How to clean matt kitchen cupboards – this is how the experts tackle fingerprints, streaks and dust
Top tips to keep your matt kitchen cupboards looking chic
EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Our kitchens can go through quite a lot from day to day. From steam to stains, grease and oil, it sees it all as you prepare and whip up your favourite dishes. If you have splashed out on your dream matt kitchen cupboards, you'll know fingerprints and streaks can ruin their rich velvety look. That's why we've asked the experts how to clean matt kitchen cupboards to keep your kitchen cabinet ideas looking as chic as the day you bought them.
‘Matt finishes are ideal for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, easy-to-live-with kitchen style,’ says Symphony's Design Manager, Josie Medved. ‘Their elegant and understated look includes a colour consistency that retains its solidity and depth whatever the light, wherever it’s installed and at all times of the day.’
So, here’s everything you need to know about how to clean matt kitchen cupboards, as well as a handy step-by-step guide to make cleaning them an absolute breeze.
What you'll need
Don't be tempted to pick up just one microfibre cloth, for a perfect matt finish you'll need all four for a good clean.
While you can use a cleaning spray, washing up liquid is just as effective at cutting through the accumulation of kitchen grease
Step-by-step guide
1. Prepare your cleaning solution
Depending on your preference, you can buy a cleaning solution designed specifically for cleaning matt surfaces, like kitchen cupboards. Or, the experts all agree adding a few drops of washing-up liquid to a bowl of warm water and giving it a mix should more than suffice.
Just ‘remember less is more when it comes to matt surfaces,’ says Catherine Green, from smol. ‘You only need a small drop of dish soap to avoid leaving residue behind.’
2. Remove any dust or debris
Before you get started, it’s important to gently give your matt kitchen cupboards a wipe with a dry microfibre cloth to remove any dust or loose debris, as ‘this will prevent scratching when you move on to wet cleaning,’ says Catherine.
This is ‘because dust and other fine grains left over from earlier cleaning can act like sandpaper and are a risk to any surface, no matter how well-sealed it is,’ explains Nadine Chadwick, Head of Marketing at Nolte Kitchens. It’s also important to only use microfibre cloths when cleaning matt kitchen cupboards as regular cloths or paper towels can leave lint and streaks behind.
3. Start cleaning
Once you’ve removed all of the dust, it’s time to dampen a second microfibre cloth – not the one you just used to remove any dust and debris. But it is incredibly important that you wring it out well.
Essentially, ‘the cloth should feel barely damp to touch,’ according to Catherine. This is because you don’t want ‘moisture to enter the bar handles or edges, causing the wood to swell,’ Nadine warns.
Once your cloth is damp but not wet, work in small sections, using gentle circular motions – rather than up-and-down or side-to-side wiping – to clean the entirety of each door, paying extra attention to handles and edges where grease tends to build up.
4. Rinse
It’s time to take another microfibre cloth – see, that’s why we recommend picking up a pack of at least four for cleaning jobs such as this – but this time you only want to dampen it with water. And this will allow you to wipe each section to remove any soap residue.
Just ‘remember to rinse your cloth frequently to ensure a streak-free finish,’ Catherine advises.
5. Finish by drying thoroughly
With a fourth and final microfibre cloth, this one should be completely dry as it will be used to dry each and every cabinet door, making sure that no moisture remains. Much like when you were cleaning, you’ll want to dry in small, gentle circular motions to buff the surface.
And according to Catherine, ‘this step is crucial for preventing water marks and streaks.’
FAQs
How do you keep matt cabinets clean?
As with most things, keeping on top of the cleaning will save you from having to do an especially deep clean. And the best way to keep matt cabinets clean is to get into a good routine of wiping them down regularly and thus preventing the buildup of dirt, grease or stains. Make this a part of your daily cleaning routine, or even part of your Sunday reset.
‘A regular quick wipe with a clean, slightly damp microfibre cloth can prevent the build-up of grease and grime,’ Catherine suggests. ‘Make it a habit to wipe down cabinet fronts once a week, paying special attention to areas around handles and edges where fingers naturally touch. And always use gentle, circular motions and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners which can damage the matt finish.’
