How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets Like an Expert

We fuss a lot over the importance of cleaning kitchen countertops and floor. However, we cannot underestimate the importance of cleaning kitchen cabinets. After all, it is where you store your grains, cereals and spices. A clean cabinet is also a sign of hygiene. Oil and food build up in your cabinet can become a sticky mess that refuses to come out. It is unsightly and a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Therefore, it is extremely important to deep clean your kitchen cabinets regularly.

How Frequently Should You Clean Your Kitchen Cabinets 

Ideally, you should wipe down the exteriors of your cabinets with anti-bacterial wipes every alternate day. Or at least, once a week. Please note that the cabinet door handles are high touch surfaces. So, wipe them down thoroughly. Removing the items and cleaning the cabinet may look like an exhausting chore but it needs to be done. At least, once a month. You can spread the task of cleaning the cabinets over a week. Like, use one day to clean the plates cabinet, the next day for the masala cabinet and so on. 

Let’s look at how you can clean kitchen cabinets. 

Ingredients to Keep Handy:

a) 2 Microfibre (or good quality) cloths

b) A Dishwashing liquid

c) A Kitchen cleaner

d) A Bucket of water, or nearby access to a sink

e) Disinfectant spray

How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets – Exteriors

1. Step 1: Dampen a Cleaning Cloth

   First, get a microfibre or cotton cloth and wet it in a bucket of warm water before wringing it. 

2. Step 2: Wipe the Cabinets with Kitchen Cleaner

   You can clean your kitchen shelves with a kitchen cleaner like Cif Kitchen Cleaner. Check the pack to understand the correct usage instructions. Always do a patch test first to check the compatibility. 

3. Step 3: Rinse the Cabinets

   Rinse the cloth in the warm water again and wring it out. Wipe the cupboards with it again to remove any cleaning residue.

4. Step 4: Wipe the Cabinets Dry

   Wipe the cabinets with the dry cloth to absorb any excess water or lingering dirt. We suggest you use a microfibre cloth for this.

    

How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets – Interiors

1. Step 1: Empty Your Cabinet

   Start by taking out the contents of your kitchen cupboard. It’s always good to do that before you start cleaning.

2. Step 2: Wipe the Insides with a Cleaner

   Vacuum or dust the insides of your kitchen cabinets to remove loose dirt. You can clean your kitchen surfaces with a kitchen cleaner like Cif Kitchen Cleaner. Check the pack to understand the correct usage instructions. Remember to rinse the cloth after use and wipe the cupboards again to remove any cleaning residue. Dry the cabinets with a fresh towel.

3. Step 3: Sort the Contents

   Once you have all the contents in one place, have a thorough look and decide which ones you are not going to use and the ones which are out dated. Set these aside.

4. Step 4: Organise Your Kitchen Cabinet

   Place the contents back in their designated places in an organised manner. Always keep the larger, occasional-use items at the back, and the smaller, frequent-use items at the front.

How to Clean the Cabinet Jars

1. Step 1: Wash with Warm Water

   Even your glass jars and tupperware containers collect dust and grime. If they look dirty, empty the jars and wash them with warm water and dishwashing liquid. You can try using Vim Dishwash Gel for this. It is easily available in the market.

2. Step 2: Scrub the Stains

   Use a cleaning rag to scrub the stains.

3. Step 3: Rinse the Jars

   Rinse with normal tap water.

4. Step 4: Dry the Jars

   Ensure that the jars or containers have completely dried before you refill them. 

How to Clean Wooden Kitchen Cabinets

1. Step 1: Prepare Cleaning Solution

   Mix 2 drops of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of hot water. 

2. Step 2: Soak and Scrub

   Dampen a soft sponge with the cleaning solution and wipe the cabinets in a circular motion. Scrub the hard-to-reach spots with an old toothbrush. 

3. Step 3: Rinse the Cabinets

   Wipe off the soapy layer with a damp cotton cloth. 

4. Step 4: Wipe the Cabinets Dry

   Use a lint-free cleaning rag or a microfibre cloth to wipe the residual moisture on the wooden cabinets. 

Maintain the Cleanliness

To maintain the cleanliness, wipe out the surfaces with a damp sponge once a week. Allow maximum air-circulation for 30 minutes to ensure the moisture is eliminated.

Precautions to Take While Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets

Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning kitchen cupboards. The method given here is suitable for laminate kitchen cupboards. Their plastic surface means that stains are simple to remove but for more delicate kitchen cupboard surfaces, like wood, the manufacturer may recommend using a specialist wood cleaner.

There you go! This guide should help you clean your kitchen cabinets in a systematic way, and maintain the cleanliness!

Key Step 

Leave the doors open after cleaning the insides of your cabinet. Damp spots in the cabinet can result in mould and rust growth. So, allow proper air circulation on the interiors for at least 20 minutes. Ensure that there is absolutely no residual moisture. After cleaning, disinfect the door handles with a suitable disinfectant spray such as Domex Multi-Purpose Disinfectant Spray, which kills germs. Always test on a small hidden area and rinse to check compatibility first. Don’t forget to read the instructions on the product, and check if it’s recommended for soft and porous surfaces.