After a few good years, maybe even months of use, cabinets can begin to look grimy, dirty and disgusting. Cleaning cabinets regularly can keep them looking brand new. Depending on what has been housed in your cabinets you could have anything from food crumbs to rust stains and water spots from canned food or dishes. First things first, if you do not have- or have enough- of the chemicals you may need, avoid mixing the last two ounces of the first five bottles of whatever you get your hands on. I have known people to do this. You never want to mix any chemical as it can release poisonous gases or even destroy whatever you are cleaning. Always follow manufacturers’ recommendations and test in an inconspicuous area first.

The first thing that needs done is you need to remove all food or any other items being stored in your cabinets. Once that is done you can remove shelving if you have any and lastly the cabinet hardware. Removing the knobs or pulls and hinges can make cleaning around those areas a much easier task. After all hardware has been removed place in a bowl with the following chemical recommendations: For mild grease and dust a household dish cleaner will suffice, such as Dawn. For tougher stains and grease an all-purpose cleaner such as Fantastik! or similar can be used. Again, be sure to test first if your hardware has a finish or paint on it.

While those items are soaking you can begin washing your shelves and cabinet doors and perhaps even drawers. The same chemical guidelines can be followed. Remember to never use an abrasive such as steel wool, as you can scratch and ruin the cabinets. If you have stainless steel doors a stainless steel or a multi surface cleaner such as Pledge would work best. If, for some reason, you have years or even a decade of build up you have one last resort. Paint Thinner. This may sound harsh, but used properly, and safely, it can be a very effective method. Be sure to take your removed cabinets outdoors or into a well ventilated area and follow all safety instructions.

Now that your cabinets are cleaned, wipe them down and allow them to dry for about an hour or so. Once that is done you can reattach the hardware and the doors to the cabinet again. To keep your cabinets looking nice try wiping them down with a solution of one part vinegar and one part water twice a month or just keep using the same mild soap you used before.