Kitchen cabinets, especially older metal ones, can accumulate a surprising amount of dirt, grease and grime over time. While it’s easy to wipe down exposed surfaces, the areas pushed up against the wall tend to get neglected. Pulling cabinets away from the wall periodically provides the opportunity to give them a deep clean. With some preparation and a few simple tools, you can easily pull out old metal kitchen cabinets for a thorough cleaning.
Supplies Needed
- Flashlight or headlamp – to see behind cabinets
- Vacuum cleaner – to pick up dust and debris
- Broom or duster – to sweep areas once cabinets are moved
- All-purpose cleaner & rags – for washing cabinet surfaces
- Rubber gloves – to protect hands while cleaning
- Pry bar or painters tool – to gently ease cabinets off wall
- Blocks of wood or furniture sliders – to prop up cabinets while cleaning
Preparation
Before pulling cabinets out, take some preparatory steps:
- Remove cabinet doors – Detach all doors and set aside carefully to prevent scratches. This gives better access behind cabinets.
- Empty cabinet interiors – Take everything out of inside cabinets and drawers to make lighter for moving.
- Unplug appliances – Unplug refrigerator, dishwasher etc so cords aren’t stretched or damaged during process.
- Clear a workspace – Have an open, uncluttered area in the kitchen to pull cabinets into. Move any furniture or rugs that may obstruct.
- Have help – Get an extra pair of hands to assist in pulling cabinets out safely. Even small metal cabinets can be bulky and awkward.
Pulling Out Cabinets
When ready, use the following steps to gently ease cabinets off the wall:
- Shine flashlight behind cabinet to see connecting points. Look for nails, screws or trim attaching to wall.
- Insert flat pry bar behind cabinet at one of upper corners. Gentle prying pressure should pop cabinet off wall mounts. Take care not to pry too aggressively.
- Place blocks of wood or furniture sliders beneath freed corner of cabinet. This props it up once pulled out from wall.
- Slowly start pivoting entire cabinet outward while supporting weight. Have helper take part of weight as cabinet eases away from wall.
- Pull cabinet completely free of attachments and lower gently onto blocks of wood away from wall. Take care not to drop cabinet.
- Repeat process on adjacent cabinets, working through kitchen methodically.
- Once all cabinets are pulled out, you have full access behind them!
Cleaning Cabinets and Walls
Now the gritty deep cleaning work begins!
- Use vacuum crevice tool to pick up dust balls, pet hair and other debris kicked up from behind cabinets.
- Sweep up any remaining dirt or crumbs with broom. Can also use cloth to wipe down wall area.
- Mix all-purpose cleaner with water in spray bottle. Generously spray down exterior cabinet surfaces and let soak for several minutes.
- Scrub stubborn grease and grime deposits with non-abrasive scouring pad. Avoid anything too harsh that could scratch metal.
- Wipe down thoroughly with clean cloths to remove all residue. Repeat process on interiors and drawers.
- For stubborn grease, degreasing agents like Dawn dish soap, baking soda or ammonia can help cut through. Rinse thoroughly.
- Use vacuum crevice tool to clean dust that settled inside upper cabinets during process.
- Once cabinets are cleaned, give wall behind a good wipe down as well.
Moving Cabinets Back Into Place
Final steps are carefully moving cabinets back against the wall:
- Make sure wall area is cleaned and ready for cabinets to be pushed back against.
- Lift base of cabinet and pivot gently towards wall, lining up any mounting holes or hardware. May take some slight maneuvering.
- When in correct position, slide cabinet back firmly against wall. Confirm it is stable and anchored properly.
- Detach furniture sliders or blocks of wood used to prop up cabinets.
- Reattach any mounting screws or nails that were removed. Attach doors back onto cabinets as well.
- Repeat with remaining cabinets until kitchen is restored. Replace interior contents.
- Give cabinets one final wipedown and admire your sparkling clean kitchen!
Pulling kitchen cabinets from the wall takes some physical effort, but is incredibly worthwhile for a deep cleaning. Just work slowly and carefully. Thoroughly cleaning metal kitchen cabinets extends their life and keeps your kitchen looking its best. Enjoy the freshly sanitized cabinets!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pulling Out Kitchen Cabinets to Clean
Can I pull out cabinets without help or is it unsafe?
While possible to pull cabinets out alone, it is safest and easiest to have an extra pair of hands assisting. Even small metal cabinets can be awkward, unbalanced and surprisingly heavy. Trying to maneuver them by yourself risks damaging both the cabinets and your back!
How do I disconnect cabinets from the wall?
Look closely for any visible hardware mounting them like nails, screws or metal brackets. Usually a flat pry bar leveraged behind the cabinet can pop them free without too much force. Take care not to damage cabinets or wall.
What is the best way to prop up cabinets while cleaning?
Furniture sliders, pieces of wood, stacks of books or even cardboard can work well. Anything sturdy enough to hold cabinet’s weight while lifted off the ground. Adjust supports to keep cabinet level while out.
What cleaning solutions work best?
All-purpose cleaner diluted with water can handle most messes. For super-greasy cabinets, degreasers like dish soap, baking soda or ammonia will cut through oil. Mild scrub pads also help scour off sticky deposits without damaging finishes.
How often should I pull out kitchen cabinets to clean?
Annually is ideal, but even every 2-3 years helps. Grease and dirt accumulate quickly! For frequently used cabinets near the stove or with messy cooks, doing this cleanout every 6 months keeps grime in check.
Is there an easier way to clean behind cabinets?
If unable to pull them out fully, use crevice tools and long dusters to reach behind as best as possible. Or install cabinets a few inches from the wall to make back areas more accessible for cleaning in the future.
Conclusion
Pulling kitchen cabinets from walls for a thorough cleaning may feel like a daunting task, but is actually quite straightforward with some preparation. Follow these steps to safely detach old metal cabinets, prop them up off the ground, clean all surfaces and then reinstall them tightly against the wall. The freshly scrubbed cabinets will look like new again! Just take your time and get help to avoid injury or damage. Your sparkling clean kitchen will be worth the effort.