When it comes to cleaning your kitchen, you’re likely focused on the big three – the sink, countertops, and floors. BUT your cabinets also need a little TLC to remove cooking grease and food splatter that attracts dust and can lead to dingy, dull, or streaked surfaces. The good news is that cleaning cabinets is not difficult, but to protect your painted cabinets (white is all the rage but doesn’t look as great when covered in smudges) the use of harsh, toxic chemicals is a no-go. With the help of common household cleaners and a little elbow grease, you can easily make your painted or stained cabinets pop! The Cabinet Chic explains how…
The Do’s of Cabinetry Cleaning
DO use a gentle cleaning solution.
When it comes to your cabinets, forget about any abrasive cleaners and scrub brushes! Simply prepare your own gentle cleaning solution by mixing one-part mild dishwashing soap or distilled white vinegar with two parts of hot water (heated water makes it easier to wipe away grunge and grease). Pour your cleaning mixture into a spray bottle and get to work!
DO clean hard-to-reach areas with an old toothbrush.
If your cabinets have decorative trim or deep grooves, dip an old toothbrush into the cleaning solution and gently scrub those hard-to-reach spots. This is a great technique to clean the areas around the cabinet hardware and the edges of the cabinet doors.
DO a final rinse.
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the cabinets, go over them one more time with a clean, damp cloth. This will remove any lingering cleaning solution or grime. Work from top to bottom to avoid leaving drips behind.
DO dry the cabinets after cleaning.
Letting the cabinets air dry after cleaning can damage the finish or paint. Instead, use a soft cloth to dry all remaining damp surfaces.
DO use baking soda to tackle stubborn stains.
If stains, grunge, or grease remain on your cabinets after they’ve been cleaned, you’ll need to an add extra step (sorry!). In a bowl, mix one-part baking soda with two parts water. Use a dry, clean cloth to dab the paste onto the dirty spots, allowing the paste to sit for a few minutes. Gently rub the pasted area with a damp cloth until the stain is gone, re-wipe the spot with a clean, damp rag, and dry using a microfiber cloth.
The DON’Ts of Cabinetry Cleaning
Don’t soak your cabinets.
Instead of soaking a rag with a cleaning solution, simply spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth or soft rag until it is damp. Too much moisture can damage your cabinet’s paint or finish. Never let the cloth get wet enough to drip and squeeze excess cleaning solution into the sink.
Don’t let water get into the hinges.
While your cleaning solution is safe for cabinet doors and hardware, it can cause the hinges to rust. To clean the hinges, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away dust and grime from the metal. If there is a stubborn stain, spray a tiny bit of cleaning solution onto the cloth, gently scrub the stain, and immediately wipe the hinge dry.
Don’t forget to clean the glass.
Clean both sides of your glass cabinet doors with a commercial glass cleaner. Do not use any abrasive cleaning products or scrub brushes, and wipe the panels dry once you’ve finished cleaning.
Don’t skip regular deep cleanings.
At least twice a year, perform a deep cleaning on your cabinets. In addition to cleaning the doors, empty out the cabinets and wipe down the shelves and insides of the drawers. This is also a great time to get rid of items you no longer need!
Build Your Dream Kitchen with the Cabinet Chic
Now you know how to best protect the heart of your home – your kitchen. The occasional deep clean for your cabinetry can make a big difference. Feel your kitchen cabinets are beyond a good cleaning? Perhaps the best way to clean it up is to start fresh with a kitchen renovation! *We do projects large and small! From custom shelving to hidden spice racks and built-ins to pantries, we have the design solutions to build the kitchen of your dreams! Call the Cabinet Chic today at (813) 876-6780 to design to your style!*P.S.-We want your kitchen to stand the test of time. Our design team will tell you how to care for your brand new cabinets and can even recommend some great local cleaning pros to help you maintain the look too!
