Do your cabinets go all the way to the ceiling, or do you have a space at top like I do? If you do, you know how much dust collects up there. It’s pretty gross, and I used to dread cleaning up there. Not anymore! Today I’m going to share a tip with you on how to keep the top of your cabinets clean!
It’s really simple. First give the whole space a good scrub down. I use TSP, it’s a fabulous de-greaser. Cuts right through the disgusting greasy dust that accumulates on kitchen cabinets. Blech!
After everything is good and clean, just line the top of the cabinets with waxed paper.
Make sure you cover every inch. I like to overlap my pieces a bit.
That’s it! Now when it’s time to clean the cabinet tops, all you have to do is wad up the dirty waxed paper, toss it, and re-line the cabinet with fresh waxed paper. No scrubbing required. Hooray!!
If you can’t find TSP, you can buy it on Amazon. It not only works great for cleaning greasy kitchen cabinets, it is the perfect way to prep walls for new paint!
Kay
The wax paper is a great idea but I’m very environmentally conscious so I might try a sturdy fabric that can be tossed in the wash. I have a lip on my cabinet tops so the fabric won’t show.
Kara Cook
That’s also a great idea!
Nancy
Woah! But isn’t it quite a waste to be using wax paper. Still, if does the job then no problem right. Will have to give it a try.
Kara Cook
It does use a fair amount of waxed paper, but it saves a bunch of paper towels that I would otherwise have to use to clean up with! š
SelenaCBK
My Hubby wants to add decor to the space on top of the kitchen cabinets. My concern is how to keep the decor items clean and from becoming ruined grease magnets. Any suggestions??
Kara Cook
Unfortunately, I don’t know of a way to prevent the greasy dust that items in the kitchen seem to accumulate. (If I did I’d probably make millions, haha!) Thankfully, since they’re up so high, no one can see it. I’d just take everything down once a year and wipe it clean with a wet rag.
Mamere
I go to the local dollar store and buy poster board cut to the size needed to cover area. I use tacks to hold it all down, then trow away when needed! Stays in place!
Jane @ Modern Housewives
I love the idea, it’s so simple and saves so much time! Thanks for sharing, I will definitely try it out at my kitchen. Cleaning the top of the kitchen cabinets is the most unpleasant task for me, because I’m quite short, and my thoughtful hubby mounted them very close to the sealing, which means that if I want to reach something on the top shelf, I have to get a chair or something. And when it’s time to clean the space up there, I basically turn into a climber or something.
Kara Cook
I’m short too! I have three step stools in various rooms of the house and I have to use them all the time!
Jackie
Dear Kara, I just discovered your blog this morning while searching for an easy biscuit recipe. I found your recipe for using melted butter and tried it; I will definitely be using it often!
So I’ve been looking around your blog and keep finding easy, helpful, ‘how did I live without this’ ideas! I really like this post’s idea in particular, as cleaning the tops of my cupboards is a task I dread.
I’m on my way again to peruse your lovely blog but I just had to tell you how much I appreciate what you’re doing!
Kara Cook
Aw, thanks so much Jackie. You just made my day!
Jean
I just replaced my paper and what a mess I don’t have to clean – just throw away the used and replace with new. How can such a simple trick makes such a big difference? This is one of my favorites for sure!
Kara Cook
If only the rest of the house was as easy to clean. LOL!
Hannah
What a great tip!
Jean
I just did this and I feel I deserve a gold star. What a chore, but so rewarding after its done. Thanks for the tip!
Kara
Sending you a virtual gold star. Go girl!!
Kristi
I use foil then put a string of clear christmas lights up there. It looks like I have over the cabinet lighting. The foil helps reflect the light. I buy the foil at the dollar store then recycle it when it is dirty.
Kara
OK, that is genius. I bet it looks so pretty!
Jean
I’m so doing this next holiday season!
Jan Stephens
I use old newspapers x
Kara
That’s a great idea! We don’t take a newspaper, or I might just try that!
NOYB
Now I know what to do with all those pesky free papers they throw in my driveway.
Amanda Murray
I do this also but I use paper towels instead. Much cheaper š
Kara
Great tip Amanda!