Best Cleaner for Cabinets Before Painting

If you’re planning to paint your cabinets to give them a fresh, new look, preparation is key. One of the most important steps in the process is cleaning the surfaces thoroughly before painting. Clean cabinets allow the paint to adhere properly, leading to a smoother, more durable finish. Choosing the right cleaner is essential for this step, as not all cleaning products are suitable for the job.

We’ll discuss the best cleaners for cabinets before painting, why it’s important to clean them properly, and how to ensure your cabinets are ready for a flawless coat of paint.

Why Cleaning Cabinets Before Painting is Crucial

Cleaning cabinets before painting may seem like an extra task, but it’s one that shouldn’t be skipped. Here’s why cleaning is essential:

1. Removes Dirt, Grease, and Oils: Cabinets, especially those in kitchens, accumulate grease, oils, fingerprints, and food residue. These contaminants can prevent paint from sticking properly, leading to streaks, peeling, and uneven coverage.
2. Prepares the Surface: Cleaning ensures that the surface is smooth and free of debris. This makes it easier for the paint to adhere, and helps to achieve a more professional-looking finish.
3. Prevents Paint Issues: If cabinets are not properly cleaned, trapped grease and grime can cause issues with the paint adhering, resulting in imperfections or peeling once the paint has dried.

Types of Cleaners for Cabinets Before Painting

There are several types of cleaners you can use to prep your cabinets before painting, each with specific benefits and characteristics. Below, we’ll explore the best options based on your needs and preferences.

1. TSP (Trisodium Phosphate)

Best For: Heavy-duty cleaning.

TSP, or Trisodium Phosphate, is a powerful cleaner commonly used for prepping surfaces before painting. It effectively removes grease, grime, dirt, and oils, making it one of the best choices for cabinets that have accumulated a lot of buildup over time. TSP also helps to degloss old paint, making it easier for new paint to adhere.

• Pros: Extremely effective at removing grease and grime, works well on cabinets with old paint or heavy buildup.
• Cons: Can be harsh, so it requires careful handling. You’ll need to wear gloves and protect your eyes when using it. It also needs to be rinsed off thoroughly.

How to Use:

1. Mix the TSP with warm water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe down the cabinets.
3. Rinse the surface with clean water to remove any residue.
4. Let the cabinets dry completely before painting.

2. Krud Kutter Kitchen Degreaser

Best For: Kitchen cabinets with grease buildup.

Krud Kutter is a trusted brand known for its effective cleaning products. Their Kitchen Degreaser is designed to remove grease, grime, and sticky residues, which makes it ideal for cabinets in kitchens. It’s a non-toxic, biodegradable solution that is safe for most cabinet finishes and requires no rinsing.

• Pros: Easy to use, no rinsing required, safe for most finishes, effective at removing grease.
• Cons: May require a second application on extremely greasy surfaces.

How to Use:

1. Spray the cleaner directly onto the cabinet surfaces.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down grease and grime.
3. Wipe with a clean cloth or sponge.
4. Let the cabinets dry before painting.

3. Magic Eraser (Mr. Clean)

Best For: Quick touch-ups and light cleaning.

If you’re looking for an easy, no-mess solution, the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a convenient tool for cleaning cabinets. It works wonders on minor stains, scuffs, and surface dirt. While not as powerful as TSP or specialized degreasers, it’s an excellent option for quick, light cleaning and touch-ups before painting.

• Pros: Easy to use, no need for a cleaning solution, works well on small stains.
• Cons: Not as effective for heavy grease or buildup.

How to Use:

1. Wet the Magic Eraser with water.
2. Gently scrub the cabinet surfaces to remove dirt and stains.
3. Wipe down with a clean, dry cloth.
4. Let the cabinets dry completely before painting.

4. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner

Best For: Eco-friendly and versatile cleaning.

Simple Green is a popular, non-toxic cleaner that works well on various surfaces, including wood, laminate, and metal. It’s a safe option for those looking for an eco-friendly cleaner that won’t harm the environment or the finish of their cabinets. Simple Green is great for removing dirt, oils, and general grime.

• Pros: Non-toxic, eco-friendly, versatile, works well for regular cleaning.
• Cons: May require a bit more effort on heavy grease buildup.

How to Use:

1. Dilute Simple Green with water according to the directions on the bottle.
2. Use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the cabinet surfaces.
3. Rinse with clean water if necessary.
4. Allow the cabinets to dry completely before painting.

5. Zep Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser

Best For: Cleaning greasy or sticky cabinets in high-use areas.

Zep Citrus Degreaser is a professional-strength cleaner designed to tackle tough grease and grime. The citrus-based formula is not only effective but also has a pleasant scent, making it ideal for kitchens or areas where grease buildup is common. It’s gentle on cabinet finishes but tough on oil and grease.

• Pros: Strong degreasing power, pleasant citrus scent, safe for most surfaces.
• Cons: Might require multiple applications for heavily soiled cabinets.

How to Use:

1. Apply the citrus degreaser directly to the cabinets.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down grease and grime.
3. Wipe away with a clean cloth.
4. Let the cabinets dry thoroughly before painting.

6. Orange Glo Cabinet Cleaner

Best For: Gentle cleaning and polishing.

Orange Glo Cabinet Cleaner is a popular cleaner for those who want a gentle yet effective product. It works well for removing everyday dirt, dust, and minor grease. While it might not be as powerful as other cleaners, it’s a great option for light cleaning and adds a nice shine to your cabinets.

• Pros: Gentle on surfaces, leaves a nice shine, pleasant scent.
• Cons: Not ideal for heavy grease or deep cleaning.

How to Use:

1. Spray the cleaner onto a cloth.
2. Wipe down the cabinet surfaces to remove dirt and dust.
3. Buff the surface if desired to add shine.
4. Let the cabinets dry completely before painting.

How to Clean Cabinets Before Painting

Regardless of which cleaner you choose, the process of cleaning your cabinets before painting follows a few key steps:

Step 1: Remove Hardware and Doors

Take off the cabinet doors, handles, knobs, and hinges. This ensures that every part of the cabinet is cleaned properly and prevents any damage to the hardware during the cleaning process.

Step 2: Clean the Cabinet Surfaces

Choose your cleaner and use it to wipe down the cabinet surfaces. Pay special attention to areas where grease or sticky residue has built up, like around the handles or stove area.

Step 3: Rinse (If Necessary)

If you’re using a cleaner like TSP or a degreaser that requires rinsing, make sure to wash the cabinets with clean water to remove any residue. This ensures that no cleaning product will interfere with the paint’s adhesion.

Step 4: Dry Completely

After cleaning, wipe down the surfaces with a dry cloth and allow the cabinets to dry completely. Any moisture left behind can affect the paint’s ability to stick.

Step 5: Sand (If Needed)

If the cabinets have any old paint or a glossy finish, lightly sand the surface to create a rough texture that helps the new paint adhere better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I really need to clean my cabinets before painting?

Yes, cleaning your cabinets ensures that the paint will adhere properly, resulting in a smoother and more durable finish. It also removes any oils, grease, and dirt that can interfere with the paint job.

2. Can I use a regular household cleaner to clean my cabinets?

Regular household cleaners may not be strong enough to remove oils and grease. It’s best to use a degreaser or a cleaner specifically designed for prepping surfaces before painting.

3. Can I skip sanding if I use a good cleaner?

While cleaning helps, sanding is also necessary to create a surface that will hold the paint well. Sanding helps the paint adhere better and creates a more even finish.

4. Is it safe to use TSP on wooden cabinets?

TSP is effective on most surfaces, but it can be harsh on wood. If you’re concerned about damaging your cabinets, you may want to test it on a small area first, or use a milder degreaser.

5. How long should I wait after cleaning before painting?

Make sure the cabinets are completely dry before painting. This usually takes a few hours, depending on the cleaner used and environmental conditions.

Conclusion

Properly cleaning your cabinets before painting is an essential step in achieving a flawless, long-lasting finish. The best cleaners for this task—such as TSP, Krud Kutter, and Zep Citrus Degreaser—are effective at removing grease, grime, and other residues that can prevent paint from adhering. By following the right cleaning and prepping steps, your cabinets will be primed and ready for a beautiful transformation!