Quck answer
Metal cabinets are a popular choice for storage due to their durability and sleek appearance. To clean metal cabinets, follow these steps:
1. Remove all items from the cabinet and set them aside.
2. Wipe down the cabinet surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any loose dirt or dust.
3. Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap.
4. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water and scrub the cabinet surfaces, paying attention to any stains or sticky spots.
5. Rinse the cloth or sponge and wipe down the cabinet again to remove any soap residue.
6. Dry the cabinet surfaces with a clean, lint-free cloth.
7. Return the items to the cabinet once it is completely dry.
Regular cleaning of metal cabinets will help maintain their appearance and prolong their lifespan.
Are you in need of cleaning your heavy-duty steel storage cabinets or your vintage metal kitchen cabinets? Metal is what makes your cabinets strong, durable, and long-lasting. However, certain cleaning products and tools can be harsh on metal. It is always recommended to start with the gentlest cleaning method and gradually move on to tougher tools if necessary.
Remove Dust from the Metal Cabinet
Begin by dusting off your metal cabinetry to eliminate loose dirt and debris. Removing the dirt while it is loose creates less mess compared to wetting it with your cleaning solution. Do not forget to clean the tops of your kitchen cabinets with a duster. Work from the top down to prevent dust and debris from settling on areas that have already been cleaned.
Clean with Soapy Water
Proceed with a thorough cleaning using a simple soapy water mixture. This method is gentle on painted or enameled metal surfaces and effectively removes most of the mess. Use a mild dish detergent mixed with warm water to help eliminate grease, dirt, and other grime. Wash the cabinets using a soft sponge or cloth dipped into the soapy water.
Work your way from the top of the cabinets down to the bottom. This allows any drips or dirty water to flow downwards to areas that have not been cleaned yet. Avoid using excessive water on the sponge to prevent dripping and pooling. Afterward, go over the cabinetry with a clean sponge to eliminate any soapy residue.
Utilize Rubbing Alcohol
If your metal cabinet is particularly dirty or has stubborn spots that cannot be removed with soap and water, rubbing alcohol can be helpful. Apply the alcohol to a soft cloth or sponge. Rub the problem areas with the rubbing alcohol to loosen the stuck-on grime. Once finished, wipe down the cabinets with a wet sponge to remove any traces of alcohol.
Eliminate Rust
The drawback of metal cabinetry is the possibility of rust. If you notice rusty spots, grab some extra-fine steel wool. Avoid using coarse steel wool, as it can damage the finish. Only rub the rusty area with enough pressure to remove the rust. Excessive rubbing or pressure can scratch the finish and cause further damage to the cabinets.
If the rust removal results in bare spots on the cabinetry, touch up those spots with paint specifically designed for metal. If you have trouble matching the cabinet color, auto body shops often have metal paint options. Alternatively, you can repaint the entire cabinet if a large portion of it was affected by rust.
Dry the Metal
Wiping your cabinets with water is an effective cleaning method, but moisture can also lead to rust. Ensure that your metal cabinets are thoroughly dried after cleaning. Pay special attention to seams, cracks, hinges, and edges, as they are more prone to catching water. Allow those areas to dry completely.
Be especially mindful of any bare metal that is not painted, especially in areas where rust was removed. Exposed metal is even more susceptible to rusting. To prevent rust, you can use a hair dryer to thoroughly dry those spots. Alternatively, you can use a soft towel to wipe away moisture from larger areas of the cabinetry.
Using Car Wax for Refurbishing Metal Cabinets
Have you ever thought about using car wax to give a new look to your filing cabinet or other metal cabinets? It turns out that car wax can be quite useful in giving metal cabinetry a shiny finish, making it appear brand new.
Applying a thin layer of car wax is all it takes to achieve this. However, it’s important to ensure that the room is properly ventilated during the application process. Additionally, it’s advisable to avoid applying wax on shelves or any surfaces that come into contact with food, plates, or other kitchen items.
