How to Clean Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Cleaning old metal kitchen cabinets can seem like an intimidating task, but with the right techniques and products, you can get them looking like new again. Metal cabinets are durable and long-lasting, but over time they can accumulate grime, grease, and tarnish that dulls their shine. The good news is that with some elbow grease and cleaning know-how, you can restore them to their original luster.

What You’ll Need to Clean Metal Cabinets

Before getting started on revitalizing old metal cabinets, ensure you have the proper cleaning supplies on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mild detergent or degreasing cleanser
• Soft cloths and sponges
• Nylon scrub pads
• Stainless steel polish and cleaner
• Rubbing alcohol
• Microfiber cloths
• Protective gloves

It’s also a good idea to have a variety of soft bristle brushes in different sizes to help you tackle all the nooks and crannies. The type of cleanser you use will depend on how much grease and grime has built up. For routine cleaning, a mild detergent works well, but for cabinets with heavier soiling, choose a stronger degreaser.

Cleaning Greasy Residue from Metal Cabinets

If your kitchen cabinets simply need a routine cleaning, an all-purpose mild detergent and some warm water will usually do the trick. However, heavily soiled metal cabinets with a greasy residue require a bit more elbow grease. Here are the steps to cut through tough grease and grime:

Remove Cabinet Doors

Start by removing all the cabinet doors so you can thoroughly clean both the exterior and interior surfaces. Take off knobs and handles and set the doors on a protected work surface. This will make it easier to scrub away greasy residue without obstructions.

Scan for Damage

Before cleaning, inspect the cabinets closely and make note of any problem areas like chipping paint or rust spots. This will help you address any damages after the initial cleaning.

Wash with Degreasing Cleanser

Apply a degreasing cleanser designed for kitchen use directly onto the metal cabinet surfaces. Use a damp sponge or soft cloth to gently scrub the cleanser over the fronts, sides, tops, and bottoms of the cabinets and doors.

Reapply cleanser to heavily soiled areas and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing again. The degreaser will help cut through layers of oily grime. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft lint-free cloth.

Use a Plastic Scrub Pad

For stubborn greasy spots that linger after washing with cleanser, use a plastic scrub pad to rub them away. Apply extra degreaser and let it soak in for a few minutes. Then use light to moderate pressure with the scrub pad to remove the sticky residue.

Be careful not to scrub so hard that you scratch or damage the cabinet’s finish. Rinse and dry thoroughly when done scrubbing.

Clean Interior Surfaces

Use the same cleaning method to wash away grease and dirt from the interior surfaces of the doors and cabinets. Pay extra attention to the cabinet frames and hinges, as these areas tend to collect grime.

Rinse with a damp cloth to remove all traces of cleanser when you’re finished scrubbing. Let the doors and cabinets dry completely before reattaching.

Removing Rust from Metal Kitchen Cabinets

While stainless steel cabinets won’t rust, other metal finishes like galvanized steel can develop rust over time when exposed to moisture. Here are some tips for tackling rust spots on kitchen cabinets:

Sand Light Rust

For light surface rust, use fine grit sandpaper to gently scour the affected area. Start with a 220-grit paper and rub in the direction of the grain. This will help remove corrosion without damaging the surrounding finish.

Wipe away any sanding residue with a dry cloth. You can then apply a rust-inhibiting primer before repainting to prevent future rust formation.

Use Naval Jelly for Stubborn Rust

For moderate rust that sanding alone can’t remove, apply a rust remover like Naval Jelly. Use a small brush to coat the rusty spots, wait 10-15 minutes, and then scrub with a plastic scouring pad.

Rinse thoroughly when the rust is gone. Naval Jelly helps dissolve rust so you can scrub it away without harming the finish. Just take care to avoid getting it on any plastic parts.

Repaint Heavily Rusted Areas

If the rust is widespread or has caused pitting and corrosion, you may need to repaint that section of the cabinet. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove loose paint and rust scale. Wipe clean, apply metal primer to inhibit future rust, and repaint using an enamel cabinet paint.

Be sure to match the original color as closely as possible. Allow the paint to dry fully between coats and after the final coat before reinstalling the cabinet door.

Removing Old Grease Buildup from Metal Cabinets

Grease splatters and cooking vapors can coat kitchen cabinets in a sticky film over time. Follow these steps to dissolve and remove this stubborn greasy residue:

Mix a Strong Degreaser

For heavy grease buildup, mix together 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1 gallon warm water. You can adjust the amounts as needed depending on how much grease you need to remove.

Pour the solution into a spray bottle for easy application to the cabinet surfaces. The chemical reaction between the ingredients helps cut through the greasy grime.

Apply the Degreaser

Spray or wipe the cleaning solution liberally over the fronts, sides and doors of the soiled metal cabinets. Let it soak in for 10-15 minutes so the degreaser can start breaking down the oily residue before scrubbing.

Scrub and Rinse

Use a sponge, soft cloth or nylon scrubbing pad to gently scrub the degreasing solution over the cabinets. Apply extra elbow grease on heavily soiled areas. The baking soda in the cleaner will help scour away stubborn grease.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth. Repeat if needed for any grease that still lingers.

Clean Door Interiors

Use the same degreasing process to scrub away sticky residue from the inside of cabinet doors and frames. Take care to rinse away all traces of the cleaner so it doesn’t leave a film.

Removing Yellow Grimy Film from Metal Cabinets

Does a yellowish haze or film seem to reappear on your metal cabinets not long after you clean them? This grimy residue is likely from cooking grease, smoke and other airborne chemicals that cling to any surface. Here’s how to remove it:

Make a Cleaning Solution

Mix a solution of 2 cups warm water, 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar, and several drops of blue Dawn dish soap. Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. The vinegar helps dissolve greasy film while the baking soda scrubbing action removes it.

Spray and Let Sit

Liberally spray the cleaning mixture onto cabinet surfaces and let sit for 5 minutes. This gives the ingredients time to start breaking down the greasy film.

Scrub and Rinse

Use a sponge or soft cloth to gently scrub the solution over all surfaces. Take care not to scratch the finish. Rinse cabinets thoroughly with clean water and dry well with a soft towel.

Increase ventilation

To prevent the grimy film from returning as quickly, make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated, especially when cooking. Turn on exhaust fans or open windows regularly to clear away grease, smoke and moisture.

Polishing Tarnished Metal Cabinets to a Shine

While cleaning will remove dirt and grease, it takes a bit more elbow grease to really make tarnished metal cabinets gleam again. Here’s how to polish them to a brilliant sheen:

Remove any grime

Before polishing, wash cabinets to remove any clinging dirt or grease. Pay extra attention to handles, hinges and corners where grime collects. Any residue left behind will hinder your polishing efforts.

Use vinegar and baking soda

For light tarnish, mix equal parts white vinegar and baking soda to make a fizzy paste. Apply with a soft cloth and rub gently onto tarnished areas using small circular motions.

Rinse clean when the metal looks shinier. Repeat if needed for stubborn spots. The chemical reaction helps dissolve tarnish.

Try a stainless steel cleaner

Spray a stainless steel polish/cleaner onto cabinet surfaces. Use a microfiber cloth to rub in the direction of the grain. Apply moderate pressure to help remove stuck-on tarnish.

Rinse with water and dry thoroughly with a lint-free towel for a streak-free shine.

Use metal polish and a buffing pad

For heavy tarnish, apply a metal polish paste or liquid with a soft buffing pad made for metal. Rub the pad in circles as you work in the polish. Remove any residue with a clean dry cloth.

Buff with a microfiber cloth

For an extra gleaming finish, buff cabinets with a clean, dry microfiber cloth after polishing. Use long straight motions followed by gentle circular buffing. This helps smooth away any leftover cleaner residue and creates an incredible shine.

Maintain the finish

Keep your freshly polished metal cabinets looking their best by cleaning them regularly with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleansers. Use a stainless steel spray cleaner weekly and re-polish every few months to maintain the brilliant sheen.

How to Clean Greasy Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Wood kitchen cabinets are prone to splatters and greasy buildup just like any other cabinetry material in the heart of cooking activity. Regular cleaning keeps them looking their best. Follow these tips:

Mix a mild degreaser

Combine warm water, a few drops of dish soap and either baking soda or distilled white vinegar. The abrasive yet gentle scrubbing power of baking soda combined with grease-cutting dish soap and vinegar will be tough on grease yet safe for wood.

Remove doors

Take cabinet doors off the frames so you can thoroughly clean both sides without obstructions. Lay them flat on towels or blankets to prevent scratches.

Apply the solution

Use a sponge or soft cloth to apply the cleaning mixture liberally over greasy areas. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes to dissolve the greasy residue before scrubbing.

Scrub and rinse

Gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush or sponge. Take care not to scour too hard or use anything abrasive that could scratch the wood. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a soft towel.

Clean door interiors

Use the same cleaning method to remove greasy film from the inside frame surfaces and edges of doors. Rinse well and let dry completely before re-hanging.

How to Clean Old Painted Kitchen Cabinets

Painted kitchen cabinets are prone to greasy splatters, drips, fingerprints and general dirt that make them look dingy over time. Fortunately, you can restore them with some simple cleaning techniques:

Remove doors

Take doors off cabinets to allow full access to all surfaces during cleaning. Lay them on a protected surface and remove knobs/handles.

Dust surfaces

Wipe away any loose dust or debris with a microfiber duster before wet cleaning. This prevents the dust from turning to mud.

Fill a spray bottle

Mix warm water, a few drops of dish soap and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. The soap cuts grease while the vinegar disinfects.

Spray and wipe

Lightly mist the solution over cabinet surfaces and wipe clean with a soft cloth, microfiber or sponge. Scrub gently to remove stuck-on gunk.

Rinse and dry

Be sure to rinse all traces of soap away with clean water. Allow to dry fully before reattaching doors/hardware.

Touch up paint

Use matching paint to touch up any scuffs or scratches that are revealed after cleaning grimy cabinets. Let the paint dry fully before use.

Add protection

After cleaning, apply a fresh coat of polyurethane to add protection and a renewed luster. Allow proper drying time before use.

Cleaning Inside Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers

While exterior cabinet surfaces tend to get all the attention, don’t neglect the inside of cabinets and drawers when cleaning your kitchen. Here’s how to tackle these often forgotten areas:

Remove everything

Take out all shelf liners, contents, drawers, racks, etc. so you have full access to all interior surfaces, edges and corners.

Vacuum and dust

Use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner to remove dust, debris and crumbs from inside cabinets and drawers. Get into all nooks and crannies.

Clean shelves

Spray down shelves with an all-purpose household cleaner. Let sit briefly to dissolve residue before wiping clean with a microfiber cloth. Allow to fully dry.

Disinfect surfaces

Spray a non-bleach disinfectant onto interiors and wipe down thoroughly with a clean lint-free cloth. This helps sanitize and deodorize.

Sweep and mop

Sweep and mop the cabinet floor. Be sure to get into edges and corners. Let floor dry completely before replacing contents.

Organize contents

Wipe down any stored items and organize contents neatly before returning them to the cabinets. Avoid overcrowding.

Doing a thorough deep cleaning of cabinet interiors helps them stay fresh and organized. Schedule interior cleaning along with your regular exterior cabinet washing routine.

Tips for Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets

Beyond the basic cleaning methods for various cabinet materials, there are some additional tips that can help streamline the process:

Clean regularly

Don’t let cabinets get too dirty before cleaning. Quick wipe-downs every few days keeps grime more manageable.

Start top to bottom

Clean upper cabinets first and work your way down. This stops drips and debris from falling onto already cleaned lower cabinets.

Remove hardware

Take off knobs, pulls and hinges before cleaning cabinet doors and drawers to access all surfaces better.

Dry thoroughly

Always wipe cabinets with a dry soft cloth after cleaning and rinsing to prevent water spots and streaks as they dry.

Clean with the grain

When washing wood cabinets, wipe in the direction of the wood grain to avoid streaks and swirl marks.

Use mild cleaners

Harsh cleansers can damage cabinet finishes. Mild dish soap, gentle cleaners and natural ingredients like vinegar safely remove most grime.

Inspect for damage

As you clean, note any scratches, gouges, peeling paint or other flaws that need attention so you can make repairs after cleaning.

Check edges and corners

Focus extra attention on cleaning crevices, edges and corners where grease and grime like to hide.

Replace shelf liner

When washing cabinet interiors, toss out old shelf liner and replace with fresh liner after cleaning.

Regular cleaning keeps your kitchen cabinets looking their best. Just be sure to use the proper methods and products for your particular cabinet material. With some elbow grease and these cleaning tips, you can restore your cabinets’ like-new look.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Can I use bleach to clean metal kitchen cabinets?

It’s best to avoid bleach and harsh chemicals when cleaning metal cabinets. The abrasive ingredients can damage and corrode metal finishes. Opt for mild dish soap, gentle all-purpose cleaners or DIY solutions.

How can I make stainless steel cabinets shine?

Use a stainless steel polish or cleaner designed for use on appliances and metals. Rub in the direction of the grain with a microfiber cloth. Buff dry for maximum shine. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.

What’s the best way to clean greasy stainless steel?

Mix dish soap with warm water and wash cabinets with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry well. For stubborn grease, try baking soda, vinegar, or ammonia-based cleaners.

Will vinegar or baking soda scratch my cabinets?

Vinegar and baking soda are safe, gentle cleansers for metal surfaces as long as you avoid aggressive scrubbing. Rub lightly when using them and rinse cabinets well. The natural ingredients help dissolve grime without damaging the finish.

How do I get rust off metal cabinets?

For light rust, sand gently with fine grit sandpaper and wipe away debris. Heavier rust may need naval jelly applied to dissolve it before scrubbing and rinsing clean. Severe rust requires sanding, metal primer and repainting for full removal.

How can I restore the shine to dull metal cabinets?

Regular cleaning with mild soap and water helps keep metal cabinets shiny. For dingy cabinets, use a stainless steel cleaner or metal polish designed for metal finishes. Rub in polish with a microfiber cloth using the grain direction.

What’s the best way to clean painted cabinets?

Mix dish soap and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist over painted cabinet surfaces. Wipe clean with soft microfiber cloths, using gentle pressure. Avoid abrasive cleansers or scrub pads that could scratch the paint.

How do I get grease off my wood cabinets?

Combine dish soap and warm water for a mild cleaning solution. For tougher grease, add baking soda or vinegar to help dissolve the residue. Wipe cabinets gently with a soft cloth or sponge using the wood grain direction.

How often should I clean kitchen cabinets?

It’s best to briefly clean kitchen cabinets every few days. Quick wipe-downs keep dirt and grease more manageable. Deep clean cabinet interiors every few months. Clean cabinet exteriors and doors at least monthly or whenever heavy spills occur.

Conclusion

Cleaning kitchen cabinets might seem like a daunting chore, but hopefully these tips have shown that with the proper techniques and products, you can get them looking like new again. Always tailor your cleaning method to the cabinet material so you don’t accidentally damage the finish.

The key is