Dark feature walls and cabinets can create a bold statement in any kitchen and make pre-existing features look brand new by covering the majority of noticeable marks as well as signs of wear with a fresh coat of dark color.
But have you considered how to clean dark kitchen cabinets?
You may not have thought about it, but knowing how to clean dark kitchen cabinets is vital in hiding any dust, smudges, or lingering fingerprints that may show up far easier than on a lighter-colored surface.
Cleaning black or dark cabinets can be done with a homemade mixture of distilled white vinegar, water, and a dash of dish soap in a spray bottle and used with a microfiber cloth but if you want to know the best tips and tricks on how to clean dark kitchen cabinets then keep reading.
How To Clean Dark Kitchen Cabinets
You may not know it, but your kitchen cabinets are the focal point of any kitchen and this means your guests will easily spot any splatters or grubby handprints that may be lingering on your dark kitchen cabinets.
You may feel reluctant to scrub too viciously or use certain chemicals on black or dark kitchen cabinets as this could create some less than impressive fade on the paint and create more than just a dirty handprint for you to worry about which concerns many people when they think about how to clean dark kitchen cabinets.
Of course, what works best for your cabinets will depend on the style of cabinet you have and the quality of paint.
However, if you want to know how to clean dark kitchen cabinets and pick the right products then we know a thing or two about creating a gleaming home, without the need to get a sweat on!
Two or three times a year you may find that your cabinets are in need of a good deep cleaning where you remove all the contents and get a suitable cleaner, microfiber cloth, and a toothbrush for the hard-to-reach crevices and clean the cabinets inside and out.
This will make it easier to maintain day-to-day and works well to remove any out-of-date produce you may have laying around in the back of your kitchen cabinets.
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How To Clean Painted Dark Kitchen Cabinets
An easy and affordable way to add a splash of color (or remove it!) to give your kitchen that freshly installed feel is to paint over the existing color.
It can be easy in the spur of the moment to grab your paintbrush and paint your kitchen cabinets, but if you want to know how to clean dark kitchen cabinets then you will need to make sure you do the job properly otherwise you can be left in a less than ideal situation.
Make sure your cabinets are sealed with a top coat of your choice to prevent any of the paint from rubbing away when you’re wiping them down for a clean finish, and you’re good to go!
To remove stains that need spot treatment then you can make your own solution by mixing one part water and two parts baking soda and mix into a paste.
You can dab this paste onto the stain and wait 2-4 minutes before wiping it clean. If you find the mixture won’t stay on the stain then you may need more baking soda in your mix to make it less liquid. If any residue remains you can buff it away with a clean cloth.
For daily cleaning you should be able to use any multi-purpose cleaning solution of your choice with a microfiber cloth as the top coat on the paint will prevent any damage from taking place.
If you find over time the paint on your cabinets is chipped or looking worse for wear then we recommend the best thing to do is repaint and seal it to give it back the fresh new appearance you started with.
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How To Clean Dark Wooden Cabinets
Dark wooden cabinets create a cozy feel to any kitchen and their sturdy build is one of many great reasons that wooden cabinets are loved worldwide. If you have dark wooden cabinets such as melamine that are susceptible to easy damage you may be concerned when you think about how to clean dark kitchen cabinets.
Learning how to clean dark kitchen cabinets will vary slightly if you have dark wood as they require regular maintenance to prevent permanent damage to the wood.
As soon as a spill or stain occurs you should wipe it away immediately and clean it with an oil-based soap and warm water as moisture and food can ruin the surface of your cabinet but make sure not to rub too hard as you can scratch the surface and create denting that leaves it prone to further damage in the future.
For stubborn staining, you may find a mixture of cleaning vinegar and water will help to remove the staining but you should clean on a well-hidden test patch to be safe.
Once a week you can wipe down all of the cabinets using oil-based soap or a multi-purpose cleaner that isn’t abrasive to remove any lingering grease or fingerprints you may not have noticed.
How to Clean Glass Cabinets
If you have glass in your dark cabinets then you should clean the cabinet depending on what material it is made of, but when it comes to the glass portion, you may be wondering how to clean dark kitchen cabinets with glass in them.
When cleaning the glass portion of your dark cabinets you can use any glass cleaner and polishing cloth to get rid of fingerprints, food splashes, or grease on the panes but make sure you clean both sides as this means you can easily clean the whole pane.
If you use an oil-based cleanser for your cabinets then make sure you avoid getting this on the glass as it will create streaks on your freshly polished finish which will ruin the effect.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
FAQs
Are dark cabinets hard to keep clean?
Dark (or especially black!) cabinets are hard to clean as the dark color easily shows any grease or marks from food and water splatter, but there are several tips you can follow to make sure you get the best-looking cabinets without too much hard work!
Are dark brown kitchen cabinets out of style?
Dark brown cabinets look great in any kitchen and rarely seem to be out of style as long as your kitchen has good lighting and decoration then dark colors are hard to go wrong with!
How can I make my brown cabinets look good?
Darker brown cabinets with cooler undertones will go well with cool neutral tones such as lavender-toned greys, and sage greens which you could add in splashes through your kitchen accessories or countertops.
What color kitchen cabinet is most popular?
White kitchen cabinets are a firm lead-in cabinet color for many tears as it provides a clean and simple canvas for any newly built or refurbished home.
Conclusion
If you didn’t think about how to clean dark kitchen cabinets before you installed or painted over your current ones then you may find information online that leaves you regretting your decorative choices.
Luckily most dark kitchen cabinets do not require any elaborate special treatment and can be cleaned using products you already have at home making them easier to maintain than you think.
Dark cabinets can make any kitchen feel cozy and inviting whether you are expecting guests, or just love to cook and you shouldn’t be intimidated by the thought of learning how to clean dark kitchen cabinets.
