The Budget-Friendly Tool That Makes Cleaning The Top Of Kitchen Cabinets A Breeze

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The top of cabinets isn't something that the average person thinks about often. Typically, these spots get forgotten about, especially when it comes to cleaning. Even the most comprehensive lists of tips on how to best clean your kitchen and remove dust from your home often skip over this awkward spot. But once in a while, you might take a peek up there and realize that there's a thick layer of dust that's collected in the time you haven't been looking. Don't panic — there's a budget-friendly tool that can make cleaning this awkward spot a breeze. And no, it's not a cloth or a spray. It's actually a paint scraper. 

We're not saying you should start cleaning the top of your cabinets every week, and in fact, this hack works best if you don't. Instead, save it for your spring cleaning, when enough dust has accumulated that a paint scraper can easily lift it as a layer rather than sending loose dust particles flying around. This paint scraper method works best to clean sticky dust buildup common in humid environments like bathrooms and kitchens, allowing it to peel right off. 

As you might imagine, we're not talking about hard metal paint scrapers. These have sharp edges that can damage cabinets, and they might even remove some of the finish along the way. Instead, use softer paint scrapers made of plastic or rubber, like these Flexible Plastic Paint Scraper Tools from Harniruco. They come in various shapes and sizes, though it's best to use a wider scraper if you want to get the job done quickly and efficiently. 

When you try to clean the dust on top of your cabinet, you'll quickly notice that you're not dealing with loose dust particles that can be removed with a dry cloth. Instead, older dust tends to create a sticky layer, especially in kitchens where oils and steam from cooking cause it to adhere to surfaces. The good news is that this is exactly the type of dust that you can remove with a paint scraper. No need to use any sprays to loosen the dust, and no need to go in with a cloth first. Your very first step should be to go in with the paint scraper without any prep.

Simply grab a step stool or ladder that's tall enough for you to reach comfortably above the cabinet, and start from one corner. Work your way against the layer of dust with your paint scraper, peeling it off as it goes. As you make your way across the cabinets, place the large chunks of dust into a garbage bag, but don't worry about the small particles left behind. 

To finally get that layer of dust off the top of your cabinets, you can use a hand vacuum or a dry cloth to remove any leftover particles. Then, use a bit of dish soap with a sponge or a wet cloth to properly clean the surface. Once you're done, dry it off, and voila! Repeat this technique once or twice a year when doing a deep clean of your kitchen.