The Cleaning Mommy

A Cleaning Blog

Kitchen, Cleaning ·

The Benefits And Drawbacks of Kitchen Cabinet Shelf Liners

Sharing is caring!

Are there any advantages to lining your kitchen cabinet shelves? Is it worthwhile to spend the time, effort, and money on it?

It’s not uncommon to wonder whether kitchen cabinet shelf liners are really necessary or worth the effort. In the past, I’ve pondered this question, omitted this crucial step, and then rectified it.

This is a frequently asked question, so explaining why you need shelf or drawer liners might be helpful to you, dear reader. Additionally, because I love cleaning and organizing hacks, I’ll show you some unique ways to use them and possibly even help you save money lining your kitchen shelves.

Lining kitchen cabinet shelves are about as enjoyable as it is watching grass grow. It’s right up there with organizing the dog food cans in my pantry. Trust me, that task has a point, but I digress.

It has previously been my practice to line shelves and drawers. This time-consuming process will test your patience.

Nevertheless, your cabinets, like those in most kitchens, are heavily used besides being mistreated. It is with a heavy heart that I apologize to the kitchen. I adore you and promise to do my best to treat you better in the future!).

So now I can teach you the benefit and drawbacks of kitchen cabinet shelf liners, including how to protect cabinets. Keep reading to learn more!

*This post contains affiliate links. Full disclosure here.

Advantages of Kitchen Cabinet Shelf Liners

The following reasons make kitchen cabinet shelf liners a worthwhile investment…

Water Damage Prevention

I’m going to be honest with you. Putting away wet dishes in kitchen cabinets is a habit I have completely mastered. Although I know it is bad, I am just a little impatient. But sometimes, especially when busy, it happens!

Wet dishes leave water stains and rings on bare cabinet shelves that kitchen cabinet liners prevent. This water damage can lead to eventual rot and mold growth on wood surfaces, like kitchen shelves and drawers. (Be honest, how many times have you thrown wet forks and spoons in a drawer after doing the dishes and called it good? I know it’s not just me!)

Adding a shelf liner can make all the difference! You won’t have to worry about the inevitable water damage you’re subjecting your cabinets to or about gross mold and mildew secretly growing in your kitchen cabinets. Which can be difficult, if not downright impossible, to remove.

In the long run, investing in some kind of preventive liner for shelving is much cheaper than installing new cabinetry in your home. And less costly to your health and wallet than the issues mold spores can cause you and your family.

Protect Cabinets From Scratching

Kitchen cabinets are particularly damaged by certain types of cookware, such as pots and pans. Kitchen cupboards and dish cabinets are prone to scratches and dents caused by pulling those pots in and out.

Small appliances and cookware can leave nicks and scratches on cabinets if shelf liners are not used. These gouges in the wood aren’t a huge deal, but they can be an eyesore. Not to mention, it can actually devalue your kitchen quite a bit if the resell value of your home is important to you.

Using A Shelf Liner Makes Cleaning Easier

No special cleaning is required for lined cabinets (as with certain types of wood). Lined cabinets are easy to clean. Replacing the liner is far easier than cleaning the wood grain if the stain or debris is hard to remove!

We’ll have more information on cleaning cabinet liners further in this article, but the process is probably the easiest cleaning job you can do in your home.

Reduce Noise

I’m envious if you have soft-close hinges on your kitchen cabinets. I don’t, which means doors have to be closed carefully, so as not to disturb anyone during midnight snacking.

A second method is to add lightly cushioned liners to reduce noise. Because the clinking of those dishes and pots can give your snacking habits away in a heartbeat! I say that because we parents don’t always want to share the secret bag of Pizza Rolls hidden inside a container of vegetables in the freezer.

Kitchen cabinet liners will make the sound of pots being slammed and dishes scraping together less noticeable. In addition, textured liners prevent drawer organizers (particularly silverware ones!) from sliding around and creaking! Because, again…the children can always hear you rustling up a bowl of ice cream after bedtime.

Adds Color

A subtle way to incorporate color and pattern into the kitchen cabinet is to use colorful liners. Your house will look great with this simple and inexpensive addition.

Using Shelf Liner Keeps Small Items From Disappearing

Open shelving or even wire shelving may look attractive, but it is undoubtedly inconvenient. Using a liner prevents tiny objects from falling through and ending wherever they end up on the journey to their new home, usually under small appliances.

The Drawbacks of Kitchen Cabinet Shelf Liners

It is true that the benefits of kitchen cabinet shelf liners listed above are compelling. Lined shelves and drawers in your kitchen cabinets might be a good idea. However, there are some notable downsides.

The Liner Is Extremely Sticky

When I think about kitchen cabinet shelves and shelf liners, I remember my grandmother’s super sticky contact paper. Installing wrinkle-free requires a steady hand, according to my experience. Cuts should be made with a very straight hand to fit the edges of shelves and drawers.

In addition to being water-resistant, contact paper is also long-lasting. I’ve been similar adhesive shelf liner materials for a few years, and it works flawlessly. There is an excruciating amount of pain and aggravation involved in the removal procedure for contact paper, however. It’s a matter of scrubbing and excavating.

Contact paper is designed to protect your kitchen shelves from damage – exactly what the act of peeling it away does! Luckily, contact paper increases the kitchen cabinet shelf life, so it’s still beneficial.

Inadequate Stickiness

The “light” tackiness of most contact paper substitutes prevents the annoyance of removal. The concept seems great, but…I couldn’t find a highly-rated shelf liner for staying in place.

It appears that most of the issues in the evaluations relate to shelves containing bigger items, such as pots and pans and small appliances. They are, however, the shelves that need the most protection with kitchen cabinet liners.

However, the best-reviewed liners are a bit pricey. Your kitchen will quickly become expensive if you line every kitchen cabinet shelf and drawer.

The Holes

The “waffle” kind of shelf liner suffers from this disadvantage. There are now shelves in most basements and storage areas displaying this. Since there are gaps in the waffle design, crumbs, dirt, and other debris end up on the wood surface beneath. Complete disclosure; a gross mess can be waiting for you!

Color Fading

The liners’ benefit of adding color (as mentioned above) may also be a disadvantage. If you are remodeling your kitchen cabinets or drawers, you might want to consider lining them with gorgeous multi-colored contact paper.

But what if several years later, you find out that there is a trendy new paint color you must have in your kitchen? Your heart might be set on a new dish set. However, does it match the contact paper’s design and color?

Do Shelf Liners Help Kitchen Cabinets Last Longer?

You may have noticed that I did not mention that shelf liners can extend the functional life of kitchen cabinets as well.

The majority of homeowners do not replace their kitchen cabinets because of shelf liners, despite the fact that they help keep shelves cleaner and more hygienic. The scratches caused by pots, pans, and dishes usually aren’t that severe. But then again, I’m in the cleaning business, not the cabinet business.

A Few Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Shelf Liner

Take the time to clean out your kitchen cabinets. Make it a habit to clean your kitchen cabinet annually, even if it is unpleasant. If you declutter, you may even find ample cabinet space you were missing!

Waffles should be omitted. I used to love this, but I have decided to trade it in for something without holes. Due to the holes in the surface, debris and crumbs will collect beneath the surface. In addition, it is not always non-slip, as it may bunch up and move when you place or remove items. In addition, a plastic liner like this is more difficult to keep clean.

Select a product that will last for a long time. Using removable reusable mounting putty, cut vinyl flooring to fit inside and line drawers and cabinets. Due to their greater durable nature as liners, you will never need to replace them!

Don’t include anything that is sticky. It is unlikely that the glue itself will damage your shelves; however, peeling it off may do so. When removing the protective covering, your shelves will be scratched and dented. What is the point of safeguarding your shelves? Make sure that the kitchen cabinet liners you choose have a low tack, or opt for a non-adhesive shelf liner instead.

Take cedar into consideration. Because of their natural repellent properties, natural cedar liners are useful for storing spices, dry goods, or kitchen linens where moths and other insects may be a problem.

Cork is an option. The porous surface of cork, which comes in rolls many feet long, provides a cushion for fragile items, including glassware. As well as being mold and mildew-resistant, it is also durable as a shelf liner.

Keep your liner from sliding

In order to prevent the liner from slipping, apply a small amount of reusable mounting putty to each corner of shelves and drawers.

You may wish to consider installing an under-the-sink mat (usually meant for your kitchen sink). Added bonus: in addition to being able to absorb spills more effectively, many of them are dishwasher safe as well, or just throw it in the sink for a scrub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use kitchen cabinet shelf liners in dresser drawers?

Yes! Shelves and drawers in your closet and dresser will benefit from a liner. Especially if you have wood furniture that isn’t finished or may be leaving traces of wood chips on your clothes. You can also add a liner to your sink drawer or vanity drawer as well. A simple liner will keep any shelf or drawer contents neat and tidy.

How do I clean kitchen cabinet shelf liners?

If you’re using silicone liners, you can throw these in the dishwasher easily. But traditional sticky liners will last longer with an occasional wipe-down.

Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the liner, being careful not to saturate the shelf with water. This can cause the contact paper (if that’s the route you chose) to become damaged and may even begin shredding. Wipe after with a dry cloth to absorb any water residue or excess moisture.

A bleach wipe (like the Clorox brand) is also great for cleaning a shelf liner. Just be sure to squeeze the bleach wipe first before applying, as sometimes they can absorb too much cleaning solution when pulled from the container.

Maintaining your shelf liner and any drawer liner will keep the liner in great shape for a few years to come. Until your next upgrade, a year or two down the line.

Sharing is caring!

You’ll Also Love

How to clean carpeted stairs in your home so you can comfortably walk on your stairs without getting dirt all over your feet. stair carpet steam cleaner high-traffic areas carpet fibers hot water steam cleaning cleaning methods bottom of the stairs Do you have carpeted or runner-covered stairs in your multi-story home? Have you ever considered how nasty the material can become? Because of the natural accumulation of dust and grime, the carpet on your stairs has to be cleaned on a regular basis. Vacuuming alone will not suffice to clean up the mess. Learn how to clean carpet on stairs quickly and easily, whether you use machines or not. stubborn stains A vacuum cleaner and a carpet cleaner, such as a Rug Doctor, are the best tools for cleaning carpeted stairs. The procedure cleans a soiled stairwell in a short amount of time. There are, however, alternatives to using machines to clean carpet stairs. The best option for you is determined by the type of flooring you have. lightweight vacuum handheld vacuum essential oils clean cloth Let’s take a closer look at the step-by-step directions, as well as the alternative machines and methods. scrubbing brush cleaning process tough stains top of the staircase regular cleaning spot cleaning This post may contain affiliate links. Full disclosure here. Best Way to Clean Carpeted Stairs How to Clean Carpet on Stairs with Machine Clean Up The Area Scrub With A Utility Brush Vacuum The Steps Use Carpet Cleaning Machine Dry The Stairs Vacuum Steps Again How to Clean Carpeted Stairs by Hand (without Machine) Baking Soda Laundry Detergent Carpet Shampoo Vinegar How Often Should You Clean Carpeted Stairs Cleaning Carpeted Stairs Bottom Line Best Way to Clean Carpeted Stairs The carpeting on stairs can be cleaned in a variety of methods, especially on the stairs. The methods you use to clean the carpet on your stairs may vary depending on the machines you have on hand and the sort of carpeting you have in your home. If you have a stair runner, you may be able to clean it by just placing it in the washing machine. The stair carpeting, on the other hand, is a different story. You have several alternatives for this sort of thorough cleaning: Vacuum cleaner Commercial stairs cleaning machine By hand The most effective and quickest approach to complete the task is to use a vacuum and carpet cleaner. However, not everyone has access to carpet cleaning equipment. Experts might do the job, but you may not always be able to afford to employ one. The good news is that the supplies you’ll need to effectively clean your carpeted stairs are inexpensive. You might be able to utilize some of the items you already have around the house, such as your vacuum cleaner (via the hose attachment). If you don’t already have a carpet cleaner, you may either buy or rent one or scrub the stairs by hand with a little additional elbow grease. It takes longer to clean without a machine. How to Clean Carpet on Stairs with Machine Your carpet may require deep cleaning versus routine maintenance, depending on how dirty this high-traffic area is and how often you clean the stairs. For a single unclean place, a vacuum may be sufficient, but large messes may require more. Using a vacuum and carpet cleaner is the best approach to completely clean the carpet on the stairs. Clean Up The Area Before cleaning, remove any bulky objects from the stairwell. Pick up any toys, threads, paper scraps, or other debris that might become trapped in the machine. Scrub With A Utility Brush On carpeted stairs, a stiff brush comes in helpful for hardened dirt and debris. Remove any tenacious messes from the carpet that won’t go away with normal vacuuming. For eliminating ground-in dirt, use a stiff bristle brush or a vacuum cleaner attachment. You can skip this step if your staircase isn’t as filthy. Scrub each step to loosen the dirt, starting at the top and working your way down. Sweep the surplus down the stairwell so that it may be vacuumed up in the following step. Vacuum The Steps Vacuum all the way to the top of the stairs. Start vacuuming from the top down, so double-check that you have adequate cable slack and proceed with caution. If you have a cordless vacuum, get it out and start cleaning. When you get to the bottom, do the following: Return to the top using the brush attachment on the extension hose. Vacuum the steps once again. Cover the steps from left to right with the brush tool, concentrating on the edges and stains. Use Carpet Cleaning Machine Prepare the carpet cleaner next. To add the cleaning solution and water to the tank, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Unless you rent, most gadgets come with carpet shampoo. If this is the case, you’ll either need to buy carpet shampoo or prepare your own (more on making homemade cleaners below). Restart at the top of the stairs, moving the carpet cleaner carefully across each step. Back and forth with the cleaner from left to right, going over each part a few times. Dry The Stairs Unless your carpet cleaner includes a drying option, the carpet will retain a lot of leftover water after washing the steps. Before traffic may flow across the staircase again, the steps must dry for at least 20 to 30 minutes. You might not have to wait as long if your machine absorbs water as it cleans. You have a few alternatives for allowing the steps to dry naturally. You can remove the moisture with absorbent towels or fans before mold and germs form in your carpet, which takes only 24 to 48 hours. Because it takes less time, a wet/dry vacuum is appropriate for this phase. Vacuum Steps Again Leave the steps to dry the rest of the way overnight or for at least 12 hours after you’ve removed all of the water from the carpet. When the steps are dry, vacuum them one last time to make sure the carpet is clear of any debris from the cleaning procedure. How to Clean Carpeted Stairs by Hand (without Machine) Cleaning by hand is sometimes preferable. Those who do not have access to a carpet cleaner or who have fragile stair runners may opt for an old-fashioned clean. If you don’t have access to a machine, you may clean your stairs’ carpet by hand using the following methods: Baking soda solution Laundry detergent solution Carpet shampoo Vinegar Baking Soda Baking soda is an affordable and effective way to remove smells from your carpet. The nicest aspect of this approach is that the carpet does not become soaked, but you will need a vacuum cleaner at the very least. Sprinkle baking soda liberally all over your carpeted stairs or immediately on a stain. Then sprinkle the baking soda with a spray bottle filled with boiling water. Allow three hours for the solution to soak up any remaining debris and brighten the carpet. Allow 30 minutes to an hour for the area to dry before utilizing the stairs. Vacuum what’s left once the baking soda and water solution has dried. Along with the baking soda, the machine should draw smells and grime. Laundry Detergent Are you out of cleaning and don’t have time to run to the store? Laundry detergent may be used to clean carpeted staircases. Because both act on fibers, the product is as effective as carpet cleaners. In a bucket, combine 14 cup of liquid washing detergent and a gallon of warm water. Scrub the stairs from top to bottom with a stiff cleaning brush dipped in the solution, pushing the solution into the carpet in a circular motion to remove difficult stains and buried debris. Replace the solution in your bucket with cold water once you’ve completed the last step. Scrub the stairs from top to bottom once again, removing the detergent from your carpet with a cloth dipped in the bucket. Allow enough time for the area to dry. Carpet Shampoo Is your carpet cleaner damaged, or do you have carpet shampoo from the last time you leased one laying around the house? Scrub your stairs by hand with store-bought carpet shampoo. However, this approach necessitates a great deal of effort. Combine the carpet shampoo and a pail of warm water in a mixing bowl. To remove grime, dust, and pollutants from your stairs, use a carpet brush or a scrub brush with firm bristles. Vacuum each stair again to take up any remaining debris. Vinegar You can clean carpeted stairs with white vinegar if you don’t have carpet shampoo or a machine. To remove stains and slime, mix 1/4 cup vinegar with warm water in a bucket and scrub with a scrub brush. Scrub each step with the mixture using the cleaning brush that has been dipped in the bucket. After that, drain the bucket and replace it with fresh water. Scrub the carpet once again with a cloth. Allow the steps to dry after doing a second pass over the carpet with water. How Often Should You Clean Carpeted Stairs The frequency with which you clean carpeted stairs is usually determined by your household. According to research on unclean flooring that took cleaning into account, every day and complete cleaning is preferable for a well-kept home. However, the quantity of traffic has a direct impact on how often you should clean the carpet. Vacuuming the area at least once a week and shampooing the carpet every three months or so are recommended. Deep cleanings for stains or smells should be done every six months at the absolute least. If your carpeted stairs get dirty quickly, you can increase the number of deep cleans. You may need to clean your floors more frequently if you have small children, athletic children, or pets. Cleaning Carpeted Stairs Bottom Line Knowing how to care for carpeted stairs keeps your home looking new and tidy. A vacuum and carpet cleaner may make the job go more smoothly, but the equipment isn’t required to clean carpet on stairs. Depending on how dirty the staircase gets, your flooring, and the materials you have on hand, the best method may be different. Do you remember how much fun it was to learn how to clean carpet stairs? Let us know in the comments if this tutorial was useful in your cleaning procedure. Please pass along our stair cleaning advice to your friends and relatives.How To Clean Carpeted Stairs
Cloth diapers piled high in a stackHow To Easily Wash Cloth Diapers For The First Time
How To Clean Shower Head Without VinegarHow To Clean Shower Head Without Vinegar

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2023 The Cleaning Mommy · Theme by 17th Avenue