As you’re tackling cleaning your house, cleaning painted cabinets should be at the top of your list. Whether in your kitchen or your bathroom, cabinets are one surface that frequently gets neglected when it comes to cleaning. While they don’t get as dirty as countertops, cabinets still take quite a beating, especially if you have small children with dirty fingers running around. Before you start cleaning, though, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Keep reading for everything you need to know about getting those painted cabinets fresh and clean!
Some Things to Avoid
Most painted cabinets have a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint finish, which makes them easier to wipe down than a matte finish. While this finish is pretty durable, it’s still important to not use any harsh methods for scrubbing, or chemicals like bleach or ammonia, as this could damage the finish. Save the ammonia for window cleaning! One popular cleaning item you’ll want to avoid on your painted cabinets is a melamine sponge. These sponges work great at tackling hard-to-clean surfaces and soap scum, but they could strip the paint on your cabinets.
The Best Method for Cleaning Painted Cabinets
Now that we’ve covered what you want to avoid when cleaning your painted cabinets, here is a tried and true method for safely cleaning them. The best part is, you’ve probably got all the needed supplies right at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
Supplies
- Bucket
- Warm water
- Dish soap (very effective at cutting through grease)
- Microfiber cloths
- Step stool for taller cabinets
Directions
- Fill the bucket with a few inches of warm water.
- Add a squirt or two of dish soap to the running water to get some suds going. Remember that most dish soap is concentrated, so you really don’t need very much.
- Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water, and wring it out so that the cloth is damp but not soaking.
- Rub the damp microfiber cloth in a circular motion over the surface of the painted cabinet, gently scrubbing to remove any grime. Dip the cloth back into the soapy water and wring out again before continuing to gently clean the cabinet. Repeat as necessary until the cabinet front is clean.
- Take a new, dry cloth and dampen with fresh, non-soapy water, wringing it out until it is damp but not oversaturated. Use this cloth to wipe the surface of the cabinet in a circular motion once more to remove any soap residue.
- Take a third dry microfiber cloth and wipe the cabinet front a final time to dry it.
- Repeat these steps for each individual cabinet in your kitchen or bathroom.
Mountain States Kitchen and Bath Can Help
Cleaning painted cabinets can really freshen up your home, removing visible dirt and grime. Sometimes you need a bigger refresh, in the form of a kitchen or bathroom renovation. Mountain States Kitchen and Bath is here to help with all your reno needs, with experienced designers and quality, custom cabinetry. We have transformed homes all across the Wasatch Front, and guarantee your satisfaction. Contact us today for a quote, and we’ll help bring your vision to life! We serve Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Payson, and neighboring areas in Utah.
