Kitchen cabinets have made life easier for homeowners. They not only look attractive but also come in handy for storing kitchen accessories and other such items. If your kitchen cabinets are worn out and look weary, you should give them a total retouch. But how can you do that? There are numerous ways through which you can remodel your kitchen cabinets and give them a new look.
Now the question is whether you want to hire a kitchen cabinet service provider for the job or if you can do it yourself. In order to pull a successful DIY project, you must be careful and know the right techniques and tips. If you do not know where to start your kitchen cabinet remodeling project, here is how you can do it. So, let’s have a look.
1- Clear the Cabinets First
Before you start your attempt to clean your kitchen cabinets without damaging the finish, it is better to clear the stuff from them beforehand. You can store these items on countertops or any other shelf. Once the cabinets are empty, take a brush and wipe out the visible dust. If needed, use a vacuum cleaner and make sure to clear the dust from the corners.
- Get your Cleaning Solution Ready
Different cleaners are required to treat kitchen cabinets to keep the finish undamaged. However, most types of cabinets, including wood, plastic, and vinyl, are easily cleaned by making a solution of dishwashing liquid and water. This is the simplest solution that clears food spots, dust, and mild fat accumulation from the cabinets without damaging the finish. Moreover, dishwashing liquid is also effective in cleaning the stains caused by grease. A universal cleaner is another option that can be used to clean cabinets, but experts suggest testing them first. Apply these cleaners at the corners of the cabinets to check if they don’t damage the finish. However, some cleaners have instructions mentioned, so you should read them first.
- Work from Top to Bottom
Make sure you work from the top of your cabinet and move downwards during your cabinet cleaning process. Use a spray bottle for empty and solid cabinets and apply cleaner directly on the surfaces. If not, spray on a cleaning cloth, then wipe down the cabinets. Make sure you clean the corners and clear the sides of the cabinets.
- Clean the Top of the Cabinet
When you have kitchen cabinets nearly touching your ceiling, the gap between them is a big mess. To clean that area, you will need a stool or a ladder. If you find dust accumulated on the top, you can simply wipe it off using a duster, a cloth, or a vacuum cleaner. When grease combines with dust, removing it might be the most tedious part of your cabinet cleaning mission. However, follow these steps to make it easy.
- Spray the surface with pure white vinegar, sprinkle with baking soda and let it soak for a few minutes.
- Rub the entire surface with a sponge and then wipe the dust using a towel or a microfiber cloth.
- At last, spray again if needed and repeat the same procedure to clean the area.
- Clear the Grease Buildup on the Cabinets
Grease is often thick and yellowish, which can be seen easily but is very hard to remove. People try hard to remove grease spots from their cabinets but permanently damage the finish. Cleaners with abundant oil content are considered ideal for getting rid of grease. But you will need to let the cleaner stay on the grease stain for some time. However, this process should be repeated a few times. Furthermore, if you make a paste of one part of baking soda and water, it is a natural and inexpensive weapon against grease buildup. Here is how you can use it:
- Apply this paste to grease and start scrubbing with a soft brush. Make sure that you scrub softly because it can damage the finish.
- Rinse with a damp cloth, sponge, or microfiber cloth, and then dry.
If you are using a cleaning agent to remove grease, read the instructions first. Abrasive cleaning products can clear out grease but will damage the process’s finish. Moreover, you will find different magic cleaners in the market that are made to remove grease. But using these cleaners on wood finishes will completely damage them.
Also Read: Best Ways of Kitchen Remodeling by a Handyman
6. Clean the Hardware on the Cabinets
While cleaning the kitchen cabinets, make sure you pay close attention to the metallic aspects of the cabinets. Since you might need different cleaning agents for them, spills of these cleaners can damage the cabinet finish. Clean the cabinet hardware like handles, hinges, etc. by using the following steps:
- Use a dry cloth and cover your finger with it. After that, wipe it around the handles to remove the dust from them.
- If you find grease spots on handles and hinges, use the same baking soda paste and apply it to the handles with a soft toothbrush. After that, let the handles get dry.
- Clean the Cabinet Trim
Cabinet trims and finishes are very decorated, but they look very messy once they get dirty. Rinse patiently using a standard cleaning solution with a soft cloth covering your finger. Once you have cleared the stains on them, let the trim get dry and wipe again with a dry cloth.
However, when cleaning kitchen cabinets, it is important to pay close attention to the metallic aspects of the cabinets. Since you might need different cleaning agents for them, spills of these cleaners can damage the cabinet finish. For this reason, it is best to clean the cabinet hardware like handles, hinges, etc.
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. It’s where we prepare meals, entertain guests, and gather as a family. Therefore, it’s important to keep the kitchen clean and organized. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your kitchen cabinets looking their best.
