Every kitchen includes a number of cabinets that store food products, packages, small appliances, and anything else that is needed around the kitchen but not often enough to be kept on the counter. It is extremely important to clean the inside and outside of those cabinets to ensure the thorough cleanliness of your whole kitchen and also maintain your household healthy.
You can clean cabinets using different solutions. In this article, we will share some of the best ingredients you can use to thoroughly clean the inside of your kitchen cabinets, as well as some tips and tricks on how to do it in the best way possible. You can pick any of the different methods we will list. Make sure you pick the one you like the most – all of them are great for a variety of reasons.
What to use when cleaning your kitchen cabinets?
Dish soap
Dish soap is great for cleaning the interior of kitchen cabinets. You can dilute a bit of dishwashing liquid into warm water and use a soft cloth or a non-abrasive sponge to wipe down the inside of your cabinets. Make sure you sweep away all solids and dust the whole surface prior to the cleaning. For easier application, pour the solution into a spray bottle and use it to apply to the sides, top, and bottom of the cabinets.
Baking soda
If you do not want to use dish soap, you can turn to a more natural method – such as baking soda. It is a great ingredient that will help with dirt, stains, and bad odours. Mix 2 parts baking soda and 1 part water to create a cleaning paste. Wipe the sides and bottom of the cupboard, and leave it on for a few minutes for stubborn stains and grime, use an old toothbrush for scrubbing. As an alkali, baking soda is perfect for breaking down grease and other dirt found on your kitchen cupboards.
White vinegar
Vinegar is a powerful, yet natural cleaning solution and is especially great for stain removal. If you are worried about it being too harsh on your cupboards, you can mix a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar and put it into a spray bottle. Use this mixture to cover the inside of your kitchen cupboards. Wipe it with a damp cloth.
How to clean the inside of a kitchen cabinet?
The first step is to always remove everything from the cabinet. You can take out the shelves if it is possible. That way, you will be able to clean them better. If you use your cabinet for food, go through your supply and get rid of any expired packages. When you empty your cabinets, remove solids and dust the whole surface. You can use a small handheld brush, a vacuum cleaner, or a damp cloth to wipe down the whole inside.
Once you have completed these steps, grab the cleaning solution you chose and spread it all over the inside of your kitchen cabinet. Use a soft cloth or a sponge for paste-like substances and a spray bottle for liquid ones. Make sure you do not oversaturate the inside of your cupboard, especially if it is made of wood.
For stubborn stains or stuck-on foods, use an old toothbrush and gently scrub them. Do not apply too much pressure to avoid scratches or other damage to the surface. It is best to grab a damp cloth and wipe the inside of your cabinet once you are done with the cleaning. That way, you will get rid of any soapy residue left on. Finish by wiping down the inside of your cabinet once more, using a dry cloth this time.
To make the cleaning of kitchen cabinets easier and prevent them from becoming dirty quicker, use cupboard lining. It will protect the surface from spills and water damage from freshly washed dishes. You can find special cupboard lining in most stores, or you can choose to use laminated contact paper instead.
You may further protect your cabinets by applying furniture wax to provide a protective layer that keeps dirt from adhering and water from penetrating them. Apply a thin coat of wax, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then buff it with a soft dry cloth. Because the wax lasts so long, you only need to apply it to the cabinets once a year.
You do not need to clean your cabinets daily, but once a week to once a month would be sufficient (depending on what you store in those cabinets). If you keep your freshly washed dishes in such a cabinet, you may need to wipe them down once a month, or whenever you notice grime. If you use cabinet lining underneath the cups and dishes, you may need to wipe it down once a week.
Cupboards that store food, grains, biscuits, and others, you will need to clean once every two weeks. Make sure you sweep any spills and foods to avoid insect and pest infestations.