Do you know how to clean kitchen cabinets before painting them? 

I’m sure the answer is “NO”. So that you are here to check out the queries.

Hello friends! Welcome again to my cleaning care kits. If your cabinets are looking a little tired and worn, give them a new lease on life with a fresh coat of paint. Although there are plenty of ways to do it, cleaning the cabinet before painting can be a real pain.

Moreover, there are many different types of paints available, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. It is also important to be accurate in painting, as even a small mistake can result in a disaster. 

In this article, we will go through the best way to clean cabinets before painting, based on our own experience and the experience of others.

Do you need to clean kitchen cabinets before painting?

Regarding painting, some people choose to clean the cabinets first, while others do not. It depends on what kind of paint you are using and how dirty the cabinets are.

However, it is always a good idea to clean the cabinet surface before painting to avoid any dirt or dust from getting on the paint. If the cabinets have any kind of finish on them, such as a sealant or wax, you should remove it before painting.

So, if you ask me, do you need to clean kitchen cabinets before painting?

My answer is “YES”, It’s needed.

Why clean kitchen cabinets before painting?

Cleaning kitchen cabinets before painting can be a big help in getting the job done quickly without any mess. Not only it will make the surface look cleaner, but also any oils or food that was on the cabinets will be removed and won’t end up on the walls or paint.

Read Also: How to Make Painted Cabinets Shine?

If you choose to clean the cabinets, be sure to use a mild detergent and water-based cleaner.

What is needed to clean kitchen cabinets before painting them?

We have been using a few products over the past few years and they have all been great. Furthermore, we have never had any issues with any one of them and they always work as expected. 

  • TSP or Trisodium Phosphate
  • Krud Kutter degreaser and cleaner
  • 3M scotch Brite pads
  • Protective rubber gloves
  • Eye protection
  • Use a scotch bright pad to scrub the cabinets with the TSP.
  • Soft Cloth

Tip: We would recommend these products to others and would not hesitate to use them ourselves in the future. 

How to clean kitchen cabinets before painting: Step-by-Step

Before painting your kitchen cabinets, it’s important to clean them. This will ensure that any dust or residue from the previous paint job doesn’t end up ruining your new paint job.

Use TSP or Trisodium Phosphate

There are a few different ways to clean kitchen cabinets before painting them. One method is to use TSP or Trisodium Phosphate. It is known as a powerful degreaser. TSP is perfect for cleaning any surface where grease and dirt are build-up, such as kitchen cabinets, countertops, or floors. 

How to apply it?

Very simple. All instructions are mentioned in the product body.

  • Step 1: Wear protective gloves and glass. 
  • Step 2: Mix TSP with hot water. It takes a minute to mix up. 
  • Step 3: Apply the mixer to the cabinet surface and scrub with the scotch bright pad. 
  • Step 4: Wash the cabinet with clean water and wipe it off with a clean soft cloth.

Use a Krud Kutter degreaser and cleaner

Another is to use a Krud Kutter degreaser and cleaner for cleaning kitchens.

  • Step 1: Spray in the cabinet surface until it is wet.
  • Step 2: Wear protective gloves and glass.
  • Step 3: Scrub with a 3M scotch pad.
  • Step 4: Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the dirt, stain, etc removed.
  • Step 5: Wipe the surface with a soft cloth.

Use household materials

If you want to clean your cabinets before painting them with household materials, start by using a baking soda and water mixture. Wipe down the cabinets with a damp cloth followed by a dry one. Use a household cleaner on a scrub brush to clean any stains or spots that remain.

Finally, seal the cabinet surfaces with a clear coat of paint or varnish to protect them from future staining.

Does it matter what products I use to clean my cabinets?

Yes, it matter.

There are a variety of products available to clean your kitchen cabinets. Some people prefer to use cleaners that are safe for their cabinets, while others use harsher cleaners that can damage the finish.

It is important to choose the right cleaner for your cabinet and to use it properly to avoid damage.

Depending on the cabinet material and dirt types, cleaning products should select.

Cleaning tips for kitchen cabinets before painting

Cleaning kitchen cabinets before painting them is essential to avoid any potential problems. 

Here are some tips to help get the job done quickly and easily: 

1. There are various cleaning products available on the market that can be used for this purpose. So select carefully which one is suited for you.

2. Before going main cleaning action first wipe down the cabinets with a dry cloth to remove any dust or particles.

3. Wash the cabinet doors and drawers with hot water and detergent.

4. Scrub off any residue with a cleaning product specifically designed for kitchens. 

5. Rinse off the cabinet surfaces with clean water and dry them off. 

6. Apply a new coat of paint if desired.

7. It is also important to use a neutral paint color if you plan on painting your cabinets after they have been cleaned.

FAQ about cleaning kitchen cabinets before painting

Can you clean cabinets with vinegar before painting?

Yes, you can clean cabinets with vinegar before painting. Vinegar is a great degreaser and it will remove any paint or dirt that may be on the cabinet. Just be sure to wear a mask and gloves when cleaning the cabinet, as vinegar can contain harmful chemicals.

Can you use Dawn dish soap to clean cabinets before painting?

If you’re just cleaning the cabinet surface, using dawn dish soap will work. However, if there are any grease or oil spots on the cabinet, you’ll need to use a cleaner specifically designed for painting cabinets.

What is the best degreaser for kitchen cabinets before painting?

It depends on the specific type of paint and surface condition of the cabinets. However, some popular degreasers that can be used to clean kitchen cabinets before painting include white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and rubbing alcohol.

Do I need to sand kitchen cabinets before painting?

It depends on the type of paint you are using and the condition of the cabinet. Some paints require sanding, while others can be painted over without sanding. It is always a good idea to test a small area first to see if the paint will adhere properly.

How do I prepare my kitchen cabinets before painting?

There are a few things you can do to prep your kitchen cabinets before painting. One is to sand the cabinets down to the wood using fine-grit sandpaper. This will remove any old paint and prepare the surface for a new coat of paint. You can also use a sealant to protect the wood from future water damage. Finally, you can use a primer to help the new paint stick to the cabinet.

Conclusion

Here I show 3 methods to clean kitchen cabinets before painting. It is not the only way, but the best way for sure. 

However, all of these methods should be effective in removing any built-up dirt and dust from the cabinet surfaces. So which method do you prefer?

Humam Yardan

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