Matte kitchen sets with facades made of MDF and plastic are at the height of fashion. In order for the furniture to look like new for many years, it is important to know how to care for a matte kitchen, what cleaning products and items can and should be used, and which ones should absolutely not be used.
There is an opinion that stains, abrasions and damage are more noticeable on glossy surfaces than on matte ones. In part, this is true, but this advantage does not at all exclude timely care of furniture.
How to wash PVC film?
Over time, the adhesive applied to the film destroys the outer layer of PVC. Usually the film is easily removed, and the surface is cleaned with a soap solution or weakly concentrated dishwashing detergent. Tape marks are removed with an eraser. This is labor-intensive, but guarantees complete absence of traces.
Interesting materials:
How long can you keep broccoli in the refrigerator? How long can you store boiled cauliflower? How long can you inject B12? How much buckwheat can you eat? How many walnuts can be transported across the border to Poland? How long can you take arginine? How long can you drink alcohol on a plane? How much currency can you bring across the border? How much alcohol can you take on a plane? How much currency can you bring across the border?
Options for kitchen facades
For the production of kitchen furniture, wood, plastic, glass, including frosted glass, MDF, chipboard (plain and laminated) are used. Each material has its own characteristics that should be taken into account when starting general cleaning.
Wooden facades are difficult to clean. To wash away grease and other contaminants, use soft, lint-free wipes and special compounds for wood. After cleaning, wipe all surfaces dry and treat them with wax or polish. This will protect the wood from dust and other contaminants.
The wooden facade of the kitchen looks very presentable, stylish and majestic. However, wood is very sensitive to the effects of chemicals, which must be taken into account when choosing a method for cleaning the set
The plastic set is the simplest and most unpretentious in terms of maintenance. It is resistant to moisture and organic substances. This not only makes it easier to maintain the facades, but also guarantees them a long service life while maintaining a presentable appearance. You can wash off grease from plastic in the kitchen using special products or traditional methods without fear of damaging the material.
To clean glossy MDF , do not use hard sponges or substances with abrasive particles. They scratch the surface and spoil the aesthetic appearance of the furniture. When working with gloss, give preference to soft cloths and gentle detergents. After cleaning, rub the surfaces well to restore their original shine.
Regardless of the material of the kitchen set, do not use aggressive chemicals, substances with large abrasive particles, hard brushes or sponges to clean it. This will lead to damage to the surfaces and loss of presentable appearance.
Ammonia
A good product for cleaning kitchen surfaces is ammonia, diluted with warm water in proportions of 1 to 1. You just need to use it with caution, no more than once a quarter, and do not apply it to wooden furniture. The liquid is applied to the surface using a spray bottle or foam sponge. Then a cloth moistened with water comes into play. The final stage is wiping with a dry cloth.
Method 1. Express cleaning and polishing for advanced cases (soda + vegetable oil)
PURPOSE: wooden UNpainted kitchens and countertops (coated with matte varnish, oil, wax, polish, any impregnations), varnished and laminated kitchens made of MDF and chipboard, aprons made of any materials.
This recipe is especially helpful if you need to bring an old kitchen or countertop back to life with minimal time and money.
- With its help, you can, firstly, easily remove tightly adhered drops of fat, plaque and stains. Secondly, to “seal” the pores of the wood, protecting it from moisture and dirt. And thirdly, to give the facades a natural shine and brightness. Essentially, this old homemade recipe replaces both cleaner and furniture polish.
CAUTION: Painted wood kitchens and light wood kitchens (oil may yellow slightly).
CLEANING FREQUENCY: It is important that cleaning with soda-oil cleaner is carried out regularly - at least every 2 months. The fact is that oil tends to oxidize and lose its protective properties, possibly changing color.
General rules for caring for matte kitchens
Greasy deposits on facades, wall panels, and countertops are a mixture of fumes, dust and drops of grease. The less often you wash a matte kitchen, the more difficult the cleaning process is, the more time it takes to restore order. The most important rule comes into play here: the cooking process must be clean!
- Think over your personal individual schedule and method of cleaning furniture, taking into account your daily routine, busy schedule, and frequency of cooking;
- Carefully read the instructions for caring for the headset. Manufacturers, as a rule, recommend the best option, taking into account the materials and components used;
- Test cleaning products on a small area before use;
- Wear protective gloves.
Kitchens to order
Professional kitchen cleaning products
Many housewives prefer professional cleaning products. They are often designed specifically for washing one material, so they are particularly gentle and safe in dealing with any stains.
When using professional products, be sure to follow safety rules. Avoid contact of chemicals with mucous membranes, skin and respiratory organs
Rules for using household chemicals:
- Use products with gel or liquid consistency . They are guaranteed not to leave scratches or other damage on the surface.
- Read the instructions carefully to make sure that the composition is suitable for washing facades made of a particular material.
- Determine the rules for using the selected product and its dosage .
- When working with aggressive substances wear gloves to protect your hands from chemical burns.
- Use a respirator to avoid inhaling toxic fumes from household chemicals.
- Open the window for ventilation to avoid dizziness or deterioration in health.
Before using a professional product on a large scale, test its effect on a small, inconspicuous area of furniture. This technique will prevent damage to the headset if the product is not suitable in composition or method of action.
To clean your kitchen set from grease and other contaminants, use the following effective and affordable professional products: “Mr. Muscle”, “Silit Bang”, “Komet”, “Fairy”, “Mr. Proper”, etc. Use them in accordance with the recommendations indicated on the label.
Washing kitchen furniture can be done using professional products, which are presented in a wide range on the shelves of hardware stores.
Manufacturers of professional furniture cleaning products recommend adhering to a single operating algorithm:
- Wipe the area of contamination with a sponge soaked in warm water - this will dissolve the grease and make it easier to clean.
- Apply the detergent starting from the top shelves and cabinets and working your way down.
- Leave the drug for 20-30 minutes so that the active substances react with fat and “bind” its particles.
- Wash away any remaining detergent and dirt with a clean cloth.
- Rinse the set thoroughly until the desired cleanliness is achieved.
- If necessary, repeat the process (usually required to remove old and dried traces of fat).
Your usual dishwashing detergent will help you clean your kitchen. It has a degreasing effect and effectively removes various contaminants. Dilute a small amount of gel in water and beat well until foam is obtained. Treat all surfaces and leave for a few minutes, then wipe the facades with a dry cloth.
A classic liquid dishwashing detergent will help you cope with grease deposits on furniture. The main task is to thoroughly remove remaining foam from surfaces to avoid streaks.
Dish detergent is ideal for all surfaces. It does not scratch, does not change color or destroy the material. In addition, it is very effective and affordable.
To enhance the effect, you can add hydrogen peroxide to the cleaning solution to easily remove all dirt. However, this mixture can only be used on light-colored materials. Otherwise, peroxide will discolor the surface and ruin its appearance.
Advantages and disadvantages
One of the questions that arises when buying a new kitchen set is the choice between muted and glossy facades. Both options have their adherents. The final preference should be based on the correspondence between the appearance of the headset and the developed design concept. It is also important to initially consider the pros and cons of different surfaces. Sometimes, to realize certain benefits, you need to create certain conditions. You should also not underestimate the disadvantages of a particular type of finish. Before making a final decision, it is advisable to analyze all the features of the room being decorated.
The list of advantages of matte kitchens is as follows:
- such facades are practical and do not require frequent hygiene procedures. Muted tones allow you to clean less frequently than with shiny glossy surfaces;
- have a positive effect on the emotional background - a calm, soft finish calms the nervous system. Matte kitchens promote peace and create a quiet, relaxed environment;
- muted tones make it easy to implement designs in classic and rustic styles;
- Matte facades are better able to withstand direct sunlight. Such surfaces practically do not fade. The slight loss of color that occurs during long-term use is not noticeable;
- Light matte tones promote an active positive attitude. Starting the morning with a cup of tea or coffee in such a kitchen means providing yourself with a boost of energy for the whole day;
- The stores provide a wide selection of base materials. Matte surfaces can be made of chipboard, MDF, natural wood, plastic, acrylic. There are headsets with enameled surfaces;
- the physical properties of muted tones make it possible not to worry about the strict organization of lighting. Such facades will not glare under any conditions.
Reviews
I have always dreamed of decorating my kitchen in Provence style. After moving into our own apartment, my husband and I chose a very beautiful set with matte pistachio-colored facades. In our kitchen of 21 sq. m it fit perfectly. The room does not look too big due to the dark panels and lack of glare. I really loved my new kitchen. Glossy facades will never make a room as cozy and warm as matte ones.
Natalya, 37 years old
In the rented apartment where I live, the entire kitchen is done in muted colors. This is very convenient because small scratches are invisible on furniture panels. In addition, I am not a fan of daily cleaning, and the matte surface, due to its light reflection properties, better hides small dirt.
How to remove grease from kitchen furniture with home remedies
Grandmother's time-tested methods will help clean your kitchen set from grease, soot and other contaminants. Their main advantages: ease of use, accessibility, environmental safety. Home remedies also do not cause allergic reactions.
When cleaning kitchen cabinets from grease, be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the negative effects of detergents
Before washing your kitchen set, prepare all the necessary tools and materials:
- Ingredients for preparing detergent.
- Soft sponges and rags - flannel, microfiber, cloth.
- Thick rubber gloves to protect the delicate skin of your hands from detergents, an apron.
Soda
A mixture of baking soda and laundry soap will help remove grease from your kitchen set . This complex effect will remove stains of various natures and also disinfect surfaces.
Cleaning procedure:
- Grate the laundry soap on a coarse grater and add a small amount of water. The result should be a homogeneous solution.
- Spray all surfaces in the kitchen with the soap mixture.
- Apply a little baking soda to a sponge and thoroughly wipe cabinets, walls, shelves and countertops.
- Leave the soap and soda mixture for 15 minutes, and then wash everything with a soft sponge soaked in warm water.
Do not use soda on glossy and varnished facades. With its abrasive particles it will scratch surfaces and leave unsightly marks.
Soda can also be used in combination with oil . This method will help to wash cutlery, set, chairs and table.
To clean, follow these steps:
- Mix soda and vegetable oil in a 2:1 ratio to obtain a homogeneous paste.
- Apply the mixture to the stained area and scrub well with a sponge or soft brush.
- Leave the paste for 15 minutes, and after the allotted time, wipe the surfaces with a damp sponge.
Folk remedies based on soda will help clean the kitchen from greasy stains. It will take a little effort to remove dirt, but the end result will certainly please you.
It is acceptable to use soda in its pure form :
- Wipe cabinets and tables with a sponge soaked in warm water. This will soften the fat deposits and make them easier to remove.
- Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with water to make a paste.
- Rub the resulting mixture into the surface and leave for a few minutes.
- Remove dirt with a soft sponge and then wipe all furniture thoroughly.
Alcohol-based cleaning products
Ammonia
Ammonia will help remove grease from kitchen cabinets. When working with it, follow safety rules and be sure to open the window to ventilate the pungent odor.
How to properly clean:
- Dissolve 1 tbsp in 1 liter of water. l. ammonia.
- Use the resulting solution to treat all greasy surfaces using a sponge or spray bottle.
- After a couple of minutes, wipe the facades with a clean damp cloth.
Proper care of glossy and plastic surfaces will keep them shiny and sparkling clean.
Vinegar and alcohol
A mixture of vinegar and alcohol will help deal with grease on cabinets. This product not only effectively removes dirt from any surfaces, but also disinfects them.
Cleaning procedure:
- Mix water, vinegar and alcohol in a 2:1:1 ratio.
- Add a few drops of any essential oil to the resulting mixture.
- Using a spray bottle, apply the solution to contaminated surfaces and leave for 15 minutes.
- After the allotted time, wash off any remaining product with a damp washcloth.
Vinegar is an acid, it has a corrosive effect and causes flowers to fade. Do not use the product on colored or painted surfaces or delicate materials.
Other ways to clean kitchen cabinet fronts
Mustard powder
Mustard powder will help clean furniture and kitchen appliances from grease deposits:
- Wipe contaminated areas with a soft, damp cloth.
- Sprinkle mustard powder generously over the oily areas and leave for a couple of minutes.
- Wipe the surfaces with a clean napkin, removing mustard, grease, soot and soot.
Using mustard powder you can clean the refrigerator, electric stove, and cabinet fronts. However, this method is not suitable for wooden surfaces.
Salt
A solution of table salt will help to cope with stains on plastic surfaces:
- Dissolve 1 tbsp in 1 liter of warm water. l. salt.
- Soak a soft cloth in the resulting product and treat all surfaces with it, thoroughly wiping off old dirt.
- If necessary, repeat the treatment several times.
Color palette
The tonal range of matte kitchens is somewhat narrower than that of glossy ones. Nevertheless, among them you can find most of the most popular representatives of the spectrum. When choosing colors for your future kitchen, you should take into account the size of the room, the direction of the window openings, and the general stylistic concept. Options for combined sets with multi-colored upper and lower facades are possible.
Dark matte surfaces are absolutely unacceptable for a small kitchen. Such a room will resemble a closet. Also, do not use variegated colors - a modest room will look too overloaded with details. The best option is delicate white tones. Elegant sets of creamy, milky, pearl shades will look very good. An excellent option is a light beige matte tone in combination with white surfaces. Such kitchens look very nice and quite modern.
For large and medium-sized rooms, designers recommend combining matte white and black tones. Contrasting elements look very fashionable and also balance out the visual impact. White color is universal. It is readily used for finishing rooms in any style. This tone has many warm variations and goes well with other representatives of the spectrum.
Natural wood shades are widely used to decorate kitchens in classic or country style. It can be wenge, beige, coffee, chocolate, brown. In a matte finish, such rooms look very respectable. Delicate cuisines in blue, blue, lilac, lavender, pale green, pink, pistachio, and yellow colors are very popular. This palette with muted light reflection is an ideal way to decorate a room in the Provence style. This direction requires a background that looks slightly faded under bright sunlight. Colorful and glossy splashes are necessary accessories to create the atmosphere of the French province.
To decorate a spacious kitchen, you can use black matte furniture. Due to this, a large room will look very stylish and original. However, black furniture is more difficult to care for. Even on matte surfaces, traces of kitchen dirt and hand touches will be clearly visible. Black furniture will have to be carefully looked after. Neglecting hygiene procedures will not allow you to enjoy the stylish appearance of your kitchen for a long time. If the owners understand that they will not be able to clean often enough, they should prefer more practical colors.
Pollution prevention
To avoid having to make excessive efforts to clean the kitchen and remove old grease, follow these simple recommendations:
- Use a hood when cooking.
- Wipe surfaces daily with a damp sponge soaked in a detergent solution.
- Do not use hard sponges, metal brushes or other abrasive materials and substances to wash facades.
- Polish glossy and wooden surfaces well several times a week. Also, remember that some cleaners leave unsightly marks on polished surfaces, so be careful when choosing them.
Regular cleaning of the kitchen, cleaning furniture from grease and other contaminants will keep the set in its original form.
Home methods and professional products will help you remove fat deposits from kitchen surfaces. Before cleaning, make sure that the chosen method will not damage the material of the headset.