How To Clean Old Kitchen Cabinet Hinges

How To Clean Old Kitchen Cabinet Hinges

My husband and I recently purchased an old house with a lot of character. One of the first things we noticed was the old kitchen cabinets with hinges that were covered in years of grime and buildup. We knew we needed to clean them, but had no idea where to start. After some research and trial and error, we found a few methods that worked wonders. In this article, I’ll share our experience and provide a step-by-step guide on how to clean old kitchen cabinet hinges.

Step-by-Step Guide

What You’ll Need:

• Dish soap
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Warm water
• Soft-bristled brush
• Cloth
• Bucket

Method 1: Dish Soap and Warm Water

1. Fill a bucket with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
2. Remove the hinges from the cabinet doors.
3. Place the hinges in the bucket and let them soak for 15-20 minutes.
4. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the hinges, paying special attention to any areas with buildup.
5. Rinse the hinges with clean water and dry them with a cloth.
6. Reattach the hinges to the cabinet doors.

Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda

1. Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda to form a paste.
2. Remove the hinges from the cabinet doors.
3. Apply the paste to the hinges and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
4. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the hinges, paying special attention to any areas with buildup.
5. Rinse the hinges with clean water and dry them with a cloth.
6. Reattach the hinges to the cabinet doors.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

• Wear gloves to protect your hands from harsh chemicals.
• Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire hinge.
• Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching the hinges.
• Remove the hinges from the cabinet doors to make cleaning easier.
• Soak the hinges in warm water and dish soap to loosen grime and buildup.
• Use vinegar and baking soda to create a powerful cleaning paste.
• Rinse the hinges thoroughly with clean water to avoid leaving any residue behind.
• Dry the hinges with a cloth to prevent rusting.
• Apply a small amount of lubricant to the hinges after cleaning to ensure smooth operation.
• Consider replacing old or damaged hinges if they cannot be effectively cleaned.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Effective at removing grime and buildup
• Uses common household ingredients
• Can be done without professional help

Cons:

• May require some elbow grease
• May not work on severely damaged or rusted hinges

My Personal Review and Suggestion

I found the dish soap and warm water method to be the easiest and most effective for cleaning old kitchen cabinet hinges. It required minimal effort and the hinges looked almost brand new afterwards. I would suggest starting with this method before moving on to the vinegar and baking soda paste. However, if the hinges are severely damaged or rusted, it may be best to replace them altogether.

Question & Answer

Q: Can I clean the hinges while they are still attached to the cabinet doors?

A: While it is possible to clean the hinges while they are still attached, it may be more difficult to reach all areas and ensure a thorough cleaning. It is recommended to remove the hinges from the cabinet doors for best results.

Q: Can I use steel wool to clean the hinges?

A: Steel wool can be too abrasive and may scratch the hinges. It is recommended to use a soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging the hinges.

FAQs

Q: How often should I clean my kitchen cabinet hinges?

A: It is recommended to clean your kitchen cabinet hinges at least once a year to prevent buildup and ensure smooth operation.

Q: Can I use a commercial cleaning solution to clean my kitchen cabinet hinges?

A: Yes, there are commercial cleaning solutions available specifically for cleaning kitchen cabinet hinges. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first.