Quick Ways to Make Your Kitchen Cabinets Look New Again

_{Want to give your outdated or builder-grade kitchen cabinets a fresh new look? Update your kitchen cabinets without removing them.}

Quick Ways to Make Your Kitchen Cabinets Look New Again

If your kitchen is like most, the primary focal point is your kitchen cabinets.

You likely have more of those than anything else in your kitchen, and if you are like some folks, you probably still don’t have enough of those for all of your needs either! 

Whether you have enough cabinets in your kitchen for your needs or not, chances are your cabinets still take a beating. From food spills to everyday fingerprint marks, it doesn’t take much before those cabinet doors start to look a bit dingy.

So what are you to do?

Not to worry. There are some simple things that you can do to make your cabinets look like they are brand new again…without replacing them! Here is how to remove some of the most common marks that you might find on your kitchen cabinets. 

Removing Fingerprints

Our skin naturally contains oils, and those oils can leave fingerprint marks all over your cabinets. This is especially true if you have young children who are always touching all things.

Most think you need a harsh chemical to remove greasy fingerprints.

But this is not true! Removing fingerprints is as simple as using a microfiber cloth wet with water. I absolutely love using an ecloth. These cloths are so powerful that you don’t need to add anything but water. 

Food Splatters & Grease Built Up

Food splatters and greasy are certainly a natural part of cooking, so it’s not uncommon for you to find some on your kitchen cabinets. They also can leave your kitchen cabinets looking old if not removed.

Food splatters and grease should be cleaned as soon as you notice them, otherwise, they might leave a stain on the wood. However, this is not always possible. We are busy people.

You can safely remove greasy build-up and dirt from your kitchen cabinets with this all Natural Kitchen Degrease. This cleaner will have your cabinets cleaned in a few short moments. Deep clean your kitchen fast.

Scuff Marks Can Make Your Cabinets Look Old

You may have scuff marks along the base of your cabinets from shoes, furniture, or just natural wear and tear. You can remove scuff marks in these areas easily by rubbing them gently with a Magic Eraser sponge.

If your cabinets are painted, you may want to test the sponge in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t strip the paint. 

Harness the power of a new paint job!

If you still aren’t just loving the way that your kitchen cabinets look, why not give them a makeover with a fresh paint job and some new hardware? Choose a fresh hue to give old cabinets new life and distract from less-than-trendy door styles.

Painting the kitchen cabinets is not typically very expensive and you can have the project done over a weekend. The results will probably leave you feeling as though you have a whole new kitchen! 

You can check out my updated kitchen cabinet look with a fresh coating of paint. It did take just about 5 days to complete.

Adding Removable Wallpaper

Whether you are removing cabinet doors, opting for glass front cabinets, or are tired of the boring interior of your cabinets, removable wallpaper is the perfect way to add a pop of color and pattern. 

There are so many great patterns to apply to the back panels of your kitchen cabinets. If you have cabinets with no doors or glass doors, this wallpaper idea will update and make your old cabinets look new again.

Spoonflower offers a great variety of removable wallpaper prints. You can check them out here.

Removing Some Kitchen Cabinet Doors

We just talked about updating the back panels of your kitchen cabinets. This process goes hand in hand with removing a few kitchen cabinet doors.

This look will give you the option to have open shelving without tearing out your cabinets. Try removing a few cabinet doors instead. 

You can use glassware, dinnerware, and other beautiful kitchen items as decor pieces and create an open, airy look in your kitchen. Here is a great tutorial from Cottage and Vine.

Add New Hardware

Swapping out old knobs and pulls is one of the quickest and cheapest fixes for what ails your kitchen cabinets. 

Some older cabinets are without hardware. Adding in something new can refresh your kitchen cabinet look. You can search for new, trendy options at your local big-box store, salvage shops, or from your favorite online retailer. 

Please keep in mind, that when removing old hardware you may have to refresh the area if previously painted, as not all hardware is created equal. However, with the variety of options available, you will most likely find the same size, with an updated look.

Adding Bead Board Gives a Fresh Look

Beautify your kitchen with bead board.

Dress up a boring kitchen island or plain cabinet fronts with beadboard. The sophisticated paneling has been used for years to add texture and interest to otherwise plain surfaces and is the perfect way to rethink old, tired cabinets before painting.

You don’t need to apply it to every surface. You can add it around just your kitchen island or to the end caps.

Do you have any additional tips to share for making your kitchen cabinets look clean and new again? 

Other Great Kitchen Updates

Update Your Kitchen Countertops Without Removing Them

The Best Way to Paint Kitchen Cabinets – Affordable Update