Let’s face it – messes always find a way to build up in the kitchen! And if you have cabinets in your kitchen, chances are they’ve seen their fair share of spills and stains. So, if you’re ready to tackle those tough messes once and for all, this blog is here to help! Keep reading to discover some must-know tips for cleaning kitchen cabinets and removing just about any mess.
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Assess the Situation
Before you begin cleaning your kitchen cabinet, it is important to assess the type of mess or stain that needs to be removed. If you have built up grease and grime, you may need a stronger cleaner than just soap and water. On the other hand, if the mess is something like spilled food or liquid that has dried on your cabinet, it may be easier to tackle before even beginning.
Alternatively, you may consider hiring an expert cleaning service to handle the task for you. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to tackle even the most stubborn messes.
Once you have assessed the mess that needs to be addressed, it is time to determine which cleaning products will work best for your situation. Some commonly used items for cabinet cleaning are:
- Vinegar and baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
Prepare the Area
Before you begin cleaning your kitchen cabinets, preparing the area for the work ahead is important. To do this, make sure you:
- Close any cupboards and drawers that will not be cleaned as part of the process – this will keep chemicals or water from getting in places where it isn’t needed.
- Take out all shelves or items that can be removed from the cabinet. This will allow easier access and allow you to clean more efficiently and thoroughly.
- Turn off any power sources near the cabinets to avoid accidental electrocution – if necessary – during the cleaning process.
- Cover counters and floors nearby with a plastic tarp or drop cloth to protect them during cleaning, as some of the more intense cleaning products can accidentally spill and damage surfaces.
Remove Everything From the Cabinet
The first step in cleaning your kitchen cabinets is to take out all of the items inside the cabinet. This includes shelves, dishes, liners, etc. This makes it easier to gain access to all the surfaces in the cabinet and allows you to fully inspect the surfaces and any food or materials that may be caked on your cabinets. It also lets you wipe off any dust or dirt that may have collected over time.
Once you have removed everything from the cabinet, you can start cleaning!
Clean the Inside of the Cabinet
To thoroughly clean the inside of kitchen cabinets, begin by removing everything from the cabinet. This includes shelves and drawers if applicable. For best results, move the items away from the cabinet and sort them into categories such as food, dishes, ingredients, and supplies.
Take out each shelf and wipe down all surfaces with a warm cloth dampened with soapy water. Check for hard-to-reach areas and crevices. Add a few drops of bleach to the cloth if needed for added cleaning power. Dry off any excess moisture with a clean cloth and set aside until later in the process.
Next, spray down the inside walls of the cabinet with an all-purpose cleaner or degreaser designed for kitchens rather than basic cleaning products you would use in other rooms of your home like window cleaner or carpet shampooer solution. Allow it to sit for several minutes before starting to scrub gently either with a sponge or specialty pad designed for heavy-duty messes around the home such as stove tops or ovens that have been cooked on multiple times with built-up burnt spots or grease splatters.
Be sure to apply extra pressure to any area that has stuck on food residue or caked-on grime using circular motions until it is no longer visible while rinsing frequently with hot water as needed during cleaning if necessary (but not recommended).
Clean the Outside of the Cabinet
Before cleaning the outside of your cabinets, you will want to make sure that they are not too dirty or dusty. If they are, you should start by wiping them down with a damp cloth. This will help remove any dust and grime that may have accumulated. Once your cabinets are dry and clean, you can begin applying the cleaning solution of your choice.
Cleaning solutions that contain bleach are generally not recommended for use on wooden kitchen cabinets, as the bleach can discolor and damage the wood. Instead, opt for a mild detergent or ammonia-based cleaner. For more stubborn messes, try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or baking soda and warm water. Apply the cleaning solution to a soft cloth, such as cotton or microfiber, then gently rub it into the cabinet surface in a circular motion to dislodge dirt and grease particles.
Wipe away with a clean damp cloth once done scrubbing. Afterward, make sure to dry off any remaining moisture with a soft cloth or paper towel before replacing items inside the cabinet doors!
Dry the Cabinet Thoroughly
Once you’ve scrubbed the cabinets with a degreaser and hot water, rinsing the cleaning solution off of the surface is key, as it will help prevent any streaks from appearing on the surface.
- Start by using a sponge or cloth to wipe away any remaining degreaser and residue.
- Once you have wiped away all of the cleaners, soak up any leftover moisture using a dry cloth or paper towel.
- You can use a fan or open the windows to dry them even faster.
- Make sure that you are thorough and remove as much water as possible to ensure that your cabinets will look clean and stay streak-free after they’ve dried.
Conclusion
As you can see, cleaning kitchen cabinets can sometimes require a bit of extra attention and elbow grease. When all else fails, be sure to reach out to a professional for assistance. The team at Best Cleaning Solutions is always available to help you tackle even the toughest messes.
With the right supplies and a little bit of patience, you’ll have your kitchen cabinets looking good as new in no time!