How to Clean White Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Introduction

White metal kitchen cabinets can add a fresh, clean look to your kitchen. However, they do require regular cleaning to keep them looking their best. Over time, grease, food splatters, dust, and grime can build up and make the cabinets appear dull and dirty. Fortunately, cleaning white metal kitchen cabinets is a straightforward process. With the right techniques and cleaning solutions, you can have them sparkling again in no time.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through all the steps and best practices for cleaning white metal kitchen cabinets. We will cover how to clean both the cabinet interior and exterior, recommend cleaning solutions and tools to use, and provide tips to make cleaning easier and more effective. With some time and elbow grease, you can restore the like-new shine and luster of your white metal kitchen cabinets.

Assessing the Soiling on Your White Metal Cabinets

Before diving into the cleaning process, take some time to assess the current condition of your white metal kitchen cabinets. This will help you determine which cleaning methods and solutions to use. Here are some things to look for:

• Level of grease buildup – Check if there is a heavy layer of sticky grease on the cabinet doors and frames, especially near the stove and countertops. Grease requires a degreasing solution for removal.
• Dust accumulation – Wipe your finger over the top of the cabinets. If you see a thick layer of dust, they will need a thorough dusting.
• Stains or food splatters – Inspect for stains from spices, coffee, tea, wine, tomato sauce, and other sources. Also look for baked on food splatters. This will determine if you need scrubbing or special stain removal.
• Overall dullness – Do the cabinets lack shine and reflectivity? This indicates a need for polishing and protection.

Spend a few minutes going over the entire set of cabinets to identify problem areas and how soiled they are overall. This initial inspection will make the cleaning more efficient.

Supplies Needed for Cleaning White Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Having the right cleaning supplies on hand will make it much easier to thoroughly clean your white metal kitchen cabinets. Here are the most important items to have before you start:

Cleaning Solutions

• Dish soap – Choose a mild or natural liquid dish soap. Dish soap helps cut through grease.
• All-purpose cleaner – For wiping down lightly soiled cabinet exteriors, an all-purpose cleaner works well.
• Degreaser – For heavy grease buildup, use a degreasing cleaner like Formula 409 or Grease Relief.
• Disinfectant – To sanitize and remove bacteria, use a disinfectant cleaner or bleach solution.

Cleaning Tools and Equipment

• Microfiber cloths and sponges – Have an array of soft cloths and sponges to apply cleaners and polish.
• Old toothbrush or cleaning brush – For scrubbing in crevices, grooves, and hardware.
• Steel wool or scouring pad – For heavy duty scrubbing of stubborn grime and stains.
• Dusting wand – To reach high cabinets and vents during dusting.
• Drop cloths or towels – To protect countertops and floors from drips.
• Gloves – To protect your hands during heavy duty cleaning.
• Small bucket or spray bottle – For applying cleaning solutions to cabinets.

Protectants and Polishes

• Cabinet polish – Use a high quality wood polish made for cabinets and furniture.
• Wax protectant – For added shine and protection, apply a food-safe wax to cabinet exteriors.

Gathering these supplies before starting will save you time and hassle during the cleaning process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Interior and Exterior

With the right supplies on hand, you are ready to start cleaning your white metal kitchen cabinets. Follow these steps for a complete interior and exterior cabinet cleaning:

Cabinet Exterior Cleaning

1. Remove cabinet contents – Take everything out of the cabinets so all surfaces can be accessed. Place items on the counter, dining table, or other protected surface.
2. Dust surfaces – Use a microfiber cloth and dusting wand to wipe away any loose dust and debris from the top and sides of the cabinets. Make sure to get the cabinet tops, trim, hardware, and any decorations.
3. Degrease cabinet fronts – Spray a degreasing cleaner like Formula 409 onto soiled areas and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then scrub with a sponge or scrubbing pad, using steel wool on really sticky messes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a cloth.
4. Clean doors and frames – Mix dish soap with warm water in a bucket or spray bottle. Dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe down the entire cabinet exterior, including doors, frames, sides, and bottom trim. Rinse with a wet cloth.
5. Remove stains – Use a baking soda paste, vinegar solution, or special stain remover to tackle any stubborn stains on the cabinets. Let it sit before scrubbing and rinsing.
6. Sanitize surfaces – Wipe down all cabinet exteriors using a disinfectant cleaner or bleach solution. This will kill bacteria and leave a freshly sanitized surface.
7. Dry and polish – Wipe the cabinets thoroughly dry with a clean towel. Use a high quality cabinet polish and buff the exterior with a soft cloth to restore shine.

Cabinet Interior Cleaning

1. Remove all contents – Take everything out of the cabinet interiors, including shelves, drawers, and hardware.
2. Clean shelves and drawers – Wash removable parts in warm soapy water using a sponge or soft brush. Rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing in cabinets.
3. Vacuum interior surfaces – Use the brush or crevice attachment of your vacuum to remove crumbs and buildup inside the empty cabinets.
4. Wash interior surfaces – Mix dish soap with warm water and use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the cabinet walls, floors, ceilings, and inside of doors. Rinse thoroughly after washing.
5. Sanitize with disinfectant – Spray a disinfectant cleaner onto all interior surfaces. Allow it to sit according to product instructions, then wipe dry with a cloth.
6. Deodorize – Place bowls of baking soda in the cabinet interiors to absorb odors overnight before replacing shelf contents.
7. Air dry completely – Leave cabinet doors open overnight to ensure no moisture is trapped inside before replacing contents.

Additional Tips

• When cleaning cabinet hardware like knobs and hinges, use a soft toothbrush and mild cleaner.
• For hard water stains, try removing them with white vinegar.
• Avoid using harsh abrasives that can scratch the cabinet finish.
• Work in sections, fully cleaning one cabinet at a time from top to bottom.
• Set aside a full day for the project, as thorough cleaning requires time.
• Enlist someone to help for cleaning high or hard to reach areas.
• Prevent future buildup by wiping spills right away and regularly dusting.

FAQs About Cleaning White Metal Kitchen Cabinets

How often should I clean my white metal kitchen cabinets?

• For light cleaning, wipe down exterior surfaces about once a week. Do a thorough interior and exterior deep clean every 2 to 3 months.

What is the safest way to clean around cabinet hardware?

• Dampen a soft toothbrush with mild dish soap and gently scrub cabinet hardware like hinges and knobs. Avoid harsh chemicals.

What is the best way to clean tough grease stains?

• Degreasing cleaners or solutions work best to break down tough grease. Spray or apply to the area, allow to sit for 5 minutes, then scrub with steel wool before rinsing.

How can I sanitize the cabinet interiors?

• Mix 1/4 cup bleach into 1 gallon of water for a sanitizing solution. Spray or wipe onto interior surfaces, allow to sit for 10 minutes, then wipe dry with a clean cloth.

How do I remove water stains inside my cabinets?

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray onto the stain, allow to sit for 15 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

What is the safest way to clean cabinet exteriors?

• Use a mild dish soap and lukewarm water solution applied to a soft sponge or cloth. Scrub gently and wipe cabinets down thoroughly after washing. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Should I use different cleaners for metal versus wood cabinets?

• Yes, wood cabinets require more gentle cleaners to avoid damaging the finish. Harsher degreasers and chemicals are fine for durable metal cabinet exteriors.

What kind of polish works best on metal kitchen cabinets?

• Seek out a high quality polish specifically made for metal cabinets and appliances. Apply only a thin coat with a soft cloth and buff to shine.

How can I make my cabinets shine like new again?

• A thorough deep cleaning of both interior and exterior surfaces followed by polishing with a wax protectant will help restore the original shine and luster.

What cleaning solutions should be avoided?

• Avoid abrasive cleansers, scouring powders, steel wool pads, and alkaline chemicals like bleach or ammonia, as these can damage metal cabinet finishes.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning your white metal kitchen cabinets using proper techniques and solutions helps maintain their beauty and function. While it takes some time and effort, the results are well worth it. Following the steps outlined above will allow you to tackle even heavily soiled cabinets. Be sure to work in sections, use the appropriate cleaners for each surface, and polish for maximum shine. Keep these tips in mind to preserve your white metal kitchen cabinets for years of service. With the right care, they can continue looking fresh and clean.