Modern Kitchen Design

Tips for cleaning an old kitchen cabinets

For many years used kitchen cabinets to take food, heat, the fat and build more. Although it might seem easier to leave cabinet doors attached to clean, taking time to the doors allows easier access to long term, although it is advisable that the number of doors to keep what, where. There are many cleaners on the market, but Trisodium, known as TSP, has a wide experience as a heavy cleaner and degreaser.

After cleaning and cabinet doors pages, the hardware is also a good soak. Remove the hinges and drawer pulls, and let them sit in a good soapy water mix for 30 minutes. By denying them a light scrub and polish, they can look brand new. If the kitchen needs some updates, changing the hinges and handles or moves into cabinets is cheap, and can dramatically change the look of a kitchen.
For those looking to make a major change, and spend a greater amount of time in their cabinets, it may also refinished. Before varnishing, it is still advisable to clean the wood thoroughly as they could embed grinding dirt and grime even further without a proper cleaning.

To remove old stain or paint, the easiest way is with a chemical, or paint, stripper. By following the directions of the stripper, the chemicals end up doing most of the work, and the old stain should easily peel away. After the stripping is done, it’s time to sand.

Starting with 120 grit sandpaper should help remove any of the old paint or stain left behind by the stripper. Afterwards, smooth out the wood with 220 grit sandpaper. After the cabinet is properly sanded, apply a primer if painting, or a sanding sealer if staining (which works much like primer, allowing stain to absorb evenly). Once the paint or stain is applied to the cabinets, add a final finish, such as varnish or lacquer to protect the wood. Water-based polyurethanes also do a great job, and are environmentally friendly.

To clean sluggish drains, pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar and cover the drain. Let this mixture foam for a few minutes, then pour 8 cups of boiling water down the drain. to flush it. Do not use this combination after using any commercial drain opener or cleaner.

Do not use anything other than Ivory liquid dish soap on marble. Harsher cleansers will damage the surface. Always dry marble to prevent water spots from leaving their signature mark. Marble stains easily so wipe spills immediately. Do not use vinegar or orange based cleaners to clean marble. The acid in them will damage the surface. Peroxide is safe for stain removal.