Let’s face it: kitchen cabinets see things. Splattered spaghetti sauce, greasy fingerprints, mysterious sticky goo pretending not to notice, and everything builds over time. And before you know it, your once gorgeous cabinet gives a serious “ghost house chic” vibe.
But don’t panic. Whether you’re preparing a kitchen refresh at your Atlanta home or trying to avoid judging by the loud guests in your Philadelphia home, there’s a roadmap that will make those cabinets shine again. See everything and with the help of a professional cleaner who scrubbed, we present a professionally assisted guide to cleaning tired old kitchen cabinets.
1. Start with a Cabinet Soul Search Session
Before you break the scrub brush, you need to know what you’re working for. Is it a real tree? Venier? Painted MDF? Your cleaning plan depends on it.
“Starting by evaluating the cabinet finish, is it painted, dyed or sealed wood? It also assesses the current condition and the level of dirt, grease, or dirt buildup,” says Matty of WayFinder Cleaning Services. This small inspection will help you choose the right cleaning product without destroying the finish.
Translation: Don’t spray mystery cleaner into your cabinets, just like you’re hosting a game of chemical roulette. Know your materials and proceed accordingly.
If you want to clean the inside of the cabinet, yes, you need to remove everything. “It’s also a great opportunity to thoroughly clean up the dishes, pans and bread,” adds Matty. Not only does this make scrub easier, it’s also the perfect time to throw a can of cream corn since 2008.
Also, take a little time to protect the surface before the water and bubbles begin to fly. Floors and countertops may not be the targets of today, but a bit of a lossy cleaner can cause damage.
“Use a rubber drop cloth or waterproof tarp to catch any cleanser or dirt that may drop,” Matty recommends. This is the best way to protect your floors and counters from a slightly friendly fire. towel. Remove the fabric. It won’t slip. I have no regrets.
Would you like to renovate your home?
Find the value of your home, edit the facts, and see the impact of your home project.
2. Choosing the right cleaning products
No tool can go to fight. Choose wisely to really clean your cabinets without damaging them.
“Soft microfiber fabric, non-ablassy sponge and soft brassle brushes are important,” says Matt Christo, a clean team in the Big League. “Using the smooth sides of the fabric, it glides more easily on rough wood and surface textures.”
When it comes to cleaners, both natural or store-bought have their place. The Patrice of Blue Ribbon Cleaning Co. shares: “We use a combination of vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda in our specialized wooden cabinets. Murphy’s oil soap and Bonawood cleaner are effective store-bought products. Please be aware that degreasing devices can remove the finish.”
For stubborn grime? “Try a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and warm water for grease, or a 3:1 baking soda and water paste for stubborn stains. Murphy’s oil soap is also perfect for wooden cabinets,” says Matt Christo.
3.How to clean the surface of an old kitchen cabinet
Let’s talk about the enemy: grease. Stubborn, smooth seal grease. I especially love the cabinets near the stove. So, what’s the magic trick to lift grime years?
“Murphy’s oil soap with a scratch-resistant, moist sponge,” says Patrice. The combo is gentle on wood, but it is very dirty. Yes, it’s easy. Yes, it works. Grab that Murphy and get ready to be surprised.
For wooden cabinets, she suggests “a soft scrub brush, a magic eraser, or a non-scratch dawn sponge.” The goal is to clean without peeling the finish. You are scrubbing the cabinet rather than polishing the boat. Be kind to your surface.
Painted cabinets need a gentle touch. “Cold water, a magic eraser, a dish soap at dawn, and you’re just right as rain,” says Patrice.
To tackle dirt and oil marks, vinegar is your best friend. “Mix the spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and warm water. Spray the mixture on the surface that needs to be washed, set it for 30 seconds, then wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth.” For strong stains, reduce the water, add vinegar, and use a scouring pad gently. In short, start gently and only escalate if your stains laugh at your face.
4. Working on the internals and hardware
Cleaning the outside is great, but don’t ignore what lurks behind the door.
“Empty the cabinet and wipe it thoroughly or vacuum it to make sure there is no remains inside,” Evan says. “Then, use a universal or simple cleaning solution such as warm water or dish soap to wipe the inside down using a microfiber cloth.” For stubborn stains, “Use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to help remove the stain.”
For Nix Odors, Laura Christian of Cleaning All Stars recommends Odoban.
And don’t forget about the hardware. After all, it’s a jewel in your kitchen. “Take it out and soak it in a 1:4 ratio of white distilled vinegar and warm soapy water,” says Matt Christow. “Use an old toothbrush and rub the details with the hardware after soaking. Dry the wells to prevent rust.”
Once you’ve cleaned up your gank, it’s fascinating to have it finished. But don’t leave the residue behind. Think of your cabinet as plagued by the right victory. Also, moisture is not the best in a cabinet, so make sure to dry all surfaces thoroughly after rinsing.
5. If cleaning is not sufficient: Restoring the appearance of an old cabinet
Sometimes, deep clean reveals that the cabinet needs more than just soap. A little facelift is required.
If the cabinet is peeled or cracked, be careful. Darren D’Souza of Cleaning said, “We try not to avoid spraying chemicals directly into peeled or cracked cabinets. Such damage is usually due to old paint or aging materials.
If your cabinet is fading or discolored, try re-oiling it with teak oil. Evan Blumberg recommends cleaning them first. Next, “You can apply evenly and evenly using a clean, lint-free cloth. You may need multiple coats to revive the colour of the wood.
Laura said, “The decline and discoloration can come from sun bleaching, or because the wood has dried. For sun bleaching, all you can do is refill or paint it with sand. If the wood is dry, the wood oil will bring it to life.”
6. Maintaining the kitchen cabinet
You worked so hard, let’s make those cabinets stand out sharp.
“To keep the cabinets clean for the long term, we wipe them with a soft cloth and a light all-purpose cleaner such as Odovan, or wipe off a simple dish soap and water mixture,” says Hatty Parker from Parker Cleaning Services. “If you have a grease-prone area, try using Dawn Powerwash. It’s perfect for working on grease.”
Good ventilation also helps. “We’ll ventilate the kitchen well and use a range hood to capture grease. We’ll wipe the handles and knobs regularly to prevent oil and dirt from building up,” adds Hatty.
How often? “Cleaning the cabinet at least once a month and cleaning deeper once every six months will make it look better in the long run,” she recommends.
Want to save money on your mortgage?
Refinance now to reduce your monthly payments.
7. The biggest pitfalls to avoid
Let’s conclude what you shouldn’t do.
“One of the biggest mistakes is not knowing what material the cabinet is made of,” warns Darren Doza. “People often spray cleaning products directly into the cabinet without checking whether they are safe on surfaces that can cause damage, especially with older finishes.”
A little preparation, proper tools, and some pro tips can go a long way in making your kitchen cabinet look like it belongs to a horror movie. Certainly, cleaning an old kitchen cabinet may not be the most attractive task, but when it is done right, it is incredibly satisfying.
