Do you want to keep your kitchen shining like new? Many of us get busy in our day-to-day lives and forget that one of the easiest ways to keep a home looking great is by ensuring that your kitchen cabinets are sparkling clean. It only takes a little time, effort, and the right products to make sure all of your cabinet surfaces are free from dirt and grime buildup. In this blog post, we will discuss how to easily clean wood cabinets, so read on for the best cleaning tips!
How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets
1. Clear Things Out
To begin, empty your cabinets by temporarily relocating their contents to your counters or to another convenient spot. If you prefer, you can break up your cabinet cleaning over multiple days instead of tackling it all at once. Once your cabinets are free of their contents, remove and discard any shelf paper that’s past its prime. Spare a moment to eliminate crumbs and dust from the shelves and drawers by vacuuming or wiping.
2. Start with the Tops
If your cabinets don’t reach the ceiling, that space above them can become a real dust magnet. Use a sturdy step stool or a ladder to reach these areas safely. If it’s just dust, a long-handled duster or the small round brush attachment on your vacuum can do the trick.
However, if a mixture of oil and dust has formed a stubborn layer, then you might be in for the least enjoyable part of your cabinet cleaning routine. Here’s what you can do:
– Spray the surface with plain white vinegar and sprinkle on some baking soda. Let it sit for a few minutes.
– Scrub away the grime using a sponge, and for those stubborn spots, use a firm, straight edge like an old credit card. Wipe away the residue with a clean cloth or paper towel.
– Give it a gentle spray once more and wipe it dry with a clean towel.
3. Create a Gentle Cleaning Solution
Mix a few squirts of mild dish soap in some hot water. This particular mixture is highly effective in removing dirt and grime from surfaces such as painted wood, finished wood, metal, laminate, and vinyl. It’ll get rid of dirt, fingerprints, and light grease from kitchen cabinets. For an extra sanitizing punch, throw in a bit of white vinegar, which also has antibacterial properties.
Here’s how to use it: Mix the solution in a spray bottle, but be sure to apply it using a soft cloth or sponge, rather than spraying it directly on the cabinet surface to avoid soaking the wood.
4. Clean Cabinets from the Top to the Bottom
Begin with the upper layer and then gradually move downward. Beginning with the interiors, start from the back wall, move down the sides, and finish with the shelves and drawers. Take extra care when cleaning corners; you can apply a cleaning solution to a toothbrush and gently scrub if necessary.
To ensure there’s no leftover soap residue, use a damp cloth or sponge. After rinsing, make sure to thoroughly dry the cabinets before closing them.
When cleaning the exterior, start with the sides of the cabinet boxes, and then move on to the cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
5. Get Rid of Stubborn Grease
You can make a simple and affordable solution to combat sticky, yellowish grease buildup. Just mix one part baking soda with two parts water to create a mildly abrasive paste that can work wonders.
Here’s how to do it:
– Apply the paste to the grease spots and let it sit for a few minutes.
– After it has had time to work its magic, gently scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush. Remember, no aggressive scraping!
– Rinse off the residue using a damp rag, sponge, or microfiber cloth.
– Finally, make sure to thoroughly dry the cleaned surface.
If you’re thinking of using a commercial product instead, it’s a good idea to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area first. Be especially cautious when using magic erasers, as they have the texture of super-fine sandpaper and can potentially damage varnished wood and glossy paint finishes.
6. Clean Hinges and Hardware
To clean hinges, simply wrap a dry towel around your index finger and gently wipe them clean. If you encounter stubborn grease, try using a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar with an old, soft toothbrush to scrub it away. Finish by thoroughly drying the hinges.
For metal or ceramic hardware, as well as the areas around handles, knobs, and pulls that tend to accumulate dirt and grease, employ the toothbrush method for cleaning. Brush the surface using the 50/50 water and white vinegar mixture, and then ensure it’s completely dry.
Knowing how to clean kitchen cabinets is not only a helpful skill but can also save you time and money in the long run. Hopefully, this blog post has provided you with enough information and tips so that you feel empowered to start cleaning your own kitchen cabinets in no time. So now that you know how to clean kitchen cabinets, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get cleaning! With a few simple techniques and some elbow grease, your cabinets will be sparkling in no time.
