Dirty, grimy kitchen cabinets aren’t just unattractive—they can make your entire kitchen look outdated and neglected. Constant exposure to steam, oil, and dust quickly turns into stubborn layers of grime, complicating your painting plans.
If you’re thinking about painting, skipping the cleaning step can lead to disappointing results like peeling or uneven finishes. Fortunately, you can avoid these problems.
If you’ve been wondering, how can I redo my kitchen cabinets without replacing them, the answer starts with proper cleaning. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to clean kitchen cabinets before painting them, so they’re paint-ready without the stress or high cost.
Why Cleaning Cabinets Before Painting Matters
Proper cleaning provides the foundation for a successful paint job. Here’s why:
- Improved Paint Adhesion: Grease and dirt prevent paint from sticking properly.
- Avoid Common Issues: Prevent peeling, bubbling, and uneven paint application.
- Professional Finish: Clean surfaces ensure a smoother, more attractive look.
What to Clean Kitchen Cabinets With
You don’t need expensive tools to clean effectively. Gather these essentials:
- Cleaning Solutions: Vinegar-water mix, mild dish soap (like Dawn), or commercial degreasers.
- Tools: Microfiber cloths, painter’s tape, soft sponges, scrub brushes, vacuum with brush attachment, optional drill brush.
- Safety Gear: Gloves, face mask, good ventilation.
- Floor Protection: Leak-proof drop cloth or floor protector.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting
Step 1: Preparation
- Empty cabinets and drawers.
- Protect floors with drop cloths.
- Wear gloves and a mask to handle fumes safely.
- Remove doors, drawers, and hardware (label hardware for easy reassembly).
- Inspect existing paint—remove peeling or flaking areas for a clean surface.
Step 2: Identify Your Cabinet Material
Proper cleaning depends on the material:
- How to clean oak kitchen cabinets: Use diluted dish soap, oil soap, or baking soda and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals and excess moisture.
- How to clean laminate kitchen cabinets: Mild soap and water or vinegar and baking soda with a soft cloth.
- How to clean painted kitchen cabinets: Mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid abrasive sponges or acidic cleaners to protect the finish.
Step 3: Initial Dusting and Vacuuming
Remove dust and debris using a vacuum with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. This prevents dirt from becoming sludge during wet cleaning.
Step 4: Cleaning Grease and Grime
- Choose a natural or commercial degreaser. Effective options include Krud Kutter, Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser, Murphy’s Oil Soap, or Dawn dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water.
- Lightly spray cleaner onto a soft cloth, avoiding direct saturation on cabinet surfaces.
- Scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush or microfiber cloth. For tough grime, apply baking soda.
- Wipe surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth to remove residue.
- Let cabinets dry completely to ensure proper paint adhesion.
Important: Avoid excessive water on wood cabinets to prevent warping.
Step 5: Deep Cleaning
If you’re dealing with stubborn grime or sticky residue, deep cleaning your cabinets might require additional effort. Steam cleaning is a powerful, chemical-free option that’s especially effective for sealed wood cabinets.
Always spot-test first on laminate or painted surfaces to ensure there’s no damage. Work from top to bottom, wiping grime away immediately with a microfiber cloth, and thoroughly dry cabinets afterward to prevent moisture-related issues.
Step 6: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Remove all cleaner residue using a slightly damp cloth. Follow with an absorbent towel to ensure cabinets are fully dry before painting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Cabinets for Painting
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or alcohol, as they damage cabinet finishes.
- Always rinse thoroughly—residue impacts paint adhesion.
- Never paint damp surfaces; this causes bubbling or cracking.
FAQs About Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting
What is the best thing to clean cabinets with before painting?
Mild dish soap (like Dawn) and warm water, or a trusted commercial degreaser.
How do I prepare my cabinets for painting?
Remove hardware, clean thoroughly, rinse well, and dry completely. Sand surfaces if needed.
Can I use Dawn to clean cabinets before painting?
Yes, Dawn dish soap diluted with warm water is excellent for removing grease and grime.
What is the best degreaser for kitchen cabinets?
Effective options include Krud Kutter, Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser, Murphy’s Oil Soap, or Dawn dish soap.
Final Thoughts Before Painting Your Cabinets
Every step in cleaning and prepping cabinets is critical for achieving professional results. If you’d rather leave the work to experienced professionals, count on Pro 1 Painters, the professional painters of Baldwin and Mobile counties, to transform your cabinets.
As expert kitchen cabinet painters our team will ensure your cabinets receive a high-quality finish tailored perfectly to your home. Count on us to assist you with color selection and the perfect finish.
Ready for a refreshed kitchen? Call us at (251) 621-1100 or request a free in-home estimate online today!
