The best tips to make your RV cabinets shine again

You know they need it. And those RV cabinets aren’t going to clean themselves, people! The good news? Cleaning your RV cabinets isn’t all that difficult. You just need to use a proven method. So, here are some tips for cleaning your RV cabinets.

Note: Test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the cabinet first to ensure it does not cause any damage or discoloration.

Grime magnet

Outside. Over time, steam, food, and grease splatters accumulate on the RV cabinet door exterior surfaces. The splatters attract dust and pollutants from the air and soon the doors begin to look dingy. Even if you can’t see the grime, your fingers can feel it when you touch the surface of the doors.

Inside. Crumbs, dust, and other grime can also accumulate inside your RV cabinets. By keeping the cabinet interiors clean, you can help prevent mice and other pests from entering your RV.

Steps for cleaning

• Remove everything. Take everything out of your kitchen cabinets. (Or plan to clean one cabinet at a time.) As you remove each item, decide if it should be discarded or kept. Put discarded items into the trash or a donation box. Items that you plan to keep should go in a separate pile.
• Dust. Use a soft cloth to remove any loose dirt and debris from the interior of the cabinets. Then do the same for the cabinets’ exterior. Turn the cloth often as you dust to remove as much loose grime as possible.
• Mild cleaning solution. Avoid harsh or abrasive chemicals. Instead, mix 1-2 drops dish soap in small spray bottle of hot water. (Or one part distilled white vinegar to two parts hot water.) Either cleaning solution works well. Pour into a spray bottle.
• Microfiber cloth. Spray the cleaning solution onto a microfiber cloth to dampen it.
• Gentle pressure. Gently wipe the interior and cabinet doors with the damp cloth, applying light pressure to remove stains, fingerprints, or smudges.
• Top to bottom. Begin at the top and work toward the bottom of each area. If there are stubborn stains or grime, you can dip a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush into the cleaning solution and scrub gently. Avoid saturating the surface.
• Re-dampen. Spritz the cloth as needed to keep it damp. If the cloth becomes too wet, wring out the excess cleaning solution into the sink.
• Turn the cloth often. Keep a clean portion of the cloth against the cabinet door. If necessary, use a second, clean cloth to finish the job.
• Crevices. Pay special attention to molding and corners. A toothbrush can help. Be sure to wipe down the cabinet hardware and hinges, but dry immediately to prevent rusting.
• Rinse. Rinse another clean cloth with clear water, wring out the excess, and wipe down the cabinets again (top to bottom) to remove any soap residue.
• Dry. Dry the cabinets thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water spots or streaks. Ensure that the doors are completely dry before closing them to avoid trapping moisture inside the cabinets.
• For difficult spots. Mix one part baking soda to two parts water in a small bowl. Dab the resulting paste onto any stubborn spots and let the paste sit for two to three minutes. Then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse with a cloth dipped in clean water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Repeat this process if necessary, being careful not to saturate the surface.

If you don’t already own any microfiber cloths, here are a ton to choose from. They come in handy all over your RV! Here are all the ways you can use them. 

Shine?

I’m hesitant to apply polish to my cleaned RV kitchen cupboards for fear that the polish will become a dust magnet. Do you use any kind of polish on your cupboards? Tell me in the comments below.

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