Your kitchen is one of the must-have places in your home. From the design to the colors and placement of each piece and kitchen accessories and appliances, your kitchen must always make you feel comfortable.
What better way to own your own kitchen than by investing in white painted cabinets? They give the kitchen a clean and spacious look. However, they may turn yellow over time.
Many homeowners do not invest inwhite cabinetsfor this reason. Caring for an all-white kitchen just requires more care and education.
Contents
Causes of yellowing of white cabinets
Some of the causes that cause white cabinets to turn yellow include:
Direct sunlight
Direct sunlight on the cabinets will fade painted paint and laminate surfaces. You should use blinds, window films, and draperies to protect your closets.
Cooking
When you start cooking in the kitchen, the smell of food wafts into the air in the form of very small grease particles that end up on the white cabinets.
Over time, your cabinets will begin to reflect stains in yellowish films.
Grease splashes
During cooking, fat, water and oil may spatter and some will end up on the cupboard. Over time, even after cleaning these stains, the cabinets will begin to turn yellow.
The solution to these grease and oil stains is immediate cleaning. Use a cloth and warm water to remove these stains. You can also use a small amount of dishwashing liquid for a more thorough cleaning.
Bleach is also a great whitener. Leave the bleach on the cabinet for a long time, then rinse the entire surface with warm water.
If you do not want to use bleach, you can use club soda andlemon juice. Leave the mixture on the stains for a long time, then wash it off with warm water.
Vinegar is a wonderful cleaning agent and should remove any stubborn stains from cabinets. If not, you can also use baking soda as a cleaning agent. Be sure to scrub with a light brush or sponge.
Avoid using abrasive sponges or hard and rough pads on the cabinet. That is, unless you want to scratch the surface.
How to remove stains from laminate?
People used to shun plastic laminate as a poor choice for kitchen design; however, it has become an acceptable and popular choice.
While it can be beautiful, white plastic laminate can stain. How to clean these stains?
1. Get household detergent and mix it with baking soda to make a paste. Mix 1 part detergent to 3 parts baking soda.
2. Apply this solution directly to the stain and scrub with a nylon bristle brush. Be careful not to overload your brush strokes so as not to scratch themlaminate finish.
3. Rinse the work surface with a damp cloth. There is no need to soak the laminate with water as laminates are sensitive to excess moisture.
Make sure the cloth is wet enough to remove baking soda residue and stains.
Only in extreme cases will it be necessary to repaint the cabinet. You may only need to commit to basic cleaning to whiten your laminate cabinets again.
To read:How easy it is to clean painted kitchen items
Basic cleaning
Mix half a cup of all-purpose cleaner, white vinegar or wood cleaner with half a cup of water in a spray bottle.
Spray the cabinets with this solution. Scrub the surface with a soft sponge, making regular movements.
Rinse the sponge, wring it out and wipe the housing to remove the cleaning agent.
Dry the case with a soft, non-abrasive towel or cloth.
Removal of yellow greasy stains
- Dip the sponge in the water and squeeze it well. It should only be wet, not dripping.
- Open windows to let air in and out. Ammonia is what you will use to clean the cupboards, and the fumes will be needed to get fresh air out and in. You will also need to wear a pair of rubber gloves.
- Pour a small amount of undiluted ammonia on a sponge and clean the cabinets with it.
- Wipe the cupboard very well.
- Rinse the sponge and use it to wipe the ammonia off the cupboards. Wipe the entire surface with a soft towel.
Removal of hard yellow stains
- Mix half a cup of baking soda with a quarter cup of water to make a paste.
- Dip a damp sponge into the paste
- Scrub the yellowed stains on the surface of the cabinet and leave it for about 10 minutes
- Then wipe off the baking soda paste with a damp sponge. You should also dry the case with a soft towel and cloth.
To read:How to remove greasy fingerprints from kitchen cabinets
In short, you will need an all-purpose cleaner, wood cleaner, vinegar, baking soda, spray bottle, sponge, ammonia, nylon bristle sponge, and a towel or rag to clean the white laminate cabinet.
You should also put another sponge on the ground next to the bucket to rinse the cupboard after washing it.
However, make sure you don'tuse abrasive cleanersor rough sponges on cabinets as they will scratch and dull the paint.
You should also ensure that windows are open when using ammonia to allow for adequate ventilation. Also, do not mix ammonia with bleach or other cleaning agents. The result can be adversely devastating.
These tips will really help you if you are not going to clean your white laminate cabinet. If you want to prevent stains and yellow spots on the cabinet, you can block out the sunlight and use a large cloth to cover the parts of the cabinet that are close to the cooking area.
Frequently asked questions
How to clean white laminate cabinets?
If you want to clean white laminate cabinets, vacuum them at least 3 times a week with a lint-free cloth.
You can also clean them with dish soap and warm water if they look dirty. If your cabinets are full of grease and dirt, you can get cleaners to clean them.
Why is my white color turning yellow?
The first culprit is the sun. Exposure to sunlight will cause cabinets to yellow.
In addition, during cooking, oil, dirt and grease that accumulate on the cabinets can also become discolored.
Try using shades to prevent strong sunlight from entering the cabinet. After using the kitchen, you should also clean the cupboards to remove microscopic and macroscopic dirt.
How to whiten yellowed cabinets?
To whiten yellowed cabinets, you can use bleach. However, be careful not to mix the bleach with any other substance.
You can also use white vinegar, baking soda, and regular dishwashing liquid as bleaching and cleaning agents.
Are white cabinets bad for my home design?
White cabinets give your home a raw and delicate look. It promotes extreme simplicity and creates a fantastic atmosphere in your home. Are white cabinets bad for your home?
The real answer is a firm no. If you want to design your home with white cabinets, you should do it. You will not regret the project.
Are there stains on the white laminate?
Yes, white laminates can stain. Oil, grease and dirt from cooking will stain white laminate cabinets. The sun's rays will also fade the color of the cabinets.
As soon as you use any area around the cabinet, it would be a good idea to use a damp cloth dipped in regular dishwashing liquid and warm water to clean the cabinet.
Can I clean the laminate with vinegar?
Yes you can. A good laminate cleaner is vinegar, especially white vinegar. Make a solution of vinegar and water and spray it on the cabinet. After some time, wipe with a damp cloth.
Is baking soda as a cleaning agent a good idea?
Baking soda is a good idea for cleaning laminate. It is also very affordable and accessible. You should make a paste of baking soda and water.
Use a 2:1 mixing ratio for the mix. The baking soda should easily remove any stubborn stains.
Is ammonia a good idea?
Yes, you can definitely use ammonia to clean white laminate cabinets.
However, use it sparingly and wear rubber gloves. You should also make sure the room is well ventilated and that windows are open to let in fresh air to replace ammonia fumes.
Your white laminate cabinets are perfect for your home decor. However, with frequent use, stains will eventually appear. Be sure to use the above methods to clean them immediately after each use.
FAQs
How to clean white laminate cabinets that have yellowed? ›
Cooking and sunlight can make your white cabinets turn yellow. And, not a pretty bright and happy yellow, but a dirty, unpleasant, sickly yellow. The good news is, with a little maintenance, you can keep your white cabinets white.
How do I get my laminate cabinets white again? ›- Wipe cabinets with an all-purpose cleaning wipe or diluted vinegar. ...
- As with painted cabinets, remove stains with a paste made from baking soda and water. ...
- Avoid using abrasive cleaning pads, as they could scratch the cabinet's surface.
Cooking and sunlight can make your white cabinets turn yellow. And, not a pretty bright and happy yellow, but a dirty, unpleasant, sickly yellow. The good news is, with a little maintenance, you can keep your white cabinets white.
How do you get yellow melamine white again? ›Use vinegar or lemon juice. Use water and a damp cloth. Use methylated spirits on a clean cloth or paper towel. Meths can dissolve paint, so do not let it come into contact with painted surfaces.
What is the best way to clean white laminate cabinets? ›Clean With Mild Dish Soap
Like with wood cabinets, you shouldn't need to resort to abrasive cleaning products like vinegar or baking soda to remove dirt and grease from your laminate kitchen cabinets. A bit of dish soap in warm water applied with a good dose of elbow grease should be more than sufficient.
Create a cleaning solution with 1-part baking soda, 2 parts warm water and the lemon juice. Add the solution to a spray bottle and spray the liquid onto the kitchen cabinets. Leave for 2-3 minutes, allowing the baking soda to work its magic. Use the soft sponge to gently scrub the grease away.
Why does white laminate turn yellow? ›When you cook, excess moisture and grease particles may form on the surface of the laminates. This may turn the white surfaces into yellow over time. Excess moisture can also affect the quality of your laminated cabinets.
Can I use magic eraser on laminate cabinets? ›For laminate cabinets, a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will be your secret weapon. Dampen the Magic Eraser sponge with a little water, then squeeze it a few times to activate the cleaning foam.
How do you reverse yellowing cabinets? ›Writer Lorna Hordos suggests removing a yellow tinge this way: Wash your cupboards with a fizzy mixture of 1 cup vinegar, 2 cups warm water and 1 tablespoon baking soda. To keep cabinets white, give them a monthly “bath” with a solution of warm water and a grease-busting dish soap.
How do you fix yellowed white? ›Use vinegar. Like baking soda, you can use distilled white vinegar as either a bleach-free pretreating solution or as an additive to a standard wash cycle. White vinegar is an acidic solution that can be used to brighten the appearance of white fabrics.
How do you clean yellowed white? ›
Mix equal parts ammonia and water and pour it over the yellowish stain to soak. Let it dry or until the shirt is washed. Without ammonia, hydrogen peroxide can be used instead.
Will Magic eraser remove yellow stains? ›Use a magic eraser pad.
Purchase a magic eraser pad to remove stains on your yellowed appliances and whiten them. Simply wet the sponge and wipe down the surface of the appliance thoroughly. There is no need to rinse afterwards!
Wet the magic eraser with water and wring it out. Scrub the plastic with the magic eraser. Dip and wring out the eraser as needed. Scrub the yellowed plastic with the magic eraser.
Does bleach damage melamine? ›Cleaning products containing organic solvents such as ammonia, bleach, acetone, turpentine, etc. should be avoided; as well as abrasive cleaners, scouring pads and abrasive papers. Melamine boards, especially ones which are located in busy rooms such as kitchens, are at risk of being damaged.
Does vinegar damage laminate? ›Vinegar, which is a natural cleaning agent, will break down the film without hurting the laminate surface. (Note: The same rules about water apply to either of these DIY solutions.
Can you use Murphy's Oil soap on laminate cabinets? ›Murphy Oil Soap, formulated as a safe cleaner for finished wood, cleans kitchen cabinets as well, even if the cabinets are a laminate rather than wood. Oil soap does not leave behind a residue, so it does not require rinsing.
Can you use bleach on laminate cabinets? ›Homeowners or renters with laminate countertops may also want to steer clear of bleach. Though laminate is fairly hardy, it's not the most durable substance in the world. Bleach can damage the laminate countertop or can cause permanent discoloration.
What is the best cleaner for laminate cabinets? ›Avoid abrasive cleaners, acids, and powdered cleansers that can have the same damaging effects. Popular natural cleaning solutions often include white vinegar or baking soda. At best, vinegar can help in removing soap scum and mineral deposits, which are most likely not a problem on cabinets.
Is Murphy Oil Soap good for kitchen cabinets? ›Murphy® Oil Soap gets deep into grime to break up dirt particles and it's safe to use on wood products like cabinets.
How do you whiten white kitchen cabinets? ›To keep your white cupboards looking bright and fresh, create a cleaning solution with one cup of vinegar, one tablespoon of baking soda, and two cups of warm water. Dip a rag in this solution, wring out the access liquid, then wipe down your cupboards. Do this at least once a month.
Why have my white gloss kitchen cupboards gone yellow? ›
Sunlight
That sunshine may be causing your vinyl to yellow or fade in colour. Vinyl cabinets will change colour within 12 months if exposed to sunlight. This is why manufacturers won't warranty sun damage. Avoid direct sunlight hitting your cabinets if you want them to keep their original colour.
The Best Way to Clean Kitchen Cabinets without Removing the Finish. The best way to clean kitchen cabinets, no matter their finish, is with a simple mix of dish soap and warm water. Dish soap is strong enough to clean and degrease your cabinets but gentle enough that it won't remove the finish.
What is the best cleaner for white cabinets? ›Baking Soda and Vinegar
Mix one cup vinegar, two cups warm water and one tablespoon baking soda. This mixture is excellent for getting rid of stains. For extra power, make a paste with the baking soda and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
Never use any cleaning product not designed for laminate flooring. For tough stains, a 5-1 mixture of baking soda can provide powerful cleaning. Mix 1 part baking soda to 5 parts warm water, and stir. Apply the mixture directly to the stained area, and allow to the solution to sit for 10 minutes.
Can you use Windex on laminate cabinets? ›Kitchen Degreaser
Windex is great on countertops, too, including quartz, granite, marble, laminate and tile. Just make sure that if you're cleaning natural stone counters that have a sealant, such as granite, marble or quartzite, you're using a Windex version that is free of ammonia and vinegar.
Avoid These Cleaners on Painted Cabinets: Magic Eraser or similar sponges, abrasive powder or scrubbing pads, cleaners with abrasive particles, intense detergents, or ammonia oil soap, spray polishes containing silicone, petroleum products, or wax citrus/orange cleaner.
Can I use bleach on white cabinets? ›If your white cabinets are starting to look gray or you want to whiten darker-colored cabinets, you can do so with a careful bleaching method. Many bleaches exist, including chlorine bleach, wood bleach and oxygen bleach, but not all of them will work the same way for bleaching wood.
Why is my high gloss kitchen turning yellow? ›Hot Moisture. Sometimes, you may notice that the gloss paint in your kitchen turns yellow faster than the same paint in other areas of your home. This happens due to the hot steam and cooking grease from your pots and pans.
Does vinegar remove yellowing? ›Does white vinegar remove yellow stains? It does indeed! Mix it with equal parts water to create a great at-home spray to use on yellowed clothing.
Why does hydrogen peroxide remove yellowing? ›UV radiation causes stabilizing agents in the plastic to form so called free radicals which cause the yellowing. This UV light is present in sunlight but also in fluorescent light. Hydrogen peroxide binds to these free radicals, thus reversing the yellowing of the plastic.
What removes yellowing? ›
- Combine dish soap and hydrogen peroxide in the mixing bowl.
- Apply the mixture to the yellow stain.
- Sprinkle some baking soda over the stained area.
- Let the shirt sit for one hour.
- Use the brush to gently scrub in baking soda.
Add half a cup of white vinegar to your whites. This may be able to pull the grey or yellow hues that are staining your whites out of the fabric and help renew their original color. Alternatively, you may use a half cup of oxygen bleach to serve the same purpose.
Can bleach turn something white yellow? ›It might be a quick fix solution for stain removal, but in the long run, bleach may cause your whites to turn yellowish and will weaken the fabric, causing it to tear easily. Bleach also tends to weaken the shirt fibers and returns the synthetic polymers back to their original colour, yellow.
What is the best yellow remover? ›- Keeko.
- KMS.
- Lady Suite.
- Larry King.
- Mr. Smith.
- Mr Bright.
- NAK Hair.
- RAINCRY.
Remove Yellow Dye Stains From: Cover the stain with a rubbing alcohol compress (dilute alcohol with 2 parts water for acrylic and modacrylic and pretest its effects). Let the compress remain for a few minutes, then wipe stain with a cloth dampened with ammonia.
Does vinegar and baking soda clean yellow stains? ›Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said that getting yellow stains out of clothes can be as simple as using baking soda and white vinegar, which can be scrubbed into the fabric using an old toothbrush and wiped off with a clean cloth.
Will hydrogen peroxide whiten yellowed plastic? ›To shorten the chemistry lesson, essentially, the industrious folks behind the Retr0Bright project had discovered that it's the bromine - often used as flame retardant in plastics - that's causing the yellowing. And the keys to reverse the process are hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet (UV) light.
What should you not use Magic Eraser on? ›Magic Erasers are abrasive and shouldn't be used on wood or any high gloss surface, including countertops, because they can dull the finish. Use Magic Erasers with caution on painted surfaces. Always spot test, no matter what you're cleaning.
Does hydrogen peroxide remove yellow stains from plastic? ›Hydrogen peroxide works well on plastics that have turned entirely yellow instead of in just one spot. Fill a plastic bag with enough hydrogen peroxide to cover the plastic. Stick the plastic in the bag of hydrogen peroxide and lay it out in direct sunlight. Wait 3-4 hours before rinsing it off with clean water.
Does melamine turn yellow? ›However, if the veneer is made from a synthetic composite material such as melamine resin, the white tends to take on a yellowish hue over time, greatly diminishing the initial appeal. Understanding the cause of the tarnished tint provides insight into both prevention and maintenance of white veneer.
How do you clean matte laminate cabinets? ›
To clean your matt kitchen units, you will only need a little warm water, soap and a soft, wrung-out microfibre cloth. For persistent stains, you can use washing-up liquid, white vinegar for laminate units, and window cleaner for melamine units, but preferably alcohol free.
Is bleach bad for laminate? ›While some people do use very heavily diluted bleach to mop wooden flooring and laminate floors, you should never do this unless the manufacturer of your flooring explicitly states it is safe to do so. Using bleach flooring that is not bleach-safe can cause irreparable damage, even if it is diluted.
Can you use baking soda and vinegar on laminate? ›Sprinkle baking soda on the floor. Mix one gallon of hot water, one cup of vinegar and a few drops of dish soap in a bucket. Dip your mop in the solution, being careful not to create puddles. To avoid mopping yourself into a corner, start from the back of the room and working your way to the front.
Is Murphy oil good for laminate floors? ›Never use Murphy Oil Soap or similar products to damp mop wood or laminated floors. Oil soaps leave a film on floors that dull and damage the finish.
What is the best way to clean laminate? ›Use a gentle cleanser to spot-clean visibly dirty areas, and always follow up by wiping the area with a dry, absorbent cloth. One simple cleaner that works well with laminate is: 1 part rubbing alcohol + 3 parts water + a squirt of dish soap, applied using a lightly dampened cloth.
What is a homemade cleaner for laminate cabinets? ›Use a small amount of citrus-based oil and a soft cloth to make laminate cabinets shine. Mix equal parts water and vinegar for wood cabinets and spray on the wood. Wipe with a soft cloth. Painted cabinets will shine again by rubbing vegetable oil on them.
Do you have to rinse off Murphy's oil soap? ›Clean well with wrung-out mop, and mop any excess water. No visible residue, no rinsing required.
What is the best cleaner for melamine kitchen cabinets? ›Use methylated spirits or mineral turpentine. Use vinegar or lemon juice. Use water and a damp cloth. Use methylated spirits on a clean cloth or paper towel.
Why is my laminate turning yellow? ›When you cook, excess moisture and grease particles may form on the surface of the laminates. This may turn the white surfaces into yellow over time. Excess moisture can also affect the quality of your laminated cabinets.
Why are my white cabinets turning yellow? ›Cooking and sunlight can make your white cabinets turn yellow. And, not a pretty bright and happy yellow, but a dirty, unpleasant, sickly yellow. The good news is, with a little maintenance, you can keep your white cabinets white.
Can you use Mr Clean on laminate cabinets? ›
Cleaning laminate cabinets is a great way to make your kitchen sparkle. And one guy knows the best way to clean kitchen cabinets and that's Mr. Clean®! He has just what you need to power through the tough grease, daily dust, and stuck-on food messes that make your cabinets feel downright lackluster.
Is Dawn dish soap good for cabinets? ›Whether your cabinets need a quick wipe down or a full-on deep cleaning session, some of the best cleaning supplies are already in your kitchen! Simple solutions of dish soap and water can do wonders for cleaning away grease, splatters, and food messes. Dawn® Platinum makes cleaning kitchen cabinets So Dawn Easy!
Is Bona floor cleaner better than Murphy's oil soap? ›Overall, the best hardwood floor cleaner is the Murphy Original Formula Oil Soap, as it's affordable, effective, and compatible with multiple surfaces. If you're looking for a spray option, the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is safe and easy to use.
Can I use Old English on my kitchen cabinets? ›Old English Scratch Cover is specially formulated to work on all wood surfaces throughout your home, including kitchen cabinets, wood furniture and wood paneling. Available in formulas for light woods or for dark woods.
How do you make white cabinets less yellow? ›Cool tone bulbs: These are also known as white light bulbs and give a bluish or bright tone to the room. They will make cream cabinets appear less yellow but might take away the warm, cozy vibe of your kitchen.
Can you redo white laminate cabinets? ›The easiest way to make these basic laminate cabinets look a little less basic was to give them a whole new color. It turns out you can paint laminate cabinets, but you need to do a little prep work and use a special primer to get the best results.
How can I tell if my cabinets are laminate or veneer? ›A sure way to recognize wood laminate is when the grain does NOT follow through your piece. Wood Veneer is a sheet or thin layer of 'quality-natural-hardwood' that is adhered to a lesser quality wood surface. Wood Veneers give the impression of a more desired quality wood without being as costly.
How do you update white laminate kitchen cabinets? ›Painting is the easiest way to change the look of laminate cabinets. However, because the surface is slick, you can't just paint them the way that you would wood cabinets. To help the paint adhere to the laminate, the surface must be scuffed slightly with sandpaper, says Bob Vila.
Does vinegar clean laminate? ›If your floor has developed a slight film or waxy buildup on it (which happens over time when the wrong cleaning products are used), you can instead combine a gallon of hot water with a cup of white vinegar. Vinegar, which is a natural cleaning agent, will break down the film without hurting the laminate surface.
Can you bleach white laminate? ›Homeowners or renters with laminate countertops may also want to steer clear of bleach. Though laminate is fairly hardy, it's not the most durable substance in the world. Bleach can damage the laminate countertop or can cause permanent discoloration.
Can you stain white laminate? ›
Can I stain laminate flooring to make it darker? Painting laminate flooring offers a completely different look, but you can also just stain your laminate flooring to give it a richer colour. Smoky shades can look great and add a vintage feel to rooms.
Can you clean laminate with bleach and water? ›Disinfecting Laminate Floors
Use warm, not hot, water because hot water can damage laminate floors. Use diluted household bleach and water (4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water). For laminate floors, make sure you mop at least once every other day.
Windex is great on countertops, too, including quartz, granite, marble, laminate and tile. Just make sure that if you're cleaning natural stone counters that have a sealant, such as granite, marble or quartzite, you're using a Windex version that is free of ammonia and vinegar.
Can you use rejuvenate on laminate? ›A: The Rejuvenate All Floors Restorer is a water based polymer formula which adds a beautiful protective shine to your surface, brings back the luster, and adds up to 50% more traction to the area. It can be used on almost any flooring surface including hardwood and laminates.
What cleans laminate? ›Use a gentle cleanser to spot-clean visibly dirty areas, and always follow up by wiping the area with a dry, absorbent cloth. One simple cleaner that works well with laminate is: 1 part rubbing alcohol + 3 parts water + a squirt of dish soap, applied using a lightly dampened cloth.