Nothing beats the satisfaction of cooking in a clean and organized space. Among the various surfaces in your kitchen, cleaning the stove hood and cabinets around it may not be at the top of your to-do list. However, the area around your stove tends to accumulate grease, grime, and stubborn stains over time. By cleaning this area regularly, you don’t just enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen; you also prolong the life of your cabinets.
Cabinet cleaning can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. In this helpful guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to achieve a spotless and gleaming kitchen, restoring its status as the heart of your home.
Materials Needed for Cabinet Cleaning
Before beginning the cabinet cleaning process, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials:
- Mild dish soap
- All-purpose cleaner
- Warm water
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Non-abrasive scrub brush
- Microfiber or soft cloth
- Bucket
- Protective gloves
- Old toothbrush
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Start by removing any items from the cabinets and countertops near the stove to ensure you have easy access to the surfaces that need to be cleaned, and nothing will get in your way. It’s also a good idea to place old towels or a drop cloth on the floor to catch any drips or spills.
Step 2: Remove Grease from the Hood and Cabinets
The next step in the cabinet cleaning process is to mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a bucket. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and wring out any excess liquid. Make sure you’re not using any abrasive tools, as these can damage the finish on your hood and cabinets.
Use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the exterior surfaces of the hood and cabinets, paying extra attention to areas with visible grease buildup. The vinegar’s acidity will help to break down the grease, leaving your kitchen sparkling clean; however, you may want to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from irritation.
Step 3: Tackle Stubborn Stains
As you continue on your cabinet cleaning journey, you’re likely to encounter some especially stubborn stains. To tackle them, mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste, then apply the paste to the stains and let it sit for about half an hour. The baking soda will help break down tough stains without damaging the cabinet finish. Before wiping off the paste with a damp cloth, you can gently scrub it into the stains with a non-abrasive sponge or old toothbrush.
Step 4: Clean the Hood Filters
While you’re waiting for the baking soda mixture to work its cabinet cleaning magic, it’s the perfect time to clean your stove hood filters. Over time, these filters can accumulate a significant amount of grease and grime, making them less effective. To clean the filters, remove them from the hood, then soak them in a mixture of warm water and a bit of mild dish soap. Allow them to sit for about 15–20 minutes.
Once the tough grease has had the chance to loosen up, you can gently scrub the filters with a non-abrasive brush or an old toothbrush to remove any remaining residue. Rinse the filters thoroughly to ensure they’re sparkling clean, and let them air dry completely before reattaching them to the hood.
Step 5: Disinfect and Deodorize
Since your kitchen is where you prepare and eat your food, it needs to be a sanitary environment. To disinfect surfaces, use an all-purpose cleaner. This step is especially important for the area around the stove, where bacteria often thrive. For a fresh and welcoming aroma, consider adding a few drops of essential oil to the cleaner.
Step 6: Interior Cabinet Cleaning
The cabinet cleaning process doesn’t just extend to exterior surfaces — take this opportunity to clean the inside of your cabinets, as well. Remove all items from the cabinet and wipe down the shelves with a mixture of dish soap and water. If there are any persistent odors, you can place an open box of baking soda inside the cabinet to ensure it smells fresh.
This is the perfect opportunity to organize your cabinets and make sure everything is in its proper place. For kitchen organization tips, check out these past blog posts:
- 7 Creative Ideas to Store Your Pots and Pans
- Understanding Cabinet Accessories
- Tips for Decluttering Your Home
- How Organization Can Improve Your Life
- Storage Ideas for the Kitchen
Protect Your Investment
Custom cabinets from Out of the Woods are an investment in the value of your home and the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. A clean, well-maintained kitchen is the perfect backdrop for creating memories with your loved ones, and regular cabinet cleaning is key to achieving this. By following these steps, you can protect your investment and keep your kitchen looking pristine and inviting for years to come. Remember, a little effort goes a long way in creating a clean, welcoming, and safe space for you and your family.
