Why Are My Cabinets Yellowing?

Cabinets are one of the essential things that highlight the entire kitchen. They provide an elegant look to the area, especially if they are painted white. However, homeowners may encounter some problems over time — one of these is yellowing cabinets.

 

Why do gleaming white cabinets begin to yellow? 

 

1. Sunlight

 

The biggest culprit is direct sunlight, which tends to discolor or damage painted wood and laminated surfaces. Furthermore, some cabinet finishes, such as vinyl, might fade when they’re exposed to sunlight.

 

 

Consider using window film, shades, or drapes to protect your cabinets from sunlight. They should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods and are generally not warrantied for color-fastness. In most cases, sun damage may result in permanent discoloration.

 

2. Grease

 

Grease is the second culprit of yellowing cabinets. When you start cooking, those enticing odors swirl into the air as grease particles. As a result, they’ll stick to your shimmering white cabinets — causing them to turn yellow.

 

 

It would be best if you did not allow grease to build on your cabinets to avoid this. Always turn on the exhaust fan or range hood as soon as you start boiling, broiling, or deep-frying to filter out at least some tiny particles before they strike the surrounding surfaces.

 

3. Low Sunlight and Time

 

Oil-based paints (alkyd paints) may acquire a yellow hue due to how they cure, specifically if your kitchen gets little sunlight. Some kinds of varnish, particularly older, non-urethane-based varieties, can yellow over time. Also, the paint may turn amber-colored due to moisture.

 

 

You can try several cleaning techniques on your kitchen cabinets if they have significantly yellowed. But if cleaning does not help, you may want to try another intervention, such as painting with a durable product like a KCMA coating or even acrylic or enamel paint.

 

Tips On Cleaning Yellowing Cabinets

 

Basic Cleaning

 

1. Combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup all-purpose cleaner, white vinegar, or wood cleaner in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the mixture onto the cabinets one at a time. Use a soft sponge to scrub the surface in a circular motion.
3. Wipe the cabinet again to get all the cleaners off the sponge after rinsing and wringing it out.
4. Use a soft cloth or towel to dry the cabinet.

 

Getting Rid of Tough Yellow Stains

 

1. Make a paste by combining 1/4 cup water and 1/2 cup baking soda.
2. Dip a damp sponge, a soft toothbrush, or a scrub brush with nylon bristles into the paste.
3. Gently scrub the yellowed areas. Allow the baking soda to sit for 5 minutes in the cabinet.
4. Use a moist sponge to remove the baking soda.
5. Use a gentle cloth or rag to dry the cabinets.

 

Yellow Grease Stains Removal

 

1. Wet and wring out a sponge.
2. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and open all the windows in the kitchen.
3. Pour some undiluted ammonia onto the sponge. Clean the cabinets from the bottom up to avoid ammonia spilling down your arms while you work.
4. Gently scrub the cabinet as you clean it to remove any grease.
5. Rinse and squeeze the sponge dry. Ensure the cabinet is clean of ammonia.
6. Use a soft cloth or towel to dry the cabinet.

 

Cleaning Laminate Stains

 

1. Make a paste by combining baking soda and a mild household detergent. A ratio of around 1 part detergent to 3 parts baking soda should yield the desired consistency.
2. Scrub the discoloration with a stiff-bristled nylon brush after applying the baking soda solution. Stop after roughly 20 forceful brushstrokes to avoid degrading the laminate finish.
3. Use a moist cloth to wipe off the countertop. Avoid soaking the fabric since laminate is especially sensitive to excess moisture. After removing the remaining baking soda and stain residue with water, rub the countertop dry.

 

Do You Want To Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets? Call The Picky Painters Today.

 

The Picky Painters is located in Cleveland, Ohio. The painting company offers various services, such as Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing. Reach out to us if you want to make your kitchen cabinets look brand new again.

 

Call (216) 403-2545 or email joe@thepickypainters.com.

 

Meanwhile, if you are interested more in kitchen cabinets, read some of our blogs.

 

Kitchen Cabinet Painting Vs. Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing: What Is The Difference?

 

What Do Painted Oak Kitchen Cabinets Look Like?

 

Kitchen Cabinet Ideas For Your Project