Cooking a meal is an everyday task that is done in the kitchen. It is used daily or even multiple times a day for cooking, dishwashing, and baking purposes. Even a one-poll survey shows that Americans spend more than 400 hours a year in a kitchen every year.
The greater use of the kitchen leads to a greater mess, right? This mess oversees the cabinet that collects dirt and dust, which can lead to serious health issues if not cleaned properly.
Well, This reason is enough to justify the importance of cleaning the cabinet but here is another reason. The dust on your painted cabinet can demolish the paint to wear it down which causes structural problems. To sum up, If the cabinets are not cleaned properly then it affects their lifespan and you have to replace them sooner than you might expect.
The promising way to get rid of these problems is to learn the best way to clean painted kitchen cabinets that won’t damage their physical appearance. Here is how!
Clean The Cabinet With Cloth More Frequently
We are not advising you to buy the expensive, lofty chemical spray for your cabinet. Instead, just gently clean the kitchen cabinet when possible. When and if the whole cloth is soiled then rinse it under warm water to wash away the dirt. You can fold your clothes into fourths. This will give you multiple cloth divisions that you can use to peel off glop from your kitchen cabinets.
Tip: use the microfiber cloth to clean the surface of your cabinets and other surfaces because they are chemical-free and superior to dishrags for several reasons. Plus, they are safer for the environment and are more effective than normal clothes.
Use A Detergent To Get Rid Of Dirt
A simple cloth will be good for cleaning your cabinet but still, there may be some spaces that need extra care. For that purpose, using harsh cleaners is not recommended because it can impact on the paint. However, use a soap or detergent like dish soap that can handle greasier spots. Using soap will get you rid of oil and petroleum because they have a hydrophilic and hydrophobic side to attract water, oil, and grease.
All you have to do is fill the pail with warm water and detergent on it. Put a clean cloth like microfibers and dip into your mixture. At last, use the cloth and rub gently on the dirty areas of cabinets.
Clean The Yellow Or Harsh Stains With Vinegar
Using a microfiber cloth with detergent is enough for dirt and dust. However, some stains are stubborn and will not leave your cabinet easily. For that purpose, using baking soda and vinegar would be a perfect fit. It is not only effective but also safer and natural. Vinegar is acid so it breaks down the minerals and baking soda can dissolve dirt and grease.
Use the given steps to prepare the cleaning key
- Put 2 cups of water in a bowl and add 1 cup vinegar, and 1 tbsp baking soda to it
- Mix the ingredients properly and dip microfibril cloth into it
- Rub the cloth into stubborn areas to remove the stains.
- Or use the spray bottle and apply the solution on stains
Clean the glass insets
Not all kitchens are the same so the cabinets are the same too. Some are made from wood and some from glass. However, it’s more important to clean glass insets because it elevate the look of your space and showcases your crockery, vases, and more; if it gets dirty, your whole kitchen will look like a mess.
Procook claimed that the glass display cabinet should be cleaned every day to avoid the growth of bacteria and food residue.
All you have to do is first clean the glass with a microfiber cloth. Make a solution with vinegar instead of using harmful chemicals on the dirty spot. Apply a mixture then gently rub the surface with cloth from left to right to remove the dust and grime. Once you have done this, use a new clean cloth and rub it; it will clean the mini spots if left any.
Focus On The Hardware Too
Don’t forget about the hardware when cleaning your painted kitchen cabinets. You should pay attention to the door knobs and drawer pulls, as they are frequently touched. Taking the hardware off the cabinets ensures a more comprehensive cleaning job.
- Fill a bucket with one on one ratio of distilled white vinegar and warm water.
- Soak the hardware in the solution for several hours to loosen grime.
- Remove the hardware and discard the solution.
- Rinse the bucket and fill it with warm water and a few teaspoons of mild dish soap.
- Return the hardware to the bucket and soak for about another hour.
- Grab a toothbrush to scrub each piece.
- Thoroughly rinse each knob or pull and let them dry on a towel.
- Return the hardware to the cabinets.
The outside part of the cabinet are more drier than the inside so you don’t need to clean frequently from the inside. Just clean the inside shelves for about 4 to 6 months to remove debris, dust, and dirt.
Avoid Using Harsh Cleaners On Painted Kitchen Cabinets
If you are thinking that cleaners with many different chemicals are good for your cabinet then you might be wrong. It could damage the paint or taint your cabinets.
Some cleaning reports also claimed that abrasive cleaners ( not all) are dangerous for food because the chemical fuel cleaners are touched with plates that can contaminate the food. Similarly, you should avoid using cleaners like silicone-based products, solvents, nail polish remover, and other concentrated detergent.
We hope you won’t need to worry about cabinet paint or stains if you stick with a warm water and soap mixture. Use baking soda and vinegar for stubborn stains or glass inserts as we talked about above. It would be a perfect solution made up of chemical-free things.
Final Thoughts
You cannot deny the importance of cleaning your painted kitchen cabinets. If you don’t do it well then you have to replace your cabinet sooner than you expected. The dirt and dust ruin all your paint and the germs will affect your food. To get rid of these problems, use the solution we prepared above and follow the mentioned process.
Always remember that the glass insets, hardware, and external surfaces need extra care. If you want to enhance the overall look of your cabinet then cleaning them frequently will be the best option. It is not advisable to use harsh cleaners because they can destroy the physical appearance of the cabinets.
FAQs
- How often should you clean kitchen cabinets?
Cleaning plans can depend on how often you use your kitchen. However, it is recommended to clean twice a month of the outside part of the cabinet. And the inside part doesn’t need to be cleaned frequently; just 4_6 months will be okay.
- Is it safe to use oil-based cleaners on painted cabinets?
No, you cannot use oil-based cleaner on adjacent cabinet material because it can leave lines and residue on the glass inset that would be impossible to remove.
- Should I use abrasive sponges or pads on painted cabinets?
No, opt for soft microfiber or cotton cloths. Abrasive materials can scratch the paint and diminish the cabinet’s appearance.
- Can I use furniture polish on painted cabinets for a glossy finish?
It’s not recommended. Furniture polish can leave a residue, and its ingredients may not be suitable for painted surfaces. Stick to gentle cleaners.