Painting your kitchen cabinets is a simple way to update the look of your kitchen and even increase your home’s value. The main concern you may have if you’re considering this simple home improvement project is how to keep them clean. Your kitchen cabinets can take a beating from liquid spills and grease splatters. Learning a few best practices for cleaning painted cabinets can keep them looking fresh.
If you have painted kitchen cabinets, these are 4 best practices to follow:
#1: Wipe Them Down Regularly
Making a habit of wiping down your cabinets everyday with a soft microfiber cloth or sponge is a good way to keep them in like-new condition. Dust can cling to grease residue on cabinets and become more challenging to remove over time. Removing it early will prevent this problem.
A simple way to incorporate this into your routine is to wipe them down after another daily kitchen task like loading the dishwasher or cleaning the dishes. The cloth or sponge can be dry or slightly damp.
#2: Clean Up Spills Swiftly
Don’t wait until the end of the day to wipe down the counters if there is a spill. Stopping to wipe up a spill right away can prevent water spots and stains from forming. Even spilled red wine can be cleaned off easily if you act before it has the chance to dry.
#3: Always Use Soft Cloths or Sponges
When you must wipe away grease splatters or scrub out a stain, make sure to always use a soft cloth or sponge. You might think that using steel wool or the rough side of a sponge is always the best tool to remove tough stains. If you use these on painted cabinets, your cleaning can leave behind permanent scratches and rough spots. Soft cloths and sponges can be just as effective with the right kind of detergent and they won’t harm your cabinets.
#4: Use Gentle Grease Cutting Determents
When you must tackle tough dirt and stains, use a gentle determent. Avoid any household cleaners with bleach or ammonia. These tough cleaners can strip off lacquer and paint along with grease and grim. There are many gentle cleaners that are equally effective. Many stores offer natural cleaning products that smell great and cut through grease without damaging painted surfaces. An additional benefit of these cleaners is that they are less toxic to breath in.
If you prefer to make your own cleaner, you can use this recipe to create detergent that is tough enough to remove grease without harming the paint:
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1 cup vinegar
- 2 cups warm water
Mix the ingredients together in a spray bottle or bowl. Spray it onto or apply it to a damp cloth or sponge. Spot clean the area with circular motions. Once the area is clean, wipe it dry with another cloth.
Gentle and consistent cleaning are the keys to keeping your cabinets looking fresh and new. If you follow these 4 simple best practices you will never regret painting your kitchen cabinets.
Frank Campanelli, the esteemed founder of Franklin Painting LLC, has been leading the company since 1986. He takes immense pride in the stellar reputation his dedicated team has built by consistently delivering top-notch service to each customer.
