Cleaning kitchen cabinets

CLEANING kitchen cabinets can either become two things: an easy, hassle-free task, or one that takes hours to accomplish depending on the size and shape of the cabinets. A common problem is that in the kitchen, these cabinets collect grease, food particles and smoke that could make them grimy. It is important to remember that a person should clean these kinds of cabinets with products that cut grease but don’t create additional buildup. According to an article from wisegeek.com, a person would want to choose the best cleanser. Before doing so, he’ll have to know whether he’s going to clean interior or exterior cabinet grime.

But there is a general rule. To clean kitchen cabinets, a person should start wiping down the exterior with cleanser; after removing all the dishes, food or other items inside the cabinets, vacuum or sweep dirt from the shelves inside, and then wipe them down as well.

On choosing a cleanser and for additional tips, read on for the details from the mentioned site.

Dishwashing liquids or mild laundry detergents are effective cleaners for most cabinet materials. To make sure a cleanser isn’t too strong, a person may want to dilute one part detergent in two parts warm water to make an easy kitchen cleanser. When using laundry detergent, it’s a good idea to use one that is specially designed to remove grease and oil.

A person can also use an all-purpose household cleaner to clean kitchen cabinets, but read the label carefully to be sure it won’t ruin the finish. It’s also a good idea to test the cleaner on a hidden area of one of the cabinets; many commercial household cleaning products leave a sticky residue, and some can cause significant damage to wood finish or paint. Be sure to empty the cabinets before using a harsher detergent or chemical, even on the outside so that your dishes remain protected.

Vinegar is a good, natural, all-purpose cleaner that can clean kitchen cabinets and remove buildup. Try using a solution of half-vinegar and half-water for cabinets that just need a regular cleaning; to cut through greasy buildup, apply undiluted vinegar. Lemon juice can be used instead of vinegar. A paste made of baking soda and water also makes a good natural scrub and helps remove a lot of grime from dirty cabinets.

Clean kitchen cabinet exteriors from the outside in by gently scrubbing the exterior surfaces. Use a sponge or an old washcloth and cleaning solution.

Don’t use steel wool, scrub brushes, or any other item that can scratch the finish. It’s a good idea to start in an inconspicuous area to make sure that your cleaning doesn’t damage the cabinet.

After removing the contents of the cabinet, vacuum, sweep, or wipe up any crumbs or food particles from inside the cabinets. Using a sponge or cloth, use one of the cleaning solutions to clean the shelves, bottom, and sides of the cabinet interior. In some cases, the shelf liners may need to be replaced if they are too dirty or worn.

Before putting food or dishes back in the cabinet, make sure you wipe down the interior with a clean, damp cloth and dry it with a towel or washcloth to remove any cleanser residue.