Is that time? The time that shall not be mentioned? Not that time you scoundrel, we are talking about the time to clean your kitchen cabinets. Yes, we know, it’s not that exciting, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that you’ll have to do it someday, so why not now? If you ask the man of the house if the cabinets need cleaning, he will probably scoff and say they look good. The only problem is, the cabinets really should be cleaned somewhat regularly or your kitchen will end up looking like a grease-stained pig pen. At some point, your cabinets will have to be cleaned and if you’re going to make the effort, you might as well make sure the job is done right.
It turns out, some kitchen cabinets are more difficult to clean than others, at least if you don’t want to damage them in the process. Some cabinets take a bit of finesse or even strategic planning to clean effectively without breaking anything. Here’s your guide to cleaning kitchen cabinets without damaging them so your partner doesn’t kill you!
The basics
First things first, you’re going to need a stool when you clean out your kitchen cabinets so you don’t end up making a mess bigger than what you started with. Having a stool will be essential because if you grab onto a cabinet for support, you can pull the whole thing down with you. This is not only a danger to yourself since you will fall back when the cabinet is loosened, but you will also have a collapsed cabinet and you will have to spring for a new one.
Wooden cabinets require special care
One of the biggest mistakes people make when cleaning their cabinets is using the wrong cleaning products on them. When you use the wrong cleaning product on a kitchen cabinet, it can cause a lot of damage, some of that damage is irreparable.
There is nothing more discouraging than faithfully scrubbing every corner of every cabinet in your kitchen only to find that the cleaning product you used has eaten through the paint and stained the wood underneath. That kind of damage is a hideous sight indeed, one that you don’t want to be faced with by any means.
Regardless of what types of cleaning products you end up using on your kitchen cabinets, one of the most important rules is to scrub gently. We know, there are a lot of stubborn stains and spots that just make you want to scrub with all your might, but hold tight. If you scrub too hard, you can rub the paint away with everything else, leaving an unsightly patch of unfinished wood.
DO NOT use cleaning solution
For the uninitiated, it may seem like a good idea to use conventional cleaning solutions and the same harsh brushes you use to clean your sink. One of the best solutions to use on your kitchen cabinets is one that you can do yourself. Just mix one part dish soap with 2 parts warm water. This solution will be strong enough to destroy stubborn stains but gentle enough to prevent the paint or finish from peeling.
Do not soak your kitchen cabinets
Another common mistake that many well-meaning homeowners make is to get their kitchen cabinets wet while trying to clean them. There are a number of reasons why this would be a bad idea, namely the fact that wood does not tend to do well with extended exposure to water.
The best way to clean your kitchen cabinets without damaging them is to spray your solution of warm water and dish soap on a cloth and gently scrub the stains and stains. Be careful not to wet your cloth with the solution. If the fabric is wet, you will flood your cabinets with too much water.
Other do’s and don’ts
If you are having trouble reaching certain corners and spots in your cabinets, you can use a toothbrush. It will be gentle on the wood and less abrasive. Another thing to avoid is water building up in the hinges. If too much water gets on your cabinet hinges, it can cause them to start rusting and you will have to replace them. IF you notice water around the hinges, make sure to dry them immediately or after you have finished with the rest of the cleaning.
Final suggestions
Now that you know the dos and don’ts, you’re ready to start cleaning your kitchen cabinets. You will have the confidence to know that you will not harm them and the job will be easier when you use these tips.
Always dry your cabinets after you have finished cleaning them. Never leave water from the solution in your cabinets, make sure to dry them thoroughly. One final tip, give yourself some kind of reward after you’re done, cleaning kitchen cabinets is a tedious job, so give yourself something to look forward to!
About the author: This post was provided by Madera Interior Solutions. They design and install quality, custom kitchen cabinets. https://www.maderacabinets.com/
