Keeping your metal kitchen cabinets looking like new requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Certain cleaners and techniques work best for removing grease, dirt, and buildup from metal cabinetry without causing damage. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know to properly clean metal kitchen cabinets.
Why It’s Important to Clean Metal Kitchen Cabinets
Maintaining clean metal cabinets is essential for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Here’s why you should make cleaning them a regular chore:
- Enhance Appearance – Grease, dirt, dust, and grime can all dull and discolor metal over time. Frequent cleaning keeps metal looking shiny and new.
- Remove Bacteria – Food particles, grease, and spills left on cabinets breed harmful bacteria. Cleaning kills germs and promotes kitchen hygiene.
- Avoid Damage – Built-up grime wears down metal finishes. Cleaning preserves the cabinets and prevents permanent damage.
- Improve Function – Dirty cabinets with greasy residue can become sticky and difficult to open. Clean cabinets function smoothly.
- Maintain Value – A clean, well-maintained kitchen adds value to your home. Keeping cabinets looking pristine improves resale value.
Regular cleaning is essential for attractive, sanitary, smoothly functioning metal kitchen cabinets. Even if the cabinets don’t look dirty, regular cleaning prevents buildup and damage.
How Often You Should Clean Metal Kitchen Cabinets
Most experts recommend a deep clean of kitchen cabinet interiors once or twice a year. The exteriors require more frequent cleaning:
- Daily – Quick wipe-downs to remove dust, grease splatters, fingerprints, etc.
- Weekly – Thorough clean of doors, frames, and exposed surfaces.
- Monthly – Clean cabinet interiors and shelves.
- Every 6 months – Deep clean all surfaces and hardware.
- Yearly – Clean and reseal unfinished metal cabinets.
Clean high-use cabinets around the stove and sink more frequently. Adjust cleaning schedules based on use, traffic, and the general cleanliness of your kitchen.
What Type of Metal Are Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Metal kitchen cabinets are commonly made from:
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Galvanized steel
- Chrome
- Copper
The metal type dictates which cleaners and techniques you can use without damaging the finish. Examine your cabinets closely to determine the metal type before cleaning. Unfinished metals like stainless steel also require sealing to prevent corrosion.
Supplies You’ll Need
Assembling the right gear makes cleaning metal cabinets much easier. Stock your supplies so they’re ready when it’s time to clean.
Cleaning Tools
- Soft cloths – For applying cleaners and buffing.
- Sponges – For scrubbing stubborn grime. Avoid abrasive sponges.
- Microfiber cloths – For an extra polish without chemicals. Great for stainless steel.
- Old toothbrush – For cleaning in crevices and hardware.
- Vacuum brush attachment – For removing dust and debris.
- Duster – To attract dust before wiping down.
Cleaners
All-purpose kitchen cleaners work well for routine cleaning. For a deeper periodic clean, have these ready:
- Glass cleaner – Ammonia-free types shine metal beautifully.
- Stainless steel polish/cleaner – Formulated specifically for stainless steel.
- Aluminum cleaner – Designed for soft aluminum – prevents pitting.
- Tarn-X – Removes tarnish from chrome and copper finishes.
- Mineral spirits – For unfinished metal cabinets.
Avoid acidic, alkaline, and abrasive cleaners that could etch or scratch certain metal finishes.
Additional Supplies
- Gloves – For protection when using strong cleaners.
- Painters tape – For isolating hardware during polishing.
- Sealant – For sealing unfinished stainless steel or copper.
- Furniture wax – Optional, adds extra shine.
Assemble all the items you’ll need before tackling your metal cabinets for efficient cleaning sessions.
How to Clean Metal Kitchen Cabinets
With the right supplies ready, it’s time to get cleaning. Follow these steps for sparkling metal cabinets:
1. Remove Surface Items
Before cleaning, take everything out of the cabinets – dishes, food, shelf liners, etc. This gives you full access to all surfaces. Removing items also prevents chemical contamination.
2. Dust Surfaces
Use a duster or vacuum attachment to remove any dust and debris from the cabinet exteriors and interiors. This prepares the metal for wet cleaning.
3. Make a Cleaner Solution
Check the metal type and choose an appropriate cleaner. Make a solution by diluting concentrate with water according to package directions. Never use abrasive cleaners or anything acidic or alkaline on metal.
4. Wash and Rinse Cabinets
Dip a soft cloth in the cleaner solution and wipe down all surfaces – fronts, sides, backs, undersides, and interiors. Scrub gently with a sponge for stuck-on grime. Take extra time on fingerprinted and greasy areas around knobs and pulls. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
5. Dry and Buff Away Water Spots
Dry the cabinets well with a fresh soft cloth. Buffing as you dry helps prevent water spots. Pay special attention to chrome hardware which is prone to spotting.
6. Touch Up Chrome Hardware
Use painters tape to isolate and protect hardware. Apply a small amount of stainless steel or chrome polish and buff hardware pieces to restored shine. Remove tape promptly.
7. Replace Items and Enjoy
Put everything back into your freshly cleaned cabinets. Admire their revived shine and sanitized surfaces. Enjoy a job well done.
Detailed Cleaning Steps by Metal Type
Certain metals have specific cleaning requirements. Here are more detailed steps for the most common cabinet materials:
Stainless Steel Cabinets
Stainless requires non-abrasive cleaning and protective sealing:
- Mix vinegar and water solution – cleans and disinfects.
- Rub solution in direction of grain to avoid scratches.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Apply stainless steel sealant/polish. Buff lightly with microfiber cloth.
- Increase humidity around stainless. Dry air causes water spots.
Aluminum Cabinets
Use specially formulated aluminum cleaners and gentle scrubbing:
- Dilute aluminum cleaner concentrate with warm water.
- Apply foam cleaner and allow to penetrate grime for 2-3 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft brush or sponge. Avoid abrasives.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.
- Seal unfinished aluminum with an oxide-inhibiting sealant.
Galvanized Steel Cabinets
Remove grease buildup for galvanized steel:
- Clean with a degreasing dish soap and water solution.
- Scrub gently with a plastic-bristle brush.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Avoid abrasive pads or acidic cleaners which remove galvanized coating.
Chrome Cabinets
Use polish and avoid liquid cleaners which cause spotting:
- Wipe down with dry microfiber cloth to remove dust.
- Apply small amount of chrome polish to a cloth. Rub gently until shine is restored.
- Buff dry immediately with a clean soft cloth. Don’t let liquid cleaners touch chrome.
Copper Cabinets
Special cleaners prevent corrosion and scratches:
- Dust first, then apply a copper cleaner and polish.
- Rub gently in direction of grain with soft cloth.
- Rinse residue and dry thoroughly.
- Coat unfinished copper with sealant to inhibit corrosion.
Follow material-specific methods to safely clean different cabinet metals and maintain their finishes.
Tips for Cleaning Metal Cabinets Like a Pro
With the right techniques, supplies, and some elbow grease, you can get professional-looking results cleaning your metal kitchen cabinets. Follow these tips and tricks for a foolproof metal cabinet cleaning process:
- Always scrub gently in the direction of the grain – less risk of scratching.
- Work in sections for systematic cleaning – upper cabinets, then lowers, then interiors.
- Dry metal as you clean to prevent water spots and streaks especially on stainless steel and chrome.
- Use painters tape to protect hardware and isolate sections while polishing.
- Give extra attention to handles, pulls, and knobs where grime buildup occurs.
- Seal or reseal unfinished metals like stainless steel yearly to prevent corrosion.
- Dust first before wet cleaning so you don’t just spread grease around.
- Work cleaner into stuck-on grime spots first, let it penetrate, then scrub gently.
- Replace dingy metal cabinet door dampers/bumpers to refresh the look.
- Clean and polish your metal sink at the same time for an overall gleaming look.
With practice, you’ll get your metal cleaning techniques dialed in for smooth, quick cabinet cleaning sessions. Maintain the system for a permanently gorgeous metal kitchen.
Cleaning Metal Kitchen Cabinets: Common Questions
Cleaning and caring for metal cabinets comes with plenty of questions. Here are answers to some common queries:
How do you get grease off metal kitchen cabinets?
Grease is one of the toughest grime issues for kitchen cabinets. Use hot, soapy water or a degreasing cleaner to break down and dissolve greasy residue. Let it soak in for 2-3 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. Repeat if needed for heavy buildup.
What removes tarnish from kitchen cabinets?
For chrome or copper cabinet tarnish, use a specialty metal polish made to remove oxidation and restore shine. Prevent future tarnish by sealing unfinished metals.
Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean kitchen cabinets?
Yes, rubbing alcohol effectively cleans and disinfects most cabinet materials including metal. Dilute with water and wipe on with a soft cloth. Avoid getting near cabinet linings or edges.
What kitchen cabinet cleaner has the least fumes?
For low-odor cleaning, use a diluted vinegar, Dawn dish soap, or hydrogen peroxide solution. Open windows and use fans to keep the air circulating.
How do you shine up dull metal cabinets?
Use a gentle metal polish cream and buff with a microfiber cloth to restore shine. Avoid liquid sprays which can seep into seams and leave residue. Reseal unfinished metals annually.
Why do my stainless steel cabinets look bronze?
Bronze discoloration on stainless is likely iron contamination. Remove it by cleaning with a stainless steel cleaner containing oxalic or phosphoric acid. Always rub with grain.
Regular, thorough cleaning keeps metal cabinets looking pristine and removes grime before it leads to permanent damage. Follow these steps and tips for sparkling results.
Conclusion
Cleaning metal kitchen cabinets doesn’t require special skills, but using the proper methods and supplies can make the job much smoother. Always identify your specific type of metal and use the cleaning approach designed for that material. Stay gentle but thorough, work methodically, and remember that consistency is key.
Small effort pays off in the long run – regularly cleaned metal cabinets maintain their gorgeous factory shine for years before requiring refinishing. Implement a frequent wiping and deep cleaning schedule based on your cabinets’ usage and condition. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your metal cabinetry looking freshly installed and fingerprint-free.
Maintaining the cleanliness of metal kitchen cabinets enhances your home’s aesthetic, eliminates grease and bacteria, and protects the cabinets from damage. Make cabinet cleaning an ongoing priority and you’ll reap the visual and practical rewards for the lifetime of your kitchen. Achieve stainless steel brilliance, aluminum gleam, and chrome sparkle with the comprehensive cleaning know-how in this article.