How To Finally Get That Layer Of Dust Off The Top Of Your Kitchen Cabinets

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Cleaning the tops of kitchen cabinets can be one of the trickiest household chores. Because they're usually well above eye level, the dust that collects there often goes unnoticed and is difficult to reach. Over time, it can mix with a greasy cooking residue, forming a sticky layer that clings to surfaces, becoming even tougher to remove. Since the space between your kitchen ceiling and cabinet tops is so awkward, it's easy to fall into the habit of not cleaning your kitchen cabinets often enough, which only makes matters worse.

The good news is that to best clean your kitchen, a simple mop can make the job surprisingly easy. Its long handle will allow you to reach dusty, greasy areas without straining, and pairing it with a bucket of hot, soapy water will help to loosen grime almost instantly. For more convenience, consider getting a wall mop with an extension pole for even better reach and a reusable triangular mop head to get into tight corners, such as this Jehonn Wall Cleaner Mop. Just use his handy tool with hot soapy water and run it over the cabinet tops, and you'll be amazed at how quickly the residue wipes away.

To save time, consider combining this task with other cleaning chores. The next time you mop the floors or wash down the walls, take a few extra minutes to also swipe over the cabinet tops. Not only will it leave your kitchen sparkling, but it will also create a fresher and more hygienic space to cook and gather in.

To begin, gather your tools: you'll need a duster with dust-trapping fibers or a microfiber cloth, your mop, a grease-cutting dish detergent, a bucket, water, and dry rags. A cordless, handheld vacuum is also handy for removing dust, but it isn't necessary. If your mop doesn't have an extension pole, a sturdy step ladder can help you safely reach up top. Note that it's important to choose the right step stool for your home. Look for one that's sturdy and provides enough height, such as this HBTower Step Ladder, which also has a helpful handrail and conveniently folds up for storage.

Dust the top of your cabinets with your duster, microfiber cloth, vacuum, or a combination of these tools — it's important to remove as much dust as you can at first because it can quickly turn into a sticky sludge when wet. Fill a bucket with warm water, add a few drops of your dish detergent, and mix thoroughly. Dip your mop into the solution and wring it out well — you only need to lightly dampen your cabinets' tops to get it clean. Scrub well to remove any greasy accumulation and then wipe the area dry with a clean cloth. Once everything is spotless, you can use a simple cleaning hack to simply future maintenance: Cover your cabinet tops with waxed paper, replacing it when it becomes dirty. While cleaning your kitchen cabinets can be time-consuming, you'll come to appreciate this task once you see how it can make your entire kitchen shine.