Have you noticed your kitchen cabinets looking dull and yellowish? If so, you’re not alone! It happens to a lot of homeowners in Vaughan over time. This discoloration can be caused by many different factors and understanding how to prevent cabinets from yellowing can help you properly take care of them and restore the original beauty of your kitchen.
In this blog post, we’ll uncover why cabinetry yellows over time—from light exposure to moisture damage—along with some solutions for yellowing kitchen cabinets.
If you notice that your once vibrant kitchen cabinets are turning yellow, then there could be a few culprits.
One of the main causes of yellow kitchen cabinets is exposure to sunlight and UV rays. This can happen over time if natural light sources from windows are constantly flooding the cabinet space with intense beams, steadily discolouring it until it becomes a pale, off-white color. To keep your kitchen cabinets looking their best for as long as possible, minimize direct sunlight when and where you are able to.
Grease and smoke from cooking or frying food can build up on the painted surface, dulling its vibrancy after prolonged exposure. You may also notice little dust particles or fumes, depending on what kind of appliances you’re using—all these containments add up and accumulate, often leading to yellowing or other kitchen cabinet issues.
If you’ve noticed your kitchen cabinets are looking a little yellow, it might be due to the cleaning products you’re using. If you’re using products that contain bleach or other harsh chemicals, they can sometimes cause yellowing.
It’s not uncommon for kitchen cabinets to take on a yellowish hue over time, especially if they’ve been exposed to heat and humidity. As the protective layer eventually wears away, the underlying material shows through, resulting in a yellowish color tone.
Older cabinets may have been finished with an oil-based paint which is more susceptible to yellowing when exposed to sunlight or moisture. Additionally, using outdated paints or pesticide surfactants (also known as surfactant additives) on kitchen cabinets greatly increases the chances of yellowing due to their ability for a mildew-forming reaction which causes fading.
Yellowing cabinets can be a stark reminder of how age and overuse can adversely affect your kitchen. Not only does it reduce the visual appeal of the room, but it also affects the value of your property.
In addition to looking dull and unappealing, yellowing cabinets may indicate unhygienic and unsanitary conditions—dirt, grease, bacteria and other contaminants may have built up over time, leading to discoloration. Keeping your cabinets clean and well maintained is essential for a great looking kitchen that is hygienic and safe.
Nobody likes it when their kitchen cabinets start to yellow over time, and no one wants to go through the hassle of replacing them. Thankfully, it’s possible to prevent cabinets from yellowing in the first place by taking some preventative and proactive measures.
To prevent yellowing, try wiping your cabinets down with a damp cloth regularly. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on the surface of the cabinets and cause discolouration, but a simple cleaning once a week will do the trick! After wiping everything down, make sure you dry the surface off before closing the cabinet door.
Make sure you’re only using safe and non-abrasive cleaning products or methods like soaps and warm water rather than harsh detergents. Additionally, opt for natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda over other chemical cleaners and use soft cloths or sponges instead of harsh steel wool pads when scrubbing.
One way to help keep your cabinets from yellowing prematurely is to always use an exhaust fan when you’re cooking. This will remove excess steam, odours, and grease, which are common causes of yellow kitchen cabinets. Installing an exhaust fan properly so that it’s venting everything outside will do the most good.
One solution for yellowing kitchen cabinets is to minimize the amount of direct sunlight that your cabinets are exposed to. Strategically placing blinds, curtains, or other window treatments can ensure your cabinets aren’t hit with intense UV rays on a daily basis. Sunlight filtering products that attach to windows may also improve the life expectancy of your cabinets.
If you’re experiencing issues with your kitchen cabinets, refinishing them or repainting them may be the best option. Just make sure you take the time to do it right so your cabinets will look their best. Refinishing contractors in Vaughan can sand down your cabinets and then stain or paint them. You can also add a top coat to protect them from future damage.
If you’ve noticed that the condition of your kitchen cabinets has been getting worse and worse, it might be time to call Booth7.
As refinishing contractors in Vaughan, we provide free consultations to evaluate your kitchen cabinet issues and can provide solutions for your yellowing kitchen cabinets. Not only that, but our team is experienced in dealing with all kinds of kitchen cabinet issues and will provide helpful advice on how to keep them in good condition for longer.
To learn more about our furniture painting and refinishing options, specifically our kitchen cabinet refinishing services in Vaughan and the GTA, contact us today!