As creators of custom cabinet and shelf systems, we are sometimes amazed at the fabulous ways people use their new storage systems. We also realize that these systems do not maintain themselves, regardless of how great they are. Garage cabinets periodically need to be cleaned and re-organized. Here are some ways to refresh your garage cabinets after you’ve owned them for a while.
CLEANING THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR GARAGE CABINETS
Prep your cabinets for cleaning
Dust off the surface prior to any cleaning product to remove debris and loose dirt. Dusters, a vacuum cleaner, or a clean microfiber cloth work well, too.
USE A SIMPLE SOLUTION FOR WIPING DOWN MOST CABINET TYPES
Painted wood, vinyl, laminate, and metal cabinets can all be cleaned with dish soap and water. Most finger smudges, dust, and grease buildup will be wiped away with a mild solution. If the grease or smudges don’t come off with simple soap and water, try an all-purpose cleaner. Pro tip: Test a small hidden spot prior to working all over your cabinets to ensure the cleaner doesn’t damage your beautiful cabinets. Certain wood cabinet exteriors should only be cleaned with proper wood cleaner.
Work your way down
Start at the top of the cabinets and work downward. This applies to most cleaning. Dust and dirt fall as you clean, so going top-down helps you catch messes as you go. Edges and sides need to be wiped and cleaned, too. Extra tough cabinets can be directly sprayed with a cleaning solution, but it’s better to use a cloth than to ruin the paint or coloring of your cabinets.
Rinse, rinse, rinse
Any water or cleaning product, even if it’s a little bit, can cause discoloration on cabinets if left there too long. Rinse thoroughly with a different clean cloth.
Clean glass carefully
Commercial glass cleaner is our go-to for any glass-faced cabinets. Remember to always spray the solution on a cloth first since it can damage wood or discolor the cabinet if it seeps.
Don’t miss the hardware
Knobs and cabinet door handles get the most direct touching when cabinets are opened and closed. These need to be disinfected and polished to keep the sanctity of your beautiful garage cabinets. Vinegar and water with a light scrubbing motion should do the trick. If you can’t remove the handles first, then take extra care when using any type of cleaning product around wood.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR OF YOUR GARAGE CABINETS
Empty the contents of each cabinet
Start with the highest one. Take out any old or icky shelf lining, if applicable. Crumbs and residue should be vacuumed or wipes out and the cabinet wiped down.
Wash and rinse the insides of the cabinets
Similar to the exterior, mild dish soap and warm water work well on the interiors of a garage cabinet. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth, and dry with a towel or cloth leaving no water behind to damage the surface of your cabinets.
Clean the contents of your garage cabinet
Wipe down anything that is dusty with a damp cloth. Throw away anything you don’t plan to use in the future. Thoroughly dry everything before putting them back into the cabinets. Keep garage cabinets open for a couple of hours to air dry them fully, and then put items back in their place.
GARAGE CABINET CLEANING TIPS:
- Only do one cabinet at a time. In case you’re called away suddenly your project will seem more manageable.
- DO NOT allow shelves to sit open. This invites dirt, debris, insects, rodents, even young children to find places to hide in your newly cleaned garage cabinets.
- Remove everything when you start to clean the interior. Save yourself from accidentally getting cleaning products or water on the contents and potentially damaging your cabinets.
When cleaning your garage cabinets, it’s easiest to take everything out, group it by its use (hobby, pool item, etc.) and then return it grouped back to the freshly cleaned cabinets. Some people organize things with a subset devoted to large items such as the ironing board, pool noodles, fishing poles, etc. but if you’re in a time crunch, just take one cabinet or shelf at a time. Most items can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth and mild dish soap if necessary. Lastly, always remember to let things dry before they go back into the cabinets to protect the cabinets from any potential damage.
Enjoy your clean and refreshed garage cabinets and let us know if you need any additional storage space for your garage.
Quick Response Garage Cabinets provides excellent and secure storage solutions and epoxy flooring for Phoenix area residential garage needs. Call (480) 470-9213 or book an appointment online today!