How to Clean Painted Kitchen Cabinets

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Cleaning painted kitchen cabinets is easier than you think, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

In this article, we will discuss how to clean kitchen cabinets so that you can save both time and money in the process – let's get right into it.

Mix a solution of warm water and dish soap in a bucket.

When it comes to the actual cleaning, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, always mix a solution of warm water and dish soap in a bucket before starting. Not only will this ensure that your cabinets get clean enough to eat off tonight, but it also reduces the amount of elbow grease needed, which is ideal if you want your kitchen back in order as soon as possible.

Clean inside drawers regularly.

You should clean inside drawers regularly. This will keep your cabinets looking shiny and beautiful for years to come. If you want the job done a little quicker and a lot more effectively, try purchasing ‘baking soda paste' – this product is excellent at cleaning out all of those hard-to-reach corners where dirt tends to stick – in fact, check out this article on how to clean sticky greasy areas in your kitchen.

Clean any residue from the surface of your cabinets off using a clean rag.

Use lacquer thinner in an area where there is no danger of fire or open flame to remove the shiny layer that is removed by cleaning solutions. You should only use this method after you have thoroughly cleaned with a detergent.

How To Clean Painted Wood Cabinets
Image Credit: http://thekitchn.com

The above steps can be applied to painted kitchen cabinets that are made out of almost any material ( particle board, metal, or plastic). The method will work just as well on black, brown, white, or yellow cabinets, so you will be able to brighten up your kitchen with ease.

Buy the best wood treatment products available online and apply them as soon as possible after applying the paint to kitchen cabinets. 

This will ensure that your painted cabinets remain in tip-top shape for many years to come. When it comes to choosing, we always recommend getting high-quality stuff – this way, you won't have any trouble with fading paints or rips over time.

Rinse with clean water and dry with paper towels.

The drying process is just as important as the cleaning process, so don't skip it.

Wipe off any remaining dirt with a clean rag. You should always use a microfiber cloth when cleaning painted kitchen cabinets – this is the easiest way to get rid of dirt and grime without leaving streaks or scratches behind.

Using a microfiber cloth for this purpose is recommended by professionals. Try using a polyte microfiber cleaning towel

While you're at it, be sure to wipe down your cabinet door handles as well.

When it comes to cleaning with dish soap and warm water ( or any other detergent), try not to use an excessive amount of either one. This will keep your cabinets from looking too wet when they are clean, which can be just as unsightly as having them covered in filth.

Also, be sure to avoid steel wool whenever possible – this kind of material shouldn't ever come into contact with paint on kitchen cabinets – unless you want to end up scrubbing for hours on end and still not be able to achieve a professional-looking clean.

cleaning with dish wash and soap
Image Credit: Kitchen Infinity Photo

Sprinkle the area with very fine sandpaper to take off some of the paint 

If your cabinets have been damaged by sunlight or heat, this process will help you restore them to their original condition. Be careful not to keep sanding too long and make sure that you clean up any dust from the surface after doing so.

When doing this, start from the bottom and sand slowly until you have removed all of the peeling paint from your cabinets.

How can I make my painted kitchen cabinets shine?

Cleaning and polishing your painted kitchen cabinets may take some time, but the results are certainly worth it. If you want to make cleaning them even easier, apply semi-gloss or gloss paint instead of matte paint when renovating your kitchen – this kind of finish will produce far fewer streaks than others.

However, there is one thing that keeps people from giving their painted kitchen cabinets a professional shine: they simply do not know how to work with clear varnish. While you might be thinking that all varnishes are the same (and they pretty much are), the clear varnish is different in many ways.

Firstly, just remember that not all clear varnishes are made the same – so caution is recommended when you are shopping for one.

Before purchasing a clear varnish, you might be wondering if it should go on matte paint or semi-gloss paint.

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Image Credit: http://thisoldhouse.com

This depends entirely on the finish of your kitchen cabinets. If they are very shiny to begin with, then you will want to go with semi-gloss because it will enhance that shine even more. Matte paint has no shine and may also need to be sanded before applying the varnish. You can also use a top coat to add extra protection for your painted kitchen cabinets (as well as making them shinier).

One final thing to consider if you want to make your cabinets pop out is to compliment them with some type of kitchen island decoration that goes along well with your cabinets.

Final thoughts on how to clean painted kitchen cabinets

In conclusion, clean kitchen cabinets will reflect well on other parts of your kitchen.

You’ll be able to have a clean counter and drawers, ensuring that your utensils and cutlery are kept clean as well. If you want to take your kitchen to the next level, you can also consider installing a kitchen island.

In the meantime, we hope that you are now armed with the right information to clean and shine your painted kitchen cabinets like a professional – so why not give it a try today?

 

Kevin Farrugia

Kevin Farrugia

Kevin is a household and appliance enthusiast and loves to follow the latest trends in kitchen and house decoration. He also loves to walk the isles of Home Depot and Lowes to review products and materials in person. Before joining Kitchen Infinity, Kevin owned a handyman company.

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