How to Deep Clean Cabinets Before Painting
This is the step that separates paint jobs that last from paint jobs that peel. Kitchen cabinets accumulate years of invisible grease, oils, and residue. Paint will NOT stick to greasy surfaces—no matter how good your primer is.
Quick Summary
Time needed
2-4 hours
Cost
$15-30
Difficulty
Easy but tedious
Why Deep Cleaning is Non-Negotiable
Here's what happens when you skip this step: your paint looks perfect for a few weeks. Then it starts to chip at the corners. Then it peels near the handles. Within months, you're looking at a worse mess than before.
The problem: Kitchen cabinets near the stove and sink are coated with aerosolized cooking grease you can't see. Your hands deposit oils every time you open a door. This creates a barrier between the wood and your paint.
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) cuts through this invisible grime and slightly etches the surface, giving your primer something to grip. It's the difference between paint that lasts 10+ years and paint that fails within one.
What You'll Need
Cleaning Supplies
- •TSP or TSP substitute — $8-12 at any hardware store
- •Large bucket — 2-gallon or bigger
- •Sponges — Non-abrasive, several
- •Clean rags or towels — For rinsing
Safety Gear
- •Rubber gloves — TSP irritates skin
- •Safety glasses — Protect from splashes
- •Old clothes — TSP can bleach fabric
- •Drop cloths — Protect counters/floors
Can't find TSP? Some states restrict phosphate cleaners. Use "TSP Substitute" or Krud Kutter Original Cleaner/Degreaser—both work well for cabinet prep.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
1. Prep Your Kitchen
Before you start scrubbing, set yourself up for success.
- •Empty all cabinets and drawers completely
- •Lay drop cloths on counters and floors
- •Open windows or turn on the range hood for ventilation
- •Remove hardware now if you're replacing it
2. Mix Your TSP Solution
Follow the package directions, but here's the typical ratio:
1/4 cup TSP per gallon of warm water
Dissolve completely before using
Important: Always add TSP to water, not water to TSP. Wear your gloves before handling—TSP can irritate skin on contact.
3. Wash All Cabinet Surfaces
Work systematically through your kitchen. Don't let the solution dry on surfaces.
Cleaning Order:
- 1. Start at the top — Upper cabinet doors and frames first
- 2. Work down — Lower cabinets, then drawer fronts
- 3. Hit the greasy zones twice — Cabinets near stove need extra attention
- 4. Don't forget edges — Top and bottom edges of doors collect grime
Technique: Dip sponge, squeeze out excess, scrub in circular motions. Change water when it gets murky (usually every 10-15 doors).
4. Rinse Thoroughly
TSP residue can interfere with paint adhesion just like grease can. Rinsing is not optional.
- •Use fresh, clean water (change frequently)
- •Wipe every surface you cleaned with a damp cloth
- •Run your hand over surfaces—they should feel clean, not slippery
- •Do a final wipe with a dry cloth to remove excess water
5. Let Everything Dry Completely
This is where patience pays off. Moisture is the enemy of paint adhesion.
Drying Guidelines:
Minimum wait:
24 hours in normal conditions
High humidity:
48 hours to be safe
Speed it up:
Run a fan or dehumidifier
Test:
Wood should feel room temp, not cool
Pro Tips for Better Results
Focus on high-touch areas
Corners of door pulls, bottom edges of upper cabinets, and the area around the stove get the most grease. Scrub these areas twice.
Check your work with a paper towel
After rinsing, wipe a white paper towel across the surface. If it picks up any color or residue, clean that area again.
Clean cabinet interiors while they're empty
You're not painting inside, but it's a rare opportunity to wipe down shelves and get rid of crumbs. Use a milder cleaner for interiors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TSP and why do I need it?
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) is a powerful cleaner that cuts through grease, removes residue, and slightly etches surfaces to improve paint adhesion. Kitchen cabinets accumulate years of cooking grease, oils from hands, and airborne grime that regular cleaners can't fully remove.
Can I use dish soap instead of TSP?
Dish soap is not a suitable substitute for TSP before painting. While dish soap removes surface grease, it often leaves a residue that can interfere with paint adhesion. If you can't find TSP, use TSP Substitute or Krud Kutter.
How long should I wait before painting?
Wait at least 24 hours for cabinets to fully dry. In humid conditions, wait 48 hours. Test by placing your hand on the wood—it should feel room temperature, not cool (which indicates moisture).
Do I need to clean inside the cabinets too?
If you're only painting exterior doors and frames, you don't need to deep clean inside with TSP. It's a good opportunity to wipe down shelves with a mild cleaner though.
Ready for the Next Step?
While your cabinets dry, it's a good time to decide whether you'll paint them, just clean and leave them, or take another approach entirely.