The amount of grime and dirt that can build up on your kitchen cabinets can make them lose their luster. It’s not always easy to clean either as there could be a variety of different ingredients layered on top of each other. Those small droplets of grease and food splatters stick, which then attract and hold dust. This will cause your cabinets to look older than they are and make your kitchen look dirty in general. Whatever type of cabinets you have, there’s a way to revive them with some cleaning supplies and a bit of elbow grease. You do want to make sure to use the proper products so they don’t ruin your cabinets but leave them shining.
Use a Gentle Cleaning Solution
Don’t use abrasive cleaners or harsh scrub brushes as this can ruin the paint of finish on your cabinets. Instead, use 1 part dish soap and two parts hot water. You can also use white vinegar in lieu of dish soap for cleaning kitchen cupboards. The heated water will help to soften the grunge so you can easily wipe it off. If you have a spray bottle, you can pour the cleaning mixture into it.
Don’t Soak Cupboards
The reason we suggest using a spray bottle is that saturating your cupboards can damage them. It can cause the finish or paint to come off if there’s too much moisture. Spray the mixture onto a microfiber cloth instead of directly onto the cupboards. Wipe each door down from top to bottom.
Dust and dirt are likely to accumulate on any trim or detailing on the cupboards so you may have to put some extra effort into cleaning those areas. Make sure to wipe the handles and knobs too. If time permits, you may want to clean the inside doors. Don’t let your cloth get so wet that it drips. If this happens, you’ll want to squeeze any excess cleaning mixture into the sink.
Use a Toothbrush in Tight Spots
Some cabinets may be ornate with trim and grooves that a rag can’t get to. You can clean this by dipping an old toothbrush into your cleaning solution. Use the toothbrush to scrub grooves and hard-to-reach parts. Around the cupboard's handles and knobs, there might be dirt hiding. Also, clean the edges of cupboard doors as these are hard to reach with a rag.
Avoid Water Running into Hinges
Even if you’re using a safe cleaning product, you don’t want it to saturate the hinges of the cupboard. This can lead to rusting. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe off dust and grime that may have attached itself to the metal. If there’s an excess amount of grease and grunge, spray a little bit of cleaning solution onto your cloth and scrub the area. Wipe the metal dry once you’ve successfully cleaned the area.
Rinse the Cleaner Off
You want to make sure that you don’t leave any residue when cleaning kitchen cupboards. Go over it with a clean cloth that is slightly damp with warm water. This is going to get rid of any cleaning solution or grime left over. Do this by starting from the top and working your way down to avoid leaving drip marks.
Dry Cabinets after Cleaning
You don’t want to let cabinets air dry as this can cause the finish or paint to bubble. Use a soft cloth to dry the surface. As an added bonus, it’s also going to leave it shining.
Tackle Stubborn Spots with Baking Soda
One of the best secrets to getting rid of tough stains, grunge, and grease when cleaning kitchen cupboards is baking soda. It’s mild while still being tough on stains. You’ll want to mix one part baking soda with two parts of hot water in a bowl. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and dab the paste onto any tough stains and grunge.
Clean Periodically to Avoid Major Buildup
Something that is going to make it easier for you when cleaning kitchen cupboards is to do it regularly. Try to do it at least two times per year. Don’t miss cleaning out your cabinets completely. Remove all of the items and clean shelves. You can use the same cleaning supplies and instructions for cleaning inside your cupboards.