How to clean your kitchen cupboards

You’ll need:

• Cleaning cloths
• Antibacterial wipes
• Multi-purpose disinfectant
• An old toothbrush (optional)
• Baking soda (optional)

Start by emptying the cupboards

To make the deep clean a little easier, start by taking everything out of your kitchen cupboards and popping it all on the side or on the kitchen table. Keep everything in sections by cupboard so it’s easy to put it all back again when you’re done.

Struggling for space? Take everything out and clean each cupboard one at a time. It’s the most time-consuming part of the job but you’ll be glad when it’s done.

Get stuck into the cleaning

With all the cupboard contents out of the way, now’s the time to roll your sleeves up and get cleaning

Start by generously spraying kitchen disinfectant on the inside of each cabinet, including any built-in shelving. Wipe clean with a microfibre cloth, picking up any loose crumbs and grime as you go. Use a toothbrush to really get into all the corners and crevices.

If your cupboards are extra dirty, use a vacuum or an antibacterial wipe to get rid of all the loose food and dirt before using your kitchen cleaner.

Wipe the cabinets with a dry cloth to avoid any damp and leave the doors open until completely dry.

If you’ve got any storage in your kitchen cupboards, like our kitchen organisers, take them out and pop into some warm, soapy water to clean.

Top tip: If there’s some old spills that have left a nasty smell in your cupboards, try popping a bowl filled with baking powder in there and leave for a few days. The baking powder will soak up any unpleasant smells.

Have a good declutter

Before putting everything back into your sparkling clean cupboards, have a good sort through all the tins, packets, jars, sauces, pots, pans, kitchen utensils and dinnerware.

Chuck away any dry food that’s well past its use-by date. Are there any pots and pans you don’t really use? If so, most non-electrical items can be donated to your local charity shop.

Check all the lids and jars on the stuff you’re keeping are tightly sealed too.

If you popped any kitchen accessories or drawer organisers in the sink to soak, don’t forget to dry these off and put them back in place.

Don’t forget the outside

So the insides are sorted, now it’s time to move onto the outside. It’s the bit that everyone sees so it’s worth spending a bit more time here.

If you plan to clean the top of your kitchen cupboards, start there first so dust and grime doesn’t drop down onto freshly cleaned surfaces.

When it comes to sponges and cloths, a microfibre cloth is best for this job. It’ll help you buff the surface to a lovely shine.

You may need a specialist cleaner depending on what your cabinets are made of. Try not to use anything too abrasive that could scratch the surface. A disinfectant cleaner is ideal as it’ll banish any germs from the handles.

Get the storage sorted

If you’re finding space is still a little limited, even after your deep clean and declutter, we’ve got lots of little wins to make the most of the space you do have. Here are a few of our favourites:

• wilko corner plate rack – neatly stack and easily reach all your plates and bowls with this handy kitchen organiser
• wilko 3 tier kitchen organiser – easily see what’s at the back of your cupboards with this tiered cupboard storage
• wilko over door wire rack - make use of the space on the back of your cupboard door. Great for storing chopping boards and baking tins
• wilko space maximising cutlery tray - this clever cutlery tray takes up less space but stores just as much cutlery as before due to the overlapping compartments. When it comes to drawer organisers, this one’s a must-have!
• wilko hanging storage shelf - instantly add extra storage space to the underside of a cupboard shelf with this handy hanging shelf. There’s no fixings required – that's a little win!