Are you starting to notice that your cabinets are looking a bit dull and yellow? You’re not alone — over time, cabinets can start to suffer from wear and tear, leading to discoloration or other signs of aging. But don’t worry just yet — there are many ways you can restore your cabinets so they look shiny and new! In this blog post, you’ll learn simple tips on how to fix yellowing cabinets quickly and cost-effectively. So whether it’s wood, laminate, or metal surfaces that need some love, we’ve got the tricks you need for the perfect cabinet facelift and can be used for any season, could be the perfect kitchen kabinet for winter!
Tip 1: Clean with a Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a natural and non-toxic cleaning agent and is gentle enough to use on all cabinet surfaces. To maximize its effectiveness, start by removing any dust, dirt, or grease using a soft cloth or brush. Next, create the baking soda paste with two tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of warm water. Apply the paste to the cabinet surface and rub in circular motions until a light lather is formed. Finally, rinse with clean water and let dry completely before applying any additional treatments or finishes.
Tip 2: Apply Oxalic Acid Solution
Oxalic acid is an effective way to remove deep-seated stains from yellowed wood surfaces. To make a solution, mix one tablespoon of oxalic acid powder with one cup of hot water (not boiling). Make sure you wear protective gloves and eyewear when handling this product as it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. Using a soft cloth, apply the solution evenly across the cabinet surface and allow it to sit for five minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Oxalic acid is a great way to remove deep-seated discoloration from yellowed wood surfaces, but it can also be used to restore metal and laminate cabinets. Before applying the solution, ensure the surface is clean and free of dust, dirt, or grease.
Tip 3: Refresh with Wood Stain
If your cabinets still have yellow patches after scrubbing them down with baking soda paste or oxalic acid solution, try applying a wood stain for an instant refreshment. First, sand down the entire cabinet surface using fine-grit sandpaper to create an even and consistent finish. Once finished, apply two coats of stain in your desired color onto each cabinet panel then allow them to dry completely before applying wax or another sealant for added protection from future staining or discoloration.
Tip 4: Add Wax Sealer
To help protect your newly refreshed cabinets from future staining or discoloration, consider adding a wax sealer such as carnauba wax or beeswax after all other treatments have been applied and allowed to dry completely. Simply apply small amounts of wax onto each cabinet panel using either a soft cloth or brush and buff away any excess wax once finished. This will help protect your cabinets from everyday kitchen stains like cooking oil splatters and grease build-up while also giving them an extra shine!
With these four easy tips, you should have no trouble restoring those unsightly yellow cabinets back into their former glory! Cleaning them with baking soda paste followed by oxalic acid solution should do the trick for most minor cases but if you’re dealing with more stubborn discoloration then consider refreshing them with wood stain before adding on a protective layer of wax sealer for added protection from future staining or discoloration. Good luck!