How to Deep Clean Cabinets and Drawers

Introduction

Keeping cabinets and drawers clean can be a challenging task. Over time, grease, dust, and grime can build up, making them look dingy and feel sticky. A deep clean is necessary every so often to remove all the built-up gunk and refresh your cabinets.

A deep clean not only makes cabinets look better but also extends their life. Grease and dirt can damage the surfaces over time. Regular cleaning keeps cabinets looking like new for longer. Deep cleaning cabinets and drawers also makes them more hygienic for storing dishes, food, and more.

In this guide, I’ll walk through all the steps needed to deep clean wood, laminate, and painted cabinetry along with the drawers and shelves inside. With some elbow grease and the right cleaning solutions, you can get your kitchen cabinets sparkling again.

Supplies Needed

Before starting the deep cleaning process, you’ll need to gather the right supplies:

• All-purpose cleaner or degreaser: An all-purpose cleaner that can cut through grease works best for washing cabinet surfaces. Look for a degreasing spray or an all-purpose cleaner formulated for kitchens.

• Dish soap: Adding a few drops of mild dish soap to your all-purpose cleaner can help boost its degreasing action.

• Microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths capture dust and grease instead of just pushing it around. Dampen them with your cleaning solution to wash cabinets.

• Old toothbrush: An old toothbrush comes in handy for scrubbing in corners and around hinges where grime loves to hide.

• Vacuum brush attachment: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and dirt from drawers before washing them.

• Baking soda: Make a paste with baking soda and water to scrub away stubborn grease.

• Baby oil or olive oil: Just a few drops of oil buffed over wood cabinet surfaces nourishes and restores shine.

• Clean rags: Have plenty of clean rags or microfiber cloths on hand to wipe down surfaces.

Deep Cleaning Cabinet Surfaces

Here are the steps to follow to deeply clean the exterior surfaces of kitchen cabinets:

1. Remove Cabinet Contents

Take everything out of the cabinets before washing them. This includes food, dishes, shelf liners, etc. Having the cabinets empty makes them easier to clean.

2. Vacuum and Dust

Go over outside cabinet surfaces with a soft brush attachment on your vacuum. This picks up crumbs, dust, and debris before washing. Pay close attention to the tops of cabinets, which collect a lot of dust.

3. Wash With All-Purpose Cleaner

Spray a microfiber cloth with your all-purpose cleaner or degreaser solution. Wipe down external cabinet surfaces using medium pressure, scrubbing any visibly soiled areas. Work from top to bottom.

Be careful not to let moisture seep into cabinets, especially if they are wood. Focus on wiping stains versus excessive wetting.

For wood cabinets: Use a clean, slightly damp cloth for wiping instead of very wet. Too much moisture can damage wood over time.

4. Rinse and Dry

Wipe down cabinets with a clean, damp microfiber cloth to rinse off any residual debris or cleaning solution. Immediately dry with a lint-free cloth.

Make sure no moisture remains on wood cabinet exteriors before closing them up.

5. Remove Grease Buildup

If any areas still look greasy or dirty after using all-purpose cleaner, use a baking soda paste to tackle them. Sprinkle baking soda onto a damp cloth and gently scrub stains. Rinse and dry completely afterwards.

6. Polish and Condition Wood Cabinets

Wood cabinets benefit from polishing and conditioning to protect and shine them up after cleaning. Use a small amount of baby oil, olive oil, or wood conditioner applied to a soft cloth. Rub into wood grain lightly.

This helps seal moisture out so regular cleaning doesn’t damage wood over time. Buff to a satiny sheen.

Deep Cleaning Cabinet Interiors

The inside of cabinets need cleaning too. Follow these steps:

1. Remove Shelf Liners and Accessories

Take out everything removable from inside the cabinets, including shelves, liners, racks, etc. Set aside any food or dishes stored inside as well.

2. Vacuum Floors and Shelves

Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to clean up dust, crumbs, and debris inside cabinets. Pay extra attention to corners and crevices where grime lurks.

3. Wash With All-Purpose Cleaner

Spray interior surfaces and shelves with your all-purpose cleaner or degreaser solution. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to penetrate grease.

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the back panel, side panels, bottom, and top of the cabinet box. For shelves, wash them separately in the sink with warm, soapy water.

4. Scrub With Baking Soda Paste

Make a paste of baking soda and water. Use an old toothbrush dipped in the paste to scrub the corners, crevices, and hinges inside the cabinet boxes. These areas tend to collect a lot of built-up grease.

5. Rinse and Dry

Wipe interior surfaces with a clean damp cloth to rinse off debris and cleaning solution residue. Dry thoroughly with a lint-free towel immediately so no moisture remains inside.

Allow shelves to air dry fully before replacing in cabinets.

6. Replace Shelf Liners and Accessories

Once completely dry inside, replace any shelf liners, racks, inserts, etc. Check for any remaining damp areas and allow extra drying time if needed before loading dishes and food back in.

Deep Cleaning Drawers

The drawers in your kitchen likely need deep cleaning too. Follow this process:

1. Empty Drawers Completely

Take out all contents before cleaning drawers, including organizers, utensils, etc. It’s faster to clean an empty drawer.

2. Vacuum Inside Drawers

Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to pick up crumbs, dust, and debris inside drawers. Get into the corners well.

3. Remove Drawers

Pull drawers completely out. If possible, remove them fully from the slides to simplify cleaning.

4. Clean Sides, Bottom, and Back Panel

Spray an all-purpose cleaner inside the drawer box and let it soak for 2-3 minutes. Use a small brush or toothbrush dipped in the cleaner to scrub away sticky gunk and residue inside the drawer.

5. Rinse Drawers

Wipe down the inside of drawers with a clean damp cloth. Dry immediately with a lint-free towel.

6. Clean Drawer Fronts Exterior

Spray drawer fronts or faces with your all-purpose cleaner. Wipe down fronts, sides, and top using a microfiber cloth, scrubbing to remove built-up dirt and grease.

For wood drawer fronts: Use a slightly damp microfiber and avoid excessive wetting.

7. Dry and Replace Drawers

Dry drawer fronts and sides thoroughly before replacing in the slides. Check for smooth gliding action once replaced.

Maintaining Cleanliness

To keep your cabinets and drawers looking freshly cleaned, follow these maintenance tips:

• Wipe spills right away so they don’t have a chance to dry and harden.

• Do a quick wipe-down of cabinetexteriors weekly using a microfiber cloth dampened with warm, soapy water or all-purpose cleaner.

• Every few months, remove shelf liners and accessories to vacuum dust that collects underneath.

• Deep clean interior cabinets and drawers twice per year for freshest results.

With the right supplies and techniques, you can get your kitchen cabinets and drawers looking like new again. A thorough deep cleaning removes grease buildup, protects cabinet surfaces, and makes your whole kitchen look freshly refreshed. Just be sure to do regular maintenance in between deep cleans. Enjoy the shine!