28 Jul How to clean your kitchen cabinets
Our kitchens are the workhorses of our homes. Of all the rooms we spend time in, it probably takes the most abuse from everyday use. From various liquids to grease and even steam, kitchen cabinets, in particular, take a lot of abuse. Keeping them clean and looking pristine can be difficult at best. There are also good and bad ways of cleaning your cabinets. So, where should you start? You should begin with weekly cleanings and proceed from there.
Gentle cleaning:
We recommend starting with gentle cleaning. You’ll find that that is often sufficient, especially if you’re doing weekly cleanings.
Here are three gentle methods for cleaning painted cabinets:
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- Wipe your cabinets down with a damp, soft cloth. Microfiber cloths are especially good for this purpose and are often all that’s needed. If this doesn’t work, move on to the second method.
- Detergent can gently remove grease or grime. You will need three microfiber cloths.
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- Mix a few tablespoons of dishwashing detergent (like Dawn) with about half a gallon warm water (no need to be precise in measurements).
- Moisten one microfiber cloth with the soapy water and wring it out, so the cloth is damp but not dripping. Wipe down the painted cabinets.
- Use the second cloth damp with plain water to wipe down the soap residue.
- Use the dry third cloth to dry the cabinet surface.
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- A vinegar solution can remove any remaining tough grease.
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- Combine one cup of vinegar, two cups of warm water, and one tablespoon of baking soda. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and wipe the stubborn greasy areas.
- Wipe down with a dry cloth.
- For heavy grease, you can spray or apply the solution and let sit for a couple of minutes before wiping down.
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A word about harsh cleaners:
Harsh or abrasive cleaners can dull the finish of your kitchen cabinets, particularly painted cabinets. It’s also advisable to avoid abrasive cleaning tools, such as scrub pads or brushes. Using harsh cleaners (including strongly alkaline or acidic detergents) or rough tools can dull or even damage the surface.
If you clean your cabinets each week, as stated above, you’ll find that they are easier to clean when they do get dirty.
If your cabinets are beyond cleaning after years of use, repainting them could be an option to consider before replacing them. We are happy to assess them and provide an estimate for painting them. A new paint job can completely transform your kitchen look, and we have experience painting kitchen cabinets! Call our office to schedule an appointment.
Mike Katounas is the owner of Home Works Painting, a painting business in Northern Virginia. He has over 15 years of experience in residential interior and exterior painting, drywall installation/repair, carpentry, wallpaper removal, power washing, commercial painting, color consultation, and staining/sealing. Their service areas include Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Oakton, Reston. Mike takes pride in his work, and he always follows a strict code of conduct that includes the use of quality paint, a clean workspace, and an honest, respectful approach to his customers.
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