Intro and cleaning cabinets question

[cll1001]

Hi Everyone newbie here! I'm a sahm to my 16 month old daughter and I'm finally getting into a decent routine and trying to work on getting this house that we bought in 2011 to look and feel like home for us(on a pretty low budget). Looking forward to sharing ideas/experiences with all of you!

I believe our kitchen cabinets are as old as the house (25ish years) and while they're not in the worst shape ever they could use a good cleaning...specifically in all the cracks and crevices-there's quite a bit of grime built up in there. I tried using an old toothbrush and some dawn and warm water to start and it seemed to work a little but that route through the whole kitchen is going to take a looooong time lol! Just wondering if anyone here has any tips, tricks or products to recommend? TIA!

[tarheels]

Spot test Goo Gone. Worked well for me. But if they haven't been deep cleaned, it's going to take you a very long time. It took me about an hour to do the six upper cabinets I have...and my house is only 3 years old. (I never fry things, but a prior roommate did and getting that greasy film off the cabinets was a challenge.)

[pitterwoo]

I would probably do a deep cleaning with an amonia solution (with gloves and well ventilated).

[kaylie]

I think TSP is what you clean with before you paint them, so I assume that would be pretty good.

[tarheels]

Jan 20, 2013 15:40:54 GMT -5 kaylie said:

I think TSP is what you clean with before you paint them, so I assume that would be pretty good.

I think that'll strip the finish.

[Deleted]

Try a steam cleaner. They get into the cracks really well. Test it first to make sure it doesn't harm the surface and make sure you dry it well also.

[TBM]

I would try Murphy's oil soap with orange oil. Oil works really well to dissolve grease/oils.

[Deleted]

I would also Murphy's Oil Soap it. That stuff works so so well for me.
Otherwise, put a splash of vinegar in your dishsoap water...gets my cabinets super sparkly too.

[cll1001]

Jan 20, 2013 14:19:59 GMT -5 tarheels said:

Spot test Goo Gone. Worked well for me. But if they haven't been deep cleaned, it's going to take you a very long time. It took me about an hour to do the six upper cabinets I have...and my house is only 3 years old. (I never fry things, but a prior roommate did and getting that greasy film off the cabinets was a challenge.)

Thanks for all the responses! I actually have some goo gone here so I tried that with a nail brush and it's working great! (smells nice too!) I also used some old english on the spots that are worn/scratched and it's making them look so much nicer...I'm so excited that I found some options to make them look better without having to consider taking the time to refinish or paint. Thanks again!