How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchens are one of the rooms that get dirty the fastest. Grease, dust, moisture, and other residues from cooking are often trapped on the kitchen walls, corners, appliances, countertops, and even cabinets. When cleaning the kitchen, most homeowners wipe down the countertops and wash the appliances. However, kitchen cabinets are rarely given that much attention.

Similar to any part of the kitchen, cabinets should be cleaned thoroughly as they also collect and trap dirt and sticky stuff that may be difficult to remove when left for a long time.

Unclean kitchen cabinets are not only unappealing to look at but dirty cabinets can pose a lot of health risks as they can breed bacteria and germs. For instance, salmonella can spread easily and contaminate whatever utensils you put inside the cabinet.

You don’t want your cabinets to store grime and other harmful substances that may cause you and your family to get sick. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean and maintain your kitchen cabinets as a part of your regular, quick cleaning process.

How Often Should You Clean Kitchen Cabinets?

The frequency of cleaning kitchen cabinets depends on how quickly they gather dirt, grease, and grime. Ideally, you should wipe the exterior of kitchen cabinets at least once a week or every other week, especially if you cook at home frequently and you often use oil. You should also clean out the interiors of your cabinets at least every two months.

It’s best to deep clean the interior of your kitchen cabinets one compartment at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed. If you are washing the plates in the dishwasher, you can start cleaning the spot where they are usually stored.

Make sure to wipe all the areas where your plates, drinking glasses, bowls, and utensils are kept. You should also keep all areas dry to avoid moisture build-up that encourages mold growth.

How to Clean a Kitchen Cabinet

Before anything else, make sure to have the complete cleaning materials to help make things easier for you. Here are the things that you’ll most likely need:

• Washcloths
• Small brush or old toothbrush
• Dish soap
• Specialty cabinet cleaning solution or all-purpose cleaner
• Vinegar and warm water solution
• Baking soda
• Orange oil cleaner

Steps for Cleaning a Kitchen Cabinet

Once you have all the materials and equipment that you need, the next thing to do is to set aside time to give your cabinet a thorough cleaning. Follow the simple steps below.

1. Prepare Cleaning Solutions

Whether your cabinet is made of metal, plastic laminate, vinyl, or painted wood, you can use a solution of dish soap and warm water to clean its surface. This is a mild solution that can help remove dust, food smudges, and mild grease build-up.

You can use the dish soap solution as a degreaser or general household cleaner. Sometimes, it can also help get rid of tough grease build-up on the exterior of your cabinet.

As an alternative, you can also use an all-purpose cleaner for your kitchen cabinets. If the cleaner is strong, it’s crucial to test it on a hidden spot first to ensure that the chemical won’t damage the finish of the cabinet. Moreover, read the instructions carefully before using any cleaner. Use gloves as needed because some solutions might irritate your skin.

2. Clean the Top Shelf First and Work Your Way to the Bottom

When cleaning high cabinets, it’s best to begin at the top and work your way down to the bottom compartment. If some shelves or compartments are empty, you can directly spray the solution onto the surface.

Alternatively, you may also spray the solution on a washcloth and wipe down the surface. Make sure to clean the edges, sides, and every nook and cranny of the cabinets to get rid of any dust, grease, and dirt build-up.

3. Dry the Surfaces with a Clean Cloth

After spraying or wiping the cabinet down with the cleaning solution, make sure to wipe the cabinet thoroughly with a wet cloth. Then finish it off by wiping down every surface using a clean, dry cloth. Make sure that your cabinet is dry because any water residue left may create water stains or discolor and damage the finish.

4. Clean Glass, Handles, and Knobs

When cleaning any glass or mirror features of a cabinet, make sure to use a glass cleaner solution and a lint-free cleaning cloth. Do not spray the solution directly onto the glass because it can seep into other non-glass parts of the cabinet and create stains or discoloration.

In addition, you can use vinegar and warm water to clean the metal hardware of a cabinet. Use a small brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the metal hardware like hinges and handles, as well as the wood surrounding the metal hardware.

5. Remove Thick Grime Build-Up

If the build-up of grime and grease is so thick that it cannot be removed easily, you may need to use an orange oil cleaner. Let the cleaner sit on the surface for at least two minutes before you try to scrub the grime off. You can also use a baking soda paste and a soft-bristled brush to scrub off the grease.

6. Empty the Cabinets and Wash the Interiors

Use a mixture of mild dish soap or detergent and warm water to wash the interior of the cabinet. Make sure to rinse them off thoroughly and wipe them dry. Then, clean the contents of the cabinet thoroughly before putting them back in.

Why You Should Hire a Commercial Cleaning Service

Keeping your kitchen cabinets clean is essential, however, it can be time-consuming and taxing on your part. If you don’t have the time and energy to do this on your own, it’s best to hire a professional cleaning service to help you keep your kitchen cabinets dirt and grease-free.

Here are a few reasons why you should hire a professional cleaning service:

• Commercial cleaning services have the right tools and equipment for cleaning cabinets.
• They know how to handle all types of cabinets and they have the right cleaning solution that will ensure the cabinet’s finish will not be damaged.
• They ensure that every nook and cranny is well taken care of.
• You don’t have to worry about having to deal with dirty cabinets as long as you work with a professional cleaning service regularly.

Contact the professionals at Dazzle Cleaning today and find out why we’re the #1 cleaning service provider in the Ottawa area. We can take care of the deep cleans so you can focus on whatever sounds more fun than spending your Saturday wiping down kitchen cabinets.