Steel cupboards are found in kitchens, garages, workshops, offices and changing rooms. They are tough, but over time they collect dust, greasy film and fingerprints, and the base often starts to rust after the floor has been mopped.
Spend half an hour on the cupboard every few weeks and it will stay tidy for years, with doors and drawers that open easily and without squeaking.
What you will need
Important: Avoid steel wool and abrasive powders: they scratch paint and stainless steel, and scratches rust faster. Before using WD-40 on a painted surface, test it on a hidden area first.
Step 1
Dust the cupboard
Wipe every surface with a dry microfibre cloth, especially the top of the cupboard that you rarely see. In a kitchen a sticky mix of dust and grease builds up there quickly and becomes hard to wash off.
Dusting once a week makes the rest of the cleaning much easier.
Step 2
Wash with warm soapy water
Most everyday marks come off with a soft cloth dipped in warm water and liquid soap. Remember the underside of the handles and the inside of the doors, as grime collects there too.
Rinse off the soap with a clean damp cloth and dry immediately. If stainless steel is left streaky, wipe it with a weak vinegar solution and dry again.
Step 3
Remove rust at the base
The bottom of the cupboard gets wet every time the floor is mopped, so that is where orange spots usually appear. Apply WD-40 Multi-Use to them, leave for a few minutes and wipe off with a clean cloth.
It softens light rust and leaves a thin film that repels water. In damp garages and cellars, treat the lower part as a preventive measure before winter.
Step 4
Lift stubborn grease stains
For old grease and sticky marks, spray a little WD-40 Multi-Use directly onto the stain, wait a minute and wipe with a dry soft cloth. It dissolves the greasy film without scratching the surface.
On stainless steel, wipe along the grain of the metal for an even, streak-free shine.
Step 5
Treat hinges, handles and drawers
Using the WD-40 Smart Straw, apply a little product to the hinges, into the lock and behind the handles. Open and close the doors a few times to spread it, then wipe off the excess.
Treat drawer runners with WD-40 Specialist Silicone: a silicone lubricant does not attract dust and is safe on plastic rollers. The drawers will glide smoothly and quietly.
Tip: After washing, spray a little
WD-40 Multi-Use onto a cloth and wipe the front panels: the thin film makes fingerprints less visible and dust easier to wipe away.
What next
Dust the cupboard weekly, wash it monthly, and treat hinges and runners every six months or as soon as they start to squeak. If your kitchen has stainless steel, our sink care guide is worth reading too.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».