Cleaning your kitchen cabinets is an important part of maintaining your home. You don’t want to have to replace your cabinets because they are dirty! This blog will teach you how to properly clean and maintain your kitchen cabinets so that they look great for years to come.
Applying a coat of paint
When you’re ready to paint your cabinets, follow these steps:
- Clean the surface with a cleaner and wipe it dry.
- Use a primer if you are painting over a dark color.
- Use a roller for large areas; you can use brushes or sponges for small areas (such as along edges).
- Apply two coats of paint if needed.
Avoiding cleaning tools
Avoid the use of chemical-based cleaning products. While it can be tempting to reach for a chemical cleaner, these products are usually not needed for regular cleaning and may cause damage if used regularly. Instead, stick with soap and water or natural cleaners made from vinegar or baking soda. For tough stains, try using lemon juice or vinegar; if you want something with a little more power, use borax powder instead of bleach.
Use soft clothes when you clean your kitchen cabinets. Avoid abrasive tools like steel wool pads that can scratch the surface of your cabinets’ finish and leave them looking dull in no time at all! Alternatively, opt for microfiber cloths that have been specifically designed to gently wipe away dirt without removing any of the finish on your cabinets—a great way to keep them looking shiny as new!
Moistening heavily soiled areas
- Use a damp cloth to clean out corners and crevices.
- Use a sponge with warm water to wipe down the surface.
- Use a cotton swab to clean out small cracks, or use your fingers if you have no other option.
Wiping down the cabinets
To get the job done, you can either use a clean, dry cloth or grab one of these:
- Microfiber cloths. These are sturdy enough to wipe off dust without scratching surfaces.
- Paper towels. They’re super absorbent and disposable, so you won’t have to worry about cleaning up after yourself with this option.
- Sponges. A sponge works well for getting into small nooks and crannies (especially when damp) but will leave behind streaks if it isn’t cleaned afterward.
- Dishrag or sponges used wet (if not cleaned immediately afterward). This type of rag is best suited for wiping down cabinets after they’ve been washed by hand in hot water with soap—just be sure to wring out any excess moisture before wiping down!
Using a stripper to remove the old finish
Stripping old finish from your cabinets is one of the most important steps in the process of refinishing them. You’ll want to use a product that’s specifically made for stripping paint and will not harm your cabinets. There are many strippers on the market that can be used safely on wood and other surfaces, including waxes and stains.
You’ll need to apply the stripper to the cabinets, then let it sit until it has worked its way into all of the pores of your wood. Next, use a scraper or other tool (such as an old credit card) with a dull edge to scrape off any remaining pieces of paint or varnish so they don’t interfere with new coats later on.
Cleaning them with nitrocellulose lacquer thinner
- Use a soft cloth.
- Don’t use a brush or chemical stripper, which can damage the finish.
- Don’t use a high-pressure washer. The pressure will cause water to get under the finish and lift it off the wood, which will cause your cabinets to look dull or even flake off in places when the finish dries again.
Sanding the surface with fine-grit sandpaper and work in a circular motion
A fine-grit sandpaper is used to smooth out the surface of your cabinets. It’s best to use a circular motion when you start sanding. Using a tack cloth will pick up any remaining dust residue and make sure that your cabinet surface is completely clean before you apply paint or stain.
Conclusion
All of these tips should help you to keep your kitchen cabinets in good shape. If there is a specific area that is not cleaned, you can use a homemade paste made out of baking soda and water. Simply apply the paste over any spots on your cabinet and let sit for an hour before wiping it clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
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