Cleaning kitchen cabinet doors may seem like a simple process, but it’s a task worthy of a guide. This is especially true if you’re cleaning them before painting them!
Today, we’ll discuss how to clean your doors so they’ll look as good as new. If you’re cleaning them to prepare for painting, we’ll also explain how to remove kitchen cabinet doors.
Cleaning Kitchen Cabinet Doors
As you get ready to clean, make sure you have all of the supplies you need to get the job done. These include:
- Cloths
- An old toothbrush
- A solution made from vinegar and warm water
- Dish soap
- Specialty cabinet cleaner
There are some optional items you can grab, too, including baking soda, all-purpose cleaner, and a vacuum. These may make your task easier.
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Test an Area of Your Cabinets
While most kitchen cabinets can be cleaned easily with dish soap and warm water, you should still test an inconspicuous area before cleaning the entire door. This will ensure that the soap (which also acts as a degreasing agent) won’t destroy your doors.
Some doors can even handle an all-purpose cleaner. You won’t know for sure until you test it out, though–sometimes, a cleaner this strong can damage the cabinet door’s finish.
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Spray Your Cloth
To avoid streaks and getting the things in your cabinets wet, spray your solution or cleaner onto a cleaning cloth. If the cabinets are empty, you can spray them directly.
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Start From The Top
Start wiping the cabinets down, beginning at the top and working your way down.
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Rinse and Dry Your Cabinets
You don’t want to discolor your cabinets by leaving liquid on them, but you do want to rinse your cleaner off. Rinse your cabinets by wiping them with a clean, wet cloth. Then, dry them with a dry cloth.
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Clean Glass on Cabinet Doors
If your kitchen cabinet doors do not have glass or mirrors, you can skip this step. Spray a glass cleaner onto a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe down the glass. Avoid spraying the cabinets directly, even if most of the doors are made of glass–you can damage the wood surrounding it with your glass cleaner.
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Wipe Knobs, Pulls, and Handles
Did the toothbrush in a 50/50 solution of warm water and vinegar. Remove the hardware from the cabinets, if possible; then, scrub it with the toothbrush. If you can’t remove it, carefully scrub it while attached to your cabinets.
What If There’s Thick Grease Buildup?
Soap and water will remove most of the grease from your kitchen cabinet doors, but not heavy buildup. For that, you can use a specialized cabinet cleaner or orange oil cleaner. Let it sit on your cabinets for two to four minutes to allow it to penetrate the cabinets, making the grease easier to remove.
Alternatively, you can use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away grease with a solution made from baking soda and water. Avoid using Magic Eraser-type products, as these can damage the finish on your cabinets.
Is It Time to Replace the Doors, Instead?
It’s perfectly reasonable to install new cabinet doors into old cabinets–most people simply don’t know that it’s possible!
You may want to replace your cabinet doors when you’re ready for a new look, but don’t want to spend the money on a brand new set of cabinets. Also, if your doors are damaged beyond repair, it’s a good idea to replace them.
In Conclusion
Cleaning kitchen cabinet doors doesn’t have to be difficult–you just need to know what you’re doing! By following these steps, your cabinets will look refreshed in no time.
If you‘re ready to replace your cabinet doors altogether, browse 27EStore’s vast selection. We carry kitchen cabinets and other home improvement products to make your renovation a breeze. Shop with us today to save money without compromising quality!
