How to Clean an Old Metal Filing Cabinet

A metal filing cabinet is a practical piece of office furniture used to store important documents and records safely and securely. However, like any other furniture, filing cabinets accumulate dust, dirt, and residue over time. Cleaning and maintaining old metal filing cabinets regularly is essential for preserving documents as well as the cabinet itself.

A thorough cleaning helps remove grime, revive the original shine, and prevent rust and corrosion. With some basic supplies and tools, cleaning an old metal filing cabinet is a straightforward process. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to effectively clean old metal filing cabinets.

Why It’s Important to Clean Metal Filing Cabinets

There are several benefits to cleaning old metal filing cabinets regularly:

Preserves Documents and Records

Dust and dirt can damage delicate paper records and documents stored in the drawers. Regular cleaning keeps documents free from contaminants.

Extends Life of the Cabinet

Grime and spills if left unattended can lead to rust and corrosion. Cleaning prevents this kind of damage, extending the usable life of the cabinet.

Improves Efficiency

Clean cabinets allow for quicker and easier access to files. You don’t have to rifle through dirt and clutter trying to locate records.

Enhances Appearance

A thorough cleaning restores the cabinet’s original shine and appeal. The workspace looks more professional and tidy.

Reduces Allergens

Dust and dirt trap allergens like pollen and pet dander. Regular cleaning helps minimize allergy triggers in the office.

Supplies Needed

Gather the following supplies before cleaning a metal filing cabinet:

• Microfiber cloths
• Old toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush
  -bucket of warm water with mild dish soap
• Isopropyl alcohol
• A clean towel or rag
• Small scrub sponge or pad
• Stainless steel cleaner (optional)
• Nitrile gloves
• Eye protection

Safety Tips

Follow these precautions when cleaning metal filing cabinets:

• Unplug the cabinet if electronic.
• Clear the area around the cabinet and cover nearby electronics.
• Wear protective gloves and eyeglasses.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Check cleaner labels and never mix chemicals.

How to Clean a Metal Filing Cabinet

Follow these steps to thoroughly clean an old metal filing cabinet:

1. Remove Contents

• Empty all drawers and shelves of files, folders, supplies, etc. This allows you to access all surfaces.
• Find temporary storage like boxes or an unused office.

2. Dust Surfaces

• Wipe down all exterior surfaces including the top, sides, drawers fronts, handles, etc with a microfiber cloth.
• Use the cloth to dust inside each drawer by sliding from front to back.
• Use a small brush to dislodge dust and debris from corners and crevices.

3. Wash Exterior

• Create a cleaning solution of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap.
• Dip a clean microfiber cloth in the solution and wring out excess.
• Start at the top and methodically wipe down all exterior surfaces including sides, top, fronts, and handles.
• Rinse the cloth and re-wet with clean solution as needed.
• Scrub stubborn grime with a sponge or scrubbing pad.

4. Clean Drawer Interiors

• Using your cleaning solution and cloths, wash each drawer from the inside.
• Pay attention to sides, bottoms, and metal divider areas.
• Use a toothbrush dipped in the solution to scrub away gunk and dirt from rails and tracks.
• Dry with a clean towel as you go to prevent streaks.

5. Sanitize Metal Components

• Spray a microfiber cloth with a bit of isopropyl alcohol.
• Wipe down handles, rails, drawer fronts and any high touch metal areas.
• Let air dry completely before replacing contents.

6. Remove Tough Stains

• For stubborn stained areas, use a stainless steel cleaner. Check the label first.
• Apply a small amount to the stain then scrub with a sponge.
• Immediately wipe away cleaner and residue with a damp towel.
• Avoid abrasives that can damage the finish.

7. Polish and Shine

• Once completely dry, apply a small amount of stainless steel polish and buff with a clean cloth.
• Rub the polish in the direction of the metal grain to shine.
• Remove any excess residue.

8. Replace Contents

• Return files, folders and supplies to the freshly cleaned drawers.
• Organize contents neatly for easier access.

9. Maintain as Needed

• To extend results, make wiping down exterior and interior surfaces weekly a habit.
• Do a full deep clean every few months or whenever grime builds up.

Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Follow these pro tips when cleaning old metal filing cabinets:

• Always pretreat stuck-on grime, sticky spills and rust spots for easier cleaning. Let the cleaner sit for 2-3 minutes before scrubbing.
• For greasy buildup, degreasers like WD-40 work well. Spray on grimy rails and let sit before scrubbing with a cloth.
• Baking soda mixed with water also makes a gentle but effective abrasive paste for scrubbing tough gunk.
• Rinse drawers with clean water after washing with soap solution. This prevents sticky residue from attracting dirt faster.
• Always dry surfaces thoroughly with a towel after washing. Trapped water leads to streaks, new grime and rust.
• For metal with a brushed finish, scrub gently in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the texture.
• Bleach can discolor and corrode metal. Avoid using it when cleaning filing cabinets.
• Keep an old toothbrush handy for cleaning tight crevices and corners throughout the cleaning process.

Cleaning Different Parts of a Metal Filing Cabinet

Certain components of a metal filing cabinet benefit from special attention during cleaning:

Drawer Pulls and Handles

These high-touch areas accumulate oils, smudges and residue quickly. Disinfect with alcohol and polish with stainless steel cleaner regularly.

Drawer Slides and Rails

Scrub gunk away with an old toothbrush and degrease using WD-40 if sticking or squeaking occurs with use.

Locks

Spray locks with compressed air to clear out accumulated dust and dirt. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove grime from small crevices.

Casters

Check under cabinets with wheels. Remove strings, gum, dust bunnies with tweezers or an old toothbrush. Wipe down with a dry cloth.

Ventilation Slats

Vacuum dust away rather than wiping to avoid pushing debris inside cabinet. Use compressed air to clear slats too.

Best Cleaners for Metal Filing Cabinets

Dish Soap

Dish soap diluted in warm water cuts through grime without damaging finishes. Use a gentle formula and rinse.

Isopropyl Alcohol

Disinfects surfaces on contact while leaving no streaks or residue behind. Great for handles and pulls.

Stainless Steel Cleaner

Revives shine and eliminates smudges from stainless or chrome. Apply a thin layer then buff.

Degreaser

Removes built-up oil, grease and grimy film from rails, slides and handles if warm soap doesn’t cut through.

Metal Polish

After cleaning, use a small amount of polish to buff the metal and restore its shine and luster.

Alternative Cleaning Methods

In addition to hands-on washing, consider these methods for cleaning dirty filing cabinets:

Disinfecting Wipes

Wipes come pre-loaded with cleaning solution to quickly sanitize surfaces and handles without mixing cleaners.

Vacuuming

Use a brush attachment to vacuum dust and dirt away before washing. Reach tight corners and crevices.

Compressed Air

Blast air into vent slats, slide rails, and lock mechanisms to dislodge debris for easier removal.

Steam Cleaner

A handheld steam cleaner heats water to vapor to loosen and lift away grime from metal surfaces and drawers.

How Often to Clean a Metal Filing Cabinet

Here are some general recommendations on cleaning frequency:

• Weekly – Wipe down exterior surfaces and handles to remove fingerprints and dust.
• Monthly – Empty a few drawers at a time to wash interiors and vacuum dust away.
• Every 2-3 Months – Do a full wipe down of exterior and interiors. Degrease slides and rails if needed.
• Annually – Completely empty cabinet and do a deep scrub and shine of all components.

Adjust frequency based on office traffic and visible dirt accumulation. More handling means more frequent wipe downs are needed.

Reviving an Old Rusty Filing Cabinet

For a filing cabinet with rust spots, more elbow grease is required to restore it:

Remove Loose Rust

Use an SOS pad or sandpaper to gently scrub away any loose, flaky rust. Avoid rough abrasives. Wipe area clean.

Treat Rust Stains

Apply a rust remover like naval jelly or vinegar and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to lift stain. Rinse.

Remove Remaining Stain

Use fine grit sandpaper to carefully rub out any residual rust stains without damaging good finish.

Restore Shine

Clean and polish the area well to blend and even out the shine. Touch up paint if needed.

Prevent New Rust

Wax or seal bare metal spots. Keep the cabinet dry and maintain with regular cleaning.

For extensive rust damage, professional refinishing may be required. Catching it early keeps projects manageable.

Troubleshooting Common Filing Cabinet Cleaning Issues

Problem: Dull, cloudy finish remains after cleaning stainless steel.

Solution: The wrong cleaner was likely used. Re-clean using a stainless steel polish to restore shine.

Problem: Drawers squeak and stick after cleaning.

Solution: Lube sticky spots with WD-40. Add felt tabs to prevent metal-on-metal contact.

Problem: New streaks and residue appear after cleaning.

Solution: Rinse with clear water after using cleaner to remove residue. Dry immediately with a clean towel.

Problem: Grime remains stuck on after scrubbing.

Solution: Let a degreaser sit for 2-3 minutes before scrubbing to lift grime. Use gentle abrasives like baking soda paste.

Safety Precautions When Cleaning Metal Filing Cabinets

Take steps to ensure safe cleaning:

• Always unplug electronic cabinets before spraying, wiping, or applying cleaners.
• Read labels and never mix chemical products as toxic fumes can result.
• Wear gloves and eye protection to avoid irritation from cleaning agents.
• Work in a well-ventilated space and take breaks to get fresh air.
• Use milder eco-friendly cleaners when possible to reduce harsh chemical exposure.
• Remove any contents before cleaning including files, supplies, and decor items.
• Avoid climbing on cabinets; use a sturdy stepladder if needing to reach the top.
• Wipe spills immediately to prevent slips and falls.

Keeping safety top of mind protects you and facilitates better results as you clean.

FAQs About Cleaning Metal Filing Cabinets

How do you clean old rusty file cabinets?

Gently remove loose rust with sandpaper, then treat tough stains with rust remover or vinegar. Scrub with baking soda paste and restore shine with metal polish. Touch up paint where needed.

What is the best cleaner for metal file cabinets?

For general cleaning, mild dish soap and warm water works well. For polishing, use a specialty stainless steel cleaner. Degreasers help lift stubborn gunk. Avoid abrasives.

What should you not use to clean metal cabinets?

Avoid bleach, ammonia, and acidic cleaners that can damage finishes. Steer clear of rough scrub pads and abrasives that scratch.

How do you clean file cabinet rails?

Remove drawers then use a toothbrush dipped in warm, soapy water to scrub rails. Degrease rails by spraying WD-40 on a cloth and wiping along them.

Does Windex work on metal file cabinets?

Yes, Windex is safe for use on metal filing cabinets. Spray on a microfiber cloth and wipe down the exterior. Don’t use on veneer or laminate finishes though.

Should I empty filing cabinets before cleaning?

Yes, remove all contents from drawers and shelves before washing. This allows you to access all interior surfaces and prevents damage to files and documents.

How do you deep clean old metal cabinets?

Vacuum dust away, then wash exterior and interior surfaces using a soap and water solution. Disinfect handles with alcohol. Degrease slides and polish metal for a deep clean.

Conclusion

Cleaning an old metal filing cabinet thoroughly doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With some basic supplies and taking the proper safety precautions, you can restore your filing cabinet’s shine and function. Regular maintenance cleaning also helps preserve contents while extending the cabinet’s usable life. Just be sure to use the right metal-safe cleaners and methods for the best results. Follow these steps, and your metal filing cabinet can look like new again.