stubborn sticky residue that the vinegar may not have removed. You want to make a thick paste, so add more baking soda if necessary until you have a consistency that is thick and won’t drip down the cabinets.

Apply the paste generously to the sticky areas of the cabinets, using a sponge or a clean cloth. Make sure the paste fully covers the residue.

Leave the paste to dry, and then scrub with a soft-bristled brush dampened with water.

Rinse the cabinets with clean water to remove all traces of the baking soda paste. Dry with a clean towel.

Tip

Removing knobs and handles from the cabinets can sometimes make cleaning sticky residues easier. While you clean the cabinets, soak the hardware in the soapy water solution to loosen grease and dirt. Wipe with a damp cloth, rinse, and dry each piece before reinstalling.

Once the sticky residue is removed, keep it off by regularly wiping your cabinets down with a mild soap and water solution.