Diwali 2024: How To Deep Clean Kitchen Cupboards

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time for new beginnings and celebration. It’s also the perfect occasion for deep cleaning and decluttering your home, especially the kitchen. The kitchen cupboards, often filled with everyday essentials, tend to gather dust and dirt over time. Deep cleaning them before Diwali gives your kitchen a fresh, organised space for festive cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to deep cleaning your kitchen cupboards for this diwali.

1. Take everything from the kitchen cupboardsFirst, empty all the cupboards. Now put everything on the kitchen counter or dining table. This will give you a very clear view of everything that's inside and let you sort out what needs to be retained and what needs to go. As you remove items, group them into categories like spices, grains, utensils, and cleaning supplies so that it would become easy for later to arrange everything. 2. Declutter and Dispose of Expired ItemsDeclutter your kitchen by checking the expiry dates of food items, spices, and other things. Dispose of anything that's expired, stale, or no longer used. Remove the kitchen gadgets or utensils you rarely use as well. Think of donating non-perishable food items that are still good but no longer needed. 3. Dust and Wipe the InteriorsOnce the cupboards are empty, start dusting them from the top to the bottom. Use a microfiber cloth or a dusting brush to remove any dirt, dust, or cobwebs formed inside. After dusting, wipe the interiors with a wet cloth. Prepare a mild cleaning solution by mixing vinegar with warm water. Vinegar is useful for removing grease and grime. If the cupboards have a wooden finish, you can use a mixture of warm water and dish soap instead. 4. Remove Grease and StainsGrease and stains can be formed on cupboard doors and shelves, especially near the stove. Apply a degreasing solution to those areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with a sponge or a soft brush. For wooden cupboards, avoid rigorous scrubbing as it may damage the finish. Instead, use a mild detergent or wood cleaner.

5. Clean Hinges, Handles, and KnobsHandles, knobs, and hinges can also have grease and grime from frequent use. Use an old toothbrush dipped in soapy water to scrub these parts. If your kitchen cupboards have metallic hardware, you can also use a metal polish to clean and restore their shine. 6. Wipe Down the ExteriorWhile the interior is important, the cupboard doors and exterior surfaces also need attention. Grease and dust tend to settle on cupboard doors, especially the ones near the stove. Use a suitable cleaner depending on the material (wood, laminate, etc.) and wipe them thoroughly. 7. Dry the Cupboards ThoroughlyBefore placing everything back, ensure that the cupboards are completely dry. You can leave the cupboard doors open for a while to air dry or use a clean towel to wipe and dry them manually. This step is very important, especially for wooden cupboards, to prevent moisture build-up inside. 8. Organise Items Before Placing Them BackNow that your cupboards are clean, it’s time to reorganise the items. Group similar items together like keeping spices, grains, pulses, and other food items in separate categories. Use organisers, which are easily available online or your nearby local stores. You can invest in cupboard organisers like spice racks, shelf dividers, or pull-out trays to maximise space and keep everything accessible. For additional convenience, label your containers especially if you transfer items like grains and flour into jars.