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Design Dilemma
uk1982

cleaning matt kitchen cupboards

uk1982
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

hello, we have matt finish (veneer) kitchen cupboards. Stains wipe off easily, but oily fingerprints do not! The cupboard where we keep the cooking oils have oily fingerprints on them and we cannot get them off. I've tried kitchen cleaner and I've tried washing up liquid to no avail. does anyone have any tips?

Featured Answer
  • keiblem
    2 years ago

    Does anyone else see something wrong with this page? 82 comments to date and virtually all of them either lamenting the appalling condition of their matt kitchen doors or coming up with increasingly inventive and maybe even hazardous ways to clean them given that we eat food prepared in this environment.

    Please understand I am not criticising anyone. I said in an earlier comment that I was grateful for the comments because it influenced my decision NOT to buy a matt kitchen. The point I am trying to make is it is clear that these kitchen doors are not fit for purpose which basically means they are not up to the task. A kitchen cupboard door should be able to be easily and safely cleaned with cleaning products suitable for a domestic kitchen. Once cleaned, which we all have to agree is a vital task to ensure a clean and safe environment in which to prepare food, they should return to their original condition, save for normal wear and tear expected over a long period of time.

    If a product does not fulfil its purpose or is faulty, and I would say these kitchen doors qualify as both, then according to the sale of goods act you are entitled to reject it and claim your money back from the retailer. This is just the same as, for example, a faulty dishwasher. Am I right or am I wrong?

    • Comments (148)

    • monsteraananas
      2 years ago

      I have tried soapy water, window cleaner, vinegar, none of which worked on really persistent stains. Eventually I bought a bottle of kitchen cleaner from the local supermarket and it worked! It has been restored to its formal glory and looks amazing.


      However, it does require a three step process.

      1) Wipe with microfibre cloth sprayed sparsely with kitchen cleaner.

      2) Use a slightly damp (water) cloth to dilute the cleaner on the surface.

      3) Buff and dry with a kitchen hand towel.

      4) Repeat if the stain persists or the boundary of the area is visible.

    • Amanda Green
      2 years ago

      Same problem here with grey laminate cabinets. I tried several things but what worked was VIM power & shine kitchen cleaner spray. Leaves streaks afterwards though so went back over it once dried with invisible glass. Looks brand new !

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      I have both. In my main home I have super matt. Granted you can’t see the fingerprints but they are there. However when the light shines at a specific angle you can see the marks and they are a sod to get off. I use a magic eraser and it works ok but they’re not really suitable for big areas so I resort to a Spontex cloth soaked in soapy warm water, wipe over and buff up with a microfibre cloth. Sometimes though you can still see marks. In my caravan I have gloss doors. Easy to clean. Easier than super matt. Both doors I have are handleless so I try to not push the actual door but use the ledge provided. If you’re just looking for a slab door which can be reproduced by companies who have the appropriate machinery there is now a board available that has fingerprint technology. It’s called Serica. It relatively new and has 12 colours to choose from.
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    • PRO
      Lifestyle Kitchens
      2 years ago
      last modified: 2 years ago

      @Chalky Call recommended 9 months ago on this thread to try Unika Supa Matte spray cleaner for matte doors, a quick google search shows you can buy it from lots of suppliers like Amazon and even Howdens. Unika is a major supplier in the kitchen and laminate industry and have a wide range of specialist cleaners available for kitchens,

      Looking at some of the products people are using to clean their doors, I really couldn't advise/recommend them.

      With all cleaning products, test on an unseen area first to check suitability.

      Serica doors are available from lots of independant retailers like me as its used by BA Components to make their matte finish Zurfiz doors and in a wide range of colours, along with their anti-fingerprint technology, these doors are anti-scratch resistant and repairable with thermal heating making them ideal for use in 'true handleless' style kitchens.

      Its the little things like product knowledge that make the difference between buying from the sheds, DIY kitchens and Howdens/Magnet or an independant retailer who can guide and advise their customers as to the most suitable products to meet a customers lifestyle and needs.

    • Kirsty Macfarlane
      2 years ago

      Got a matt navy howdens kitchen and it's a nightmare! Glad of the cleaning tips but I'm at the point where they'll be getting cleaned with the same stuff as the worktops. If only the doors were like the worktops. We originally were going to go to IKEA but a few people talked us out of it saying you're guaranteed everything comes with your howdens kitchen etc. Should've gone to IKEA. The upside is I love the worktops! I'll try the pink stuff, I've probably got it for cleaning the bathroom. Wee tip, if you ever get a wet room installed, try and avoid the safety flooring if you can. I've spent a fortune on cleaning products for that! 😂 😂

    • Jacqueline Westerhof
      2 years ago

      Hi Kirsty, yep we bought the same kitchen........nightmare!! So wish we had just bought one from B and Q or Homebase. Cleaning is a so soul destroying as the navy shows every mark, and you have got to be so quick at buffing it up because of the water marks it leaves. Terrible units! Like you I have spent so much on different cleaners - nothing really works well. I have never spent so much time on cleaning kitchen doors. I have reported this to Howdens and they said 'well no one else has complained' I said you should look at the complaints website! Well I'm stuck with the navy units now as it's too expensive to renew. Hope you find something that works, I'm sick of buying stuff, and buffing up doors.

    • Cherub Pebble
      2 years ago

      Following on from @Lifestyle Kitchens post above I have (or rather my husband has) recently installed a new true handless kitchen with Zurfiz Serica matt doors in Kombu Green (very dark green). After reading and following this thread since having ordered the kitchen I was very worried about the prospect of keeping them clean but they are amazing! They hardly show marks and when they do they mostly just need a wipe clean with a wet cloth, for very greasy marks, using a wet cloth with a tiny bit of washing up liquid then drying off with a soft cloth makes them good as new. You only need to wipe down and dry off the part that has a mark on it. No buffing the whole door/drawer front.


      The kitchen was supplied by an independent kitchen supplier. They were a lot more flexible than the big names in supplying the exact design we wanted, it worked out cheaper than the quotes from Wickes/Magnet, etc and the spec is higher too!


    • keiblem
      2 years ago

      Hello Cherub Pebble, May I ask the name of the independant kitchen supplier that you used?

    • PRO
      Lifestyle Kitchens
      2 years ago

      @Cherub Pebble really pleased that you're happy with the kombu green serica doors and good to hear that it is so easy to keep clean.

      Also your recommendation for the many benefits of using independant kitchen suppliers who are more flexible in their design, supply a higher quality product at a better price and for having greater product knowledge to advise and guide their customers then going to the usual retail park sheds, builders merchants and the large online diy suppliers.

    • Cherub Pebble
      2 years ago

      @keiblem


      It was a kitchen fitter local to us (North Yorkshire/Cleveland) who was happy to do supply only as my husband is handy and was able to fit our kitchen. It is The Kitchen Surgeon. I don't think he would supply/fit too far afield as so much work available nearby at present. The doors were manufactured by BA components which is a company used by many kitchen suppliers. I think people are often put off by the prospect of independents being expensive, they needn't be and just because they don't have a fancy showroom it doesn't mean the kitchens aren't good but shop around and find a price and service/fitter (if fitting is needed) you are comfortable with.

    • keiblem
      2 years ago

      Thank you Cherub Pebble. I am very likely outside his area but I will check out BA components to begin with.

      My last kitchen was fitted by a local supplier. It was many years ago in another part of the country to where I live now. They didn’t have a fancy showroom. In fact I don’t remember that they had anything remotely resembling a showroom. They were however excellent and came in much cheaper than the big boys. Twenty years later, when I moved house, the kitchen was still in excellent condition. It was a painted kitchen. They painted the doors themselves. Not once did those doors give me any grief over cleaning. I cannot believe that so many years down the line, and with all the advances made in kitchen design, that the poor quality of the door finishes on offer now are the cause of so much angst for so many people.

    • Daisy England
      2 years ago
      last modified: 2 years ago

      Keiblem, you can’t buy direct from BA Components as they only deal with the trade who have a showroom but you might find some of their ranges online. They also offer the Blossom Hill range which is ready assembled. Here is their link:

      https://byba.co.uk/retail/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA6NOPBhCPARIsAHAy2zA8O1zsOVkAGQ3mP5-ogHLxI-DAeEjsrnz8DzXHtzOjMQ12gZirU-8aAvp2EALw_wcB

    • keiblem
      2 years ago

      Thank you Daisy, I didn’t imagine I would be able to buy from them direct. I had planned to contact them to hopefully find stockists/ kitchen suppliers in my area. Thank you for the link. It will save me a bit of leg work.

    • keiblem
      2 years ago

      Would you credit it. I have just clicked on the link and one of the business addresses is within walking distance from my old home address. It’s a good 150 miles away now.

    • Daisy England
      2 years ago

      We stock samples of most of their doors but where are you based? We are in Staffordshire. We do stock other doors and are currently considering taking on a new range from another supplier.

    • keiblem
      2 years ago

      Hello Daisy, I am in Wales. I am not at the kitchen fitting stage yet. I have a ground floor to excavate and walls to rebuild first. I am trying to save time by doing my research now. I had already settled on a matt kitchen, because I don’t like the shiny finish, but this thread has thrown up issues I hadn’t bargained for.
      Come the day I will certainly keep you in mind.

    • PRO
      Lifestyle Kitchens
      2 years ago

      @keiblem

      I'm in Northamptonshire and cover pretty much most of the UK and I supply the BA door range and without any showroom overheads. I have a choice of cabinets in flat pack in 27 colours, clik box cabinets and bespoke rigid glue and dowelled with cabinets in about 100 colours and woodgrains.

      I also supply supermatt, anti fingerprint doors made using Fenix (https://www.fenixforinteriors.com )which is available in more colours (as used by Plykea).

      If you want any assistance and would like to arrange a survey visit just send me a call or DM on my houzz page

    • keiblem
      2 years ago

      Thank you Lifestyle Kitchens. Still a ways to go but I will certainly keep you in mind. I have only recently read about click box cabinets. Are they as robust as conventional methods?

    • PRO
      Lifestyle Kitchens
      2 years ago

      @keiblem

      In theory they are more robust than either glue and dowelled rigid and flat pack cam and dowelled cabinets as the joints interlock is all the way through the entire assembly length instead of just where the dowels and cams are and they have a solid top instead of nothing much like ikea/b&q or just a front rail and hardboard back like many cabinets have. They also come with an 8mm mdf back and a 1mm abs edging. What i would add though is i'd also glue the joint as well as just cliking it together especially if the unit is on its own or at the end of a run. There's quite a few clips on you tube from various suppliers showing how easy they go together and BA also have video's of their true handleless fitting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-PhpmDPF20&t=28s&ab_channel=BAComponents

      They can also come as a complete built up unit with the doors/drawers already fitted (apart from towers) and if the door is available in made to measure so can the cabinet (ie zurfiz doors), they can also be delivered as a true handleless version with the side panels machined to accept the gola handle rails. They come with hettich soft close hinges and drawers, in a choice of silver or black, or in 'tip on' push to open. Base cabinets are 570 deep with a 49mm void and 513mm internal depth, wall units are 330 deep, have hidden suspension brackets, 18mm void and a 304mm internal depth. Available in 4 colours, white, grey, anthracite and urban oak.

    • keiblem
      2 years ago

      Thank you Lifestyle Kitchens for taking the time to furnish me with all this useful information. Very much appreciated. Do you have a reception? I visit Milton Keynes every once in a while. Next time I am there I could try to get over to see what you have.

    • PRO
      Lifestyle Kitchens
      2 years ago

      @keiblem

      I don't have a showroom or anything as I always visit customers houses to take measurments, discuss designs, wishlists etc and get an idea of what will work best for people, take photos and look for pipework runs, plumbing and electrics. I can get samples etc sent direct to customers houses as tbh, its all well and good looking at a door in a showroom but you can take the same door back to your kitchen and it can look completely different in daylight and different lighting. if you DM message me I can send you some brochures to give you some ideas to start with and I can go further indepth as to what is available and would suit your requirements instead of hijacking this thread.

    • keiblem
      2 years ago

      Thank you Lifestyle kitchens

    • Cheryl Pelteret
      2 years ago

      Your comments have really put me off my dream Howdens super matt cabinets. I asked them about the cleaning and they said 'our customers are very happy with the magic eraser we recommend' - any thoughts?

    • PRO
      Lifestyle Kitchens
      2 years ago

      I'm not sure i'd recommend using something abrasive like 'magic eraser' for everyday cleaning, maybe ask howdens if you can borrow a door (or buy a small drawer front) so you can see what it looks like in your house and then see how well it stands up to cleaning with a magic eraser. Would of thought they would recommend the unika super matte cleaner considering they sell it. Personally i'd look at the serica or fenix finished doors as they are anti fingerprint.

    • Cheryl Pelteret
      2 years ago

      Which companies use that material? my fitter works with Gaddersby

    • Richard L
      2 years ago

      Big handles, light colours and you'd be fine.

      My off white matt kitchen is fine re marks, the dark blue larder picks them up a bit but has door knobs and drawer pulls which means less touching.

    • PRO
      Lifestyle Kitchens
      2 years ago

      @Cheryl Pelteret is gaddersby part of ECF? I get Serica doors from BA, but you need a trade account. For Fenix doors, these i get specially made, either laminated on mdf or birch ply, but the price does go up quite a bit. You can DM me if you want further info/quote/samples.

    • Jo T
      2 years ago

      Have you tried ecloths? They seem to have a solution for everything. I’ve never had such easy window cleaning since I bought an ecloth… I also use them for glass polishing and other surfaces.

    • Cheryl Pelteret
      2 years ago

      maybe but so many on here deeoly regret buying the matt so i can not risk it

    • Dave Simpson
      2 years ago

      It must just come down to the finish, I have a Matt kitchen but just a simple anti-bac wipe cleans them up no issue
      Mines from Wren, not sure if this makes a difference on the finish? But I certainly didn’t want gloss!

    • HU-405958517
      2 years ago

      Just came across this thread. I purchased a black matt kitchen from wren in 2019 and I must say cleaning the doors is a nightmare. For oil marks, try fairy liquid straight onto a microfiber cloth. Don't dilute it! This will remove the oil with some patience and once done wipe down with a wet cloth over and over until the soap has been removed. You'll have to be quick so i suggest cleaning each door one by one. You can then buff the door with a dry cloth. I have one particular door that is placed well away from any water and this door faces direct sunlight. I recall a day in the summer when I cleaned this door without buffing it and the door has discloured significantly. I have a feeling that direct sunlight and a wet door can cause water marks that cannot be removed once dry. Wren have been helpful enough to send out a new door for me and I'm curious to see if it's the sunlight and water that actually damages these doors. If anyone can suggest an easier method to clean a black matt kitchen then please reach out to me. Many thanks. Ash

    • Rohan Mehta
      2 years ago

      Just finished fitting my ikea navy blue kitchen and randomly discovered that a spot of hand sanitiser gel on a microfiber cloth takes fingerprints right off instantly, no faffing about with water and detergent etc. Try it!

    • HU-951778315
      last year
      last modified: last year

      Hi, I have just solved this problem for myself, although I notice a similar solution below which I promise I never read. I take a sheet of kitchen roll and apply a small amount of Fairy Liquid neat. I then rub this over the oily marks. Then I take a dish cloth from some fresh warm soapy water and wash the whole door (it makes a suds finish but ignore that). Then just wipe the door with a clean sheet of kitchen roll, wait a few seconds whilst there is evaporation and thats it. I did this to my Matt dark blue kitchen doors at the weekend and they look like new!

    • PRO
      Jikoni Interiors
      last year

      Hi,


      We suggest a microfibre cloth with a little water sprayed onto the cloth.


      Kind regards

      Jikoni Interiors


      www.jikoniinteriors.com


    • keiblem
      last year

      I have covered this already in an earlier message but hey ho. Instead of having to come up with labour intensive and sometimes hazardous solutions to cleaning these, unfit for purpose, kitchen cabinets. The manufacturers should be making cabinets that are and the retailers should be honest and tell the consumer from the onset that, unless you want your kitchen to look unattractive and be the devil to clean, don't buy this product. Given the very many messages about this problematic product. I ask myself if they should even be selling these kitchens.

    • PRO
      Jikoni Interiors
      last year

      Hi,


      Apologies if you have already covered this on an earlier message.


      We have a Supermatt Door Aftercare Care Kit available which includes-

      - 250 ml spray bottle of laminate cleaner, microfibre cloth, magic eraser x2 and full instructions.


      -The door care kit is suitable for use with Supermatt door finishes

      - Special formula cleans using safe ingredients that wont damage the surface.

      - Leaves fingerprint and streak free with a fantastic low sheen finish.


      If you would like to get in touch and speak to us on 01604 263 070.


      Kind regards,

      Jikoni Interiors


      www.jikoniinteriors.com


    • keiblem
      last year

      Nice idea but should we really have to resort to aftercare kits for kitchen cupboard doors which are the workhorses of the house? Spray, wipe, done should be all that is needed. I had a painted kitchen for years and that was all I ever had to do to keep it clean.

    • Samantha Harris
      last year
      last modified: last year

      I use a wetish cloth and "the pink stuff" I gently rub the horrible water and grease marks out then buff dry with clean dry tea towels, cloth or micro fibre cloth. Works great fir me! I have a matte navy blue kitchen from Bradfords.

      I have had my kitchen around 18months and this is the only product I will use. I have 2 pictures below to show how clean they look. I last cleaned them around 4 days ago and usually give them a wipe down every 1-2 weeks.

    • Samantha Harris
      last year



    • Samantha Harris
      last year



    • Chalky Call
      last year

      I am at a pint now were I’m gonna rip it out and buy again three years of hard work bought this from benchmark grey mat the salesman Phil told me it was easy to clean rubbish I would love to take them to court to get my money back I advise anyone not to buy a mat kitchen they are not fit for purpose and you will waste your money warning

    • aenclade
      last year

      Its endless. the minute you succeed at getting them clean you myst do again as soon as someone opens a cabinet. its so depressing after waiting so long to redo my kitchen now this:(((

    • Chalky Call
      last year

      They should be a claims court to get your money back I’m going to look into it it’s not right ripping you off like that

    • PRO
      Carla / kolours.space
      last year

      Doesn't matter whatever kitchen company you use you will have problems cleaning matt doors

    • PRO
      Carla / kolours.space
      last year

      Recently at work I used a furniture liquid that reduces imprint marks, but figer prints with oil on matt non-lacquer or not gloss finish economic doors is nearlwy impossible to guarantee to saty clean (ps I don't wok for benchmark! I worked with several others though and work with Porcelanosa now so not in position to really comment on different quality doors)

    • Chalky Call
      last year

      Doesn’t have to be oily still leaves streaks and smears when wiping down no I’m just a shaming salesman’s who they work for these companies tell you that can be cleaned when they can’t

    • PRO
      Carla / kolours.space
      last year

      It's really depending on the finish materials that will be easier or harder. Did you try with a warm wet cloth

    • Samantha Harris
      last year

      Honestly, try the pink stuff paste. Wet a cloth and apply some of the paste. Wipe down the cupboard then use a microfiber cloth to buff dry. It hasn't left and wipe marks or smears and eliminated water and grease marks. Make sure to do 1 door at a time. I honestly felt the same after spending £30,000 on my dream kitchen and was ready to rip it out until I tried this method!

    • Chalky Call
      last year

      Thank you Samantha will do il give it a go 😭😭😭

    • Daisy England
      last year

      No! Don’t use pink stuff paste or a magic eraser! Pink stuff spray is fine but not the paste. We have spare doors at work and have done tests on them. You should not use a product that is harsh such as paste because in time it will take the surface of the door off.

      If however your doors are so bad that they are ready for replacing you have nothing to loose.

      I’m now monitoring the removal of marks with baby wipes. For some strange reason they seem to shift a multitude of sins.

    • catzzzzzzzzzz
      last year

      I was in dispair too but….this is a game changer…KOH cleaning spray. There is nothing to dislike about this. just spray and wipe down with a microfibre cloth, fingerprint/greasy marks totally gone. koh.com

      it really is amazing.

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