Should you wash cabinets before sanding?

Is It Necessary to Wash Cabinets Before Sanding?

Cabinets are a lovely addition to any kitchen, but they can be difficult to keep clean. Before painting or refinishing your cabinets, make sure they are clean and dry. Washing the cabinets will remove any dust or dirt that has accumulated over time, resulting in a much smoother and easier-to-work-with surface. Furthermore, if the cabinets are dirty when you start sanding, the sandpaper will simply adhere to the dirt rather than remain attached to the cabinet’s surface.

How to Clean Your Cabinets Before Sanding

Cabinets can be a pain to clean before sanding, but it’s well worth the effort. Here are four tips for cleaning cabinets before sanding:

1. Begin with a vinegar solution. Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into a bucket or sink, then add enough water to make a sudsy mixture. Wet the cabinet’s entire surface, including the back and sides. Scrub vigorously with a stiff brush, then rinse with water.

2. Instead of vinegar, use a diluted bleach solution. Make a bleach solution by combining 1 quart of water and 1 teaspoon of household bleach. Wet all of the cabinet’s surfaces, including the back and sides. Scrub vigorously with a stiff brush, then rinse with water.

3. As an abrasive cleaner, combine baking soda and warm water. Pour 1 cup baking soda into a bucket or sink and add enough warm water to make a slurry (you may need to mix it further if it’s too thick). Apply the baking soda mixture to all surfaces of the cabinet with a soft cloth or sponge applicator, then let it sit for about 30 minutes before wiping away any residue. To finish cleaning, rinse the cabinet with cool water.

4. Instead of baking soda or soap solutions, use oven cleaner spray as an abrasive cleaner. Choose an oven cleaner designed specifically for wood panes and floors; many contain abrasives that will scrub away dirt.

Although it appears to be a common-sense rule, many homeowners fail to recognize the significance of washing their cabinets before sanding. In fact, research has shown that it is not only necessary to wash cabinets before sanding, but it is also necessary to use a degreaser and water-soluble cleaner on unfinished wood surfaces.

By cleaning these areas first, you reduce the possibility of staining or damaging the finish later on. So, if you have unfinished cabinets in your home, make sure to clean them up before beginning your project!