I’ve been following @gocleanco on Instagram and learned about using powdered Tide laundry detergent for, well, everything. As part of our Kitchenette Cabinet Painting Adventure of 2021, we removed some corner turnaround racks. And how do I put this … they were disgustingly dirty. Barkeeper’s friend, a Go Clean Co. standby, didn’t make a dent. 🙁 I also tried Method all-purpose cleaner and even a white eraser sponge. Finally, I dissolved one teaspoon of Tide in some very hot water and let it sit on each tray for 10 minutes. Then I scrubbed with a dish brush and let it sit for another 10 minutes. I scrubbed again and rinsed. WHAT A TRANSFORMATION. I mean, they were almost good enough to go back in as-is. 

I decided to stay true to my overachiever self and paint them for a like-new facelift. I found a very close color in plastic-friendly spray paint. Handy-tip: both trays had globs of varnish on them that I could get off with light sanding. Sanding was remarkably effective. I was able to get a couple of coats done before the temperatures dropped, along with 15 inches of snow. I need things to warm up a bit before I can do the final coats, but they look great. 

Note to self: always take before pictures. Especially of the gross cleaning projects.