How To Clean Sticky Wood Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting

How to Clean Sticky Wood Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting

Before you start painting your kitchen cabinets, it's important to clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or grease that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Sticky wood cabinets are especially difficult to clean, but with the right tools and techniques, you can get them sparkling clean in no time.

Materials You'll Need

Warm water
Dish soap
White vinegar
TSP (trisodium phosphate)
Soft cloths
Sponge
Scrub brush
Bucket

Steps for Cleaning Sticky Wood Kitchen Cabinets

1. Remove all hardware

Before you start cleaning, remove all of the hardware from the cabinets, including knobs, handles, and hinges. This will make it easier to clean the cabinets thoroughly and avoid getting any cleaner on the hardware.

2. Wipe down the cabinets with a damp cloth

Start by wiping down the cabinets with a damp cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris. Be sure to wring out the cloth well so that you don't leave any water on the cabinets.

3. Create a cleaning solution

In a bucket, mix together warm water, dish soap, and white vinegar. The proportions will depend on how dirty the cabinets are. If they are very sticky, you may need to use more dish soap or vinegar. Stir the solution until it is well mixed.

4. Apply the cleaning solution to the cabinets

Use a sponge or soft cloth to apply the cleaning solution to the cabinets. Be sure to work in small sections so that the solution doesn't have time to dry. Scrub the cabinets gently with the sponge or cloth to remove any dirt or grime.

5. Rinse the cabinets with clean water

Once you have scrubbed the cabinets, rinse them with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Wring out the cloth well so that you don't leave any water on the cabinets.

6. Dry the cabinets

Use a clean, soft cloth to dry the cabinets. Be sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent any water damage.

7. Degrease the cabinets

If the cabinets are still sticky after cleaning, you may need to degrease them. To do this, mix together TSP and water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply the degreasing solution to the cabinets and scrub them gently with a sponge or cloth. Rinse the cabinets with clean water and dry them thoroughly.

8. Reattach the hardware

Once the cabinets are clean and dry, you can reattach the hardware. Be sure to tighten the screws securely so that the hardware doesn't come loose.

Tips for Cleaning Sticky Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the cabinet before applying it to the entire surface. This will help you ensure that the solution doesn't damage the finish.
Don't use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on wood cabinets, as these can damage the finish.
If the cabinets are very sticky, you may need to let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing them.
Be sure to rinse the cabinets thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
Dry the cabinets thoroughly to prevent any water damage.