Thursday, October 24, 2013

How to Clean the Top of Your Cabinets Once & Never Do it Again

Do you ever wonder how the tops of your cabinets get so dusty AND greasy? It's a part of my kitchen that often gets neglected and very rarely cleaned. I just don't make it a habit to climb up on the countertop and peek over the cabinets. I don't store things there because of this greasy problem, but just because I neglect it doesn't mean it isn't there. I was talking with my mom on the phone as she was cleaning the tops of her cabinets and she told me my grandmother gave her a brilliant idea for keeping the tops clean. I couldn't believe how simple it was or why I didn't think of it on my own, but here ya go...
First, you must climb up there and take a peek. If you haven't done this in awhile, prepare yourself. It's going to be a shock. Here's what I found.
It looks like just a thick layer of dust, at first. But when you start to wipe it off, you'll see just how deep it is and you'll find a nice, disgusting layer of grease underneath. It will not wipe off with a paper towel. Nope. Here's how I cleaned mine off.
Fill a bowl or your sink with hot water and add a couple tablespoons of Dawn dish detergent. I figured it cuts the grease right off those dirty dishes, it can surely get the grease off the tops of my cabinets. And it did.

You've heard of the phrase 'Fight fire with fire?' The only way you can fight grease is with a little elbow grease. It does take a little extra umph to get it off, but I found that if you soak your dishcloth in the soapy water and squeeze it out, but not all the way out, it'll come off pretty easily.
Then, take a napkin or paper towel to wipe up the big chunks of greasy dust that form from all the wiping.
Once you've done that, wipe again with the soapy water just to be sure all of the residue is gone. Let it dry or wipe it dry. Then, you're ready for the next step.
Get your old newspaper or some wax paper or foil, etc. and cut it or fold it to the size you need and lay it up there on top of the cabinet. It will collect all that greasy junk now and leave your cabinet top nice and clean. Next time, just throw away the paper and put up some new. It's as good as new!

Have you ever used this method? Apparently, it's an old trick. Why am I just now finding out about it? I'm definitely using it from now on!

This is part of my 31 Days of Home Economics series. You can find the whole series at the tab above {Home Economics}.

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Thank you all so much for stopping by today! I hope you'll come back soon! Until next time...
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7 comments:

  1. That is what I do! That way I don't have to get up there to clean it very much. Just a couple of times a year. I am a believer in Dawn dishwashing liquid! I do have a few things on display on the shelves. I take them down a couple fo times a year and wash them in hot soapy water.

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    1. Isn't it amazing how all that grease gets up there? I hate cleaning it so this was so nice to finally realize! I can't believe it took me so long to learn this. Thanks for stopping by! Dawn is my favorite, too!

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  2. Great idea! Never thought of this.

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  3. I actually just did this, Amy. I did vacuum the tops first though and that took the bulk of the dusty grime away...it was a bit easier to clean the greasy part then. I didn't line mine but that is a GREAT idea!!! GREAT!!!! xo Diana

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    1. It's these little things that make me excited! And wonder why I couldn't think of it on my own! Glad you liked it!

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  4. Amy thank you so much for sharing this. I have always hated getting up there and trying to get all that dust and grease off. What a great idea! I have really enjoyed your 31 Days Of Home Economics! Have a great weekend.

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    1. Thank you! I'm so glad you've enjoyed the series. I've had so much fun doing it. Hope you have a great weekend, too! Thanks for coming back!

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