How To Clean White Laminate Cabinets That Have Yellowed

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The yellowed cabinet is not what anyone like, but unfortunately, we have to face it, especially when we have a white cabinet.

Usually, grime, dust, excess moisture, and greases form on the cabinet surface over time and cause this discoloration. But don’t be worried. You can make your yellowed cabinets white again if you clean them with the right cleaning process by using the right cleaning tools. How to clean white laminate cabinets that have yellowed?

You just have to take some necessary steps, and this guide will let you know the steps. So scroll down and learn the steps to get back your white laminate cabinet and some tips to keep it safe. 

How To Clean White Laminate Cabinets That Have Yellowed

White laminate cabinets are not painted white; they are made from laminate that needs special care. To keep the cabinet safe, you must avoid using any harsh chemical-based cleaner and abrasive sponges like a metal sponge that can stripe the surface.

Then what is the best cleaner and cleaning process to clean the white laminate cabinets? We will know below, scroll down and explore more.

Equipment You Will Need

Warm water, ammonia/hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, dish liquid, nylon bristle brush, old toothbrush, sponge, microfiber cloth, rubber gloves, face mask, goggles, blower fan, etc.

Step One: Get Ready to Clean

A kitchen is a small place, and air circulation here isn’t like other home areas. In this cleaning process, we will use ammonia to clean white laminate cabinets that have yellowed.

So before we start the cleaning process, we have to prep the area. First, remove the laminate cabinet removable parts like the doors and take them out in the yard or drawing-room, where enough air is available.

Open all the doors and windows and, if possible, switch on a blower fan on the highest setting. Now Place a leak proof floor protector and keep the door on top of it. 

Step Two: Make a DIY Cleaning Solution

Here we will make two cleaning solutions; you can pick any of them. 

Wear your hand gloves, face mask, and goggles, and take a rag. Take a two-gallon bucket filled with warm water and add half a cup of ammonia or hydrogen peroxide to it. Add one tablespoon of baking soda, but it’s optional. Wait until everything dissolves properly. 

If you want to avoid using ammonia or hydrogen peroxide, make this solution with vinegar. Take a two-gallon bucket, add 8 cups of warm water, 4 cups of white vinegar, and two tablespoons of dish liquid. Now mix all these ingredients until bubbles are showing up.

Step Three: Treat the Stain

Before we clean the cabinet, we first have to treat the stubborn stains. Usually, the door of the laminate cabinets gets touched with our hand and gets yellow stained, so the stained cabinets doors should get the first attention.

Plus, treating spots will take more effort and time, so let’s start with it. Make a smooth thick paste of baking soda and warm water. Apply this paste directly to the yellow stain and leave it for 15 minutes. Then use a soft nylon brush or old toothbrush and scrub until the stain is gone.

Don’t get disappointed after scrubbing a little because it will take a few passes. But be worry free; it will certainly scour away the yellowed grease stains.

Step Four: Clean The Cabinet Doors

Dip a rag or sponge in the cleaning solution we made in step two, squeeze excess solution, and wipe away the cabinet doors. Simply wiping away obviously won’t get rid of yellow grease stains, so you have to scrub it.

Remember, laminate is delicate, so you can’t use any abrasive cleaning tool like a metal scrub to scrub it. Scrub it with a dish sponge gently, and repeat this a few times to completely eliminate the yellow grease stains.

Once cleaning is done, take another sponge or rag, dip it in clean water, wring well and wipe down the cabinet doors to clean the residue. Then dry with a microfiber cloth.

Step Five: Clean The Inside Of The Cabinet

Take another sponge, dip in the solution, wring well and wipe away the inside of the laminate cabinet. Use an old toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach areas.

Then use a new sponge or wash the old one, dip it in clean water, and wring well. Use this sponge to wipe away the entire cabinet surface and its parts to remove the residues.

Laminate can get damaged if it is touched by water, so dry it immediately with a soft, microfiber cloth. 

Tips of Cleaning White Laminate Cabinets that Have Yellowed

  • If the baking soda paste has dried enough, spray a little white vinegar and scrub.
  • Squeeze the sponge very carefully, leaving no excess water after wiping the cabinet.
  • Deep clean the white laminate cabinet at least once a month.
  •  Avoid scrubbing too hard and using a metal sponge. 
  • Use an exhaust fan to get rid of small particles from the steam that causes grease and discoloration in your cabinet.
Know More on Be A Cleaner

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Whiten Yellowed Laminate Cabinets?

Take one cup of white vinegar, add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide and mix well. And to cut the vinegar odor, add one tablespoon of lemon juice. Spray this solution directly on a rag and wipe down the yellowed cabinets.

Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes, then wipe down the cabinet with a water-dampened sponge. Finally, dry the cabinet with a cloth, and you are done!

Why Are My White Cabinets Turning Yellow?

The white cabinets turning yellow can be caused by various factors, including the use of harsh chemicals, poor ventilation, exposure to sunlight or foods that have a high acid content, and improper cleaning.

But if it’s the kitchen cabinet, mostly the reason is grime, excess steaming moisture, and greases. Time also significantly affects it; over time, dirt gets collected and turns the white cabinet yellow.

What Is the Best Way to Clean White Kitchen Cabinets?

Using natural cleaners that are free of harsh chemicals is the best cleaning agent to clean a white kitchen cabinet. Make a solution of mild dish soap, white vinegar, and warm water. Dip a clean rag or sponge, squeeze excess solution and wipe down the entire cabinet.

How Do You Fix Discolored Cabinets?

First, clean the cabinet with water and dish liquid solution to fix these discolored cabinets. Next, spray mild household bleach, leave it for 10 minutes, and then thoroughly wipe down with clean water. Finally, seal the cabinet with a sealant to prevent future discoloration.

How Do You Clean Cabinets with Vinegar?

Mix vinegar and warm water in equal quantities, add one tablespoon of dish liquid, and stir well until bubbles show up. Take some of it in a spray bottle, spray on the rag and wipe down the cabinet. Scrub gently, and once done, wipe again with a clean water-dampened sponge. Dry with a microfiber cloth.

Conclusion

Having grease stains on cabinets is normal, but leaving them untreated is not. Nowadays, lots of harsh chemical-based cleaners are available in the market that are really bad for laminate cabinets.

So if you want to keep your laminate cabinet safe and get rid of that yellow grease and stains, follow the cleaning process we shared above. Our step-by-step guide on how to clean laminate cabinets that have yellowed efficiently worked.

We have tried it, and our readers get the result as well. So try this once, and don’t forget to share your positive feedback with us.

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