White kitchen cabinets are actually no harder to keep clean than any other. Sure, they aren't as forgiving as darker colors, but that doesn't mean they have to be any less durable or easy to clean and maintain.
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.
White cabinets appear easier to get dirty
Because white does not hide any stain or smudges, white is easy to look dirty and requires more maintenance or upkeep to keep the white cabinets in pristine condition.
All-white cabinets and countertops are the most high-maintenance option, and there's no getting around that. Darker surfaces won't show every crack and smudge, but lighter options definitely will.
To keep cabinets white, give them a monthly “bath” with a solution of warm water and a grease-busting dish soap. Then there is the inevitable muck and grime that accumulate from oil and grease splatters.
Keeping your white cabinets white
Keep white cabinets out of direct sunlight to prevent them from turning yellow. To make a kitchen feel warm and inviting and useful you need plenty of sunlight and a functional space to cook. Unfortunately, those are the two things that also threatened your white cabinets.
Water-based polyurethane is well-suited for low-sheen flat, eggshell or satin latex paint. If you painted your cabinets with any of these paints, apply a water-based poly over the top to prolong the life of the finish. Do not apply water-based polyurethane over the top of gloss latex and acrylic enamel.
How Long Should A New Kitchen Last? Most manufacturers say that a whole new kitchen remodel – which includes countertops, cabinets, tiles, flooring, and more – should last for at least 20-25 years before it needs replacing.
When looking for kitchen color ideas, you may be tempted to opt for a classic all-white palette – but according to designers, this desired tone may have fallen out of favor. The hue has endured for decades, however, changing paint trends suggest that this neutral shade is no longer in vogue.
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.
White cabinets can open up a small kitchen and give the illusion of more square footage. It can transform a small kitchen to look much bigger. When kitchens lack natural light or windows, white cabinets can make space feel brighter and more natural.
White is the one color or finish of cabinetry that will be forever timeless. White is used in a wide range of kitchen styles. It can be modern and sterile or warm and soft. It can even be casual or formal.
It reflects light well, making the whole room feel brighter and more open. Since the cabinets take up most wall space in a kitchen, having white kitchen cabinets can help your space feel bigger. If you have a small kitchen or limited lighting options, this is a great solution for you.
Your cabinets might have details or molding that's hard to clean with a regular cloth. But a toothbrush is the perfect size to reach trapped dirt and grime in those small corners and crevices. Dip the toothbrush in a mixture of water and vinegar, gently scrub, then remove any excess water with a dry cloth.
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.
White Cabinets are Still Classic
The general rule still holds that white cabinets aren't going anywhere anytime soon. They are still classic if done correctly, but I am noticing some push back on the whole “white on white on white” look that I see very often.
Because most cabinets are painted with a high-gloss or semi-gloss paint, they will be more durable (and easier to wipe clean) than, say, a matte finish wall paint, but you do want to take care not to use anything so harsh that you end up striping the paint or damaging the finish.
So, to recap the answer to this question: You should always use a clear coat on painted cabinets unless you feel like doing a lot of repainting.
On average, semi-gloss oil-based paint is the most durable finish for kitchen cabinets. Because of its sheen, semi-gloss paint can reflect light and remain durable for a long time.
For your cabinet doors, they will need to be finished in some manner to protect them from damage. Paint can be a great choice, especially if you have a color in mind. If you are a person who loves a natural look, then a clear coat finish would be perfect for you!
Related Articles. White painted cabinets give your kitchen a clean, airy look, but they can turn yellow with time. Oil-based paints, also known as alkyd paints, sometimes take on a yellowish cast because of the way they cure, especially if your kitchen doesn't get much sun.
"Yellow" cupboards are often caused by defective, aging finishes or airborne grease that settles over everything (even the ceiling!) over time, causing sickly yellow and tacky surfaces. An all-natural homemade cleaning solution can work wonders.