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
Slips and spills, fingerprints and leaks can cause greasy stains on your kitchen cabinets and leave them looking unclean. Try these easy and helpful steps to clean your kitchen cabinets like a pro.
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.
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.
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.
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
Sometimes, a cluttered cabinet can also cause stains on its surfaces. Here’s how can get your kitchen cupboards clean.
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.
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.
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.
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 Wooden Kitchen Cabinets
Step 1: Prepare Cleaning Solution
Mix 2 drops of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of hot water.
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.
Step 3: Rinse the Cabinets
Wipe off the soapy layer with a damp cotton cloth.
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.
If your kitchen cabinet has a glass surface, you can use the same method to clean it. Make sure you use a glass cleaner to clean glass surfaces. You can try Cif Glass Cleaner. It is easily available in the market. Always read pack for usage instructions and test on a small part before use.
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.
