Is It Hard to Keep White Kitchen Cabinets Clean?

Posted by Daniel Mizrahi on Tuesday, July 17, 2018

There is no doubt that installing white kitchen cabinets is one of the most popular design choices during kitchen remodeling these days. After all, they look so crisp, clean, modern, classy, and inviting, it's hard to resist! However, some homeowners are intimidated by the thought that white items don't always stay white, especially in a room like a kitchen where messes are frequent. The question is, are white kitchen cabinets difficult to keep clean?

Yes, and no! (How's that for a safe answer?!)

Let's start with no. Kitchen cabinets are prone to spills from cooking, fingerprints on the cabinets, and general grime from airborne food residue. These things all build up over time, so it's not as easy to keep them clean as something like a white ceiling.

What about the yes? The good news is that quality cabinets can be kept clean with a bit of prevention and a bit of smart cleaning.

Quality Kitchen Cabinets Stay Cleaner

As any kitchen remodeler will tell you, not all white cabinets are equal. Some of them have a flimsy plastic film providing the white surface, while others have a coat of white paint. Still others have a high-quality, factory finish with a stain-resistant glossy sheen. The better the quality of your kitchen cabinet surfaces, the more resistance they will have to staining, and the more durable they will be when scrubbed.

Prevention Keeps Your White Cabinets Cleaner

Don't worry, we're not about to give you unrealistic ideals about keeping your kitchen cabinets pristine by not using your kitchen! Instead, we have a few practical ideas for lessening the amount of foreign matter that contacts your surfaces, so there is less to clean:

• Install a high-quality range hood (and use it when you cook). This keeps grease and steam in check, preventing a lot of residue that would otherwise build up on the surfaces of your kitchen cabinets, trapping dust and dirt. Ask your remodeling company about a ducted range hood when it comes time to design your kitchen remodel.
• Choose attractive knobs for your cabinets and pulls for your drawers. This gives you a place to grab when opening the cupboards and drawers, reducing fingerprints and general grime. (It also helps prevent fingernails from chipping away the finish of the cabinets)
• Use a splatter screen when you simmer or fry. This helps prevent food splashes from getting on your cabinets, but it also reduces the amount of cleaning you need to do on your stovetop, countertops, and floors!

Smart Cleaning for White Kitchen Cabinets

Any time you clean your kitchen cabinets, it is important to keep a few key concepts in mind:

1. Clean sooner rather than later. This keeps stains from settling in and prevents grease and grime from building up. 
2. Use a soft sponge. Abrasive sponges like steel wool or magic erasers can scuff and mar the finish on your cabinets, so use a soft cleaning rag or sponge.
3. Wash with a gentle soap. Scouring cleansers can scratch and wear out the finish on your cabinets, so stick with a little bit of dish soap or vinegar.

Do You Have Kitchen Cabinet Questions?

If you live in the Los Angeles area and have questions about kitchen cabinets or remodeling, Open Hand Remodeling would love to help! We provide full-service renovations and construction in Burbank, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. We hope to hear from you soon!