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How to Remove Yellow Stains from Kitchen Cabinets

Laura Bramble

Yellow stains on your kitchen cabinets, usually some combination of grease or oils mixed with dirt, can be removed so your cabinets look as good as new. Keep cabinets clean by wiping them down with soapy water and rinsing after spills and splatters.

Keep your cabinets stain-free
  1. Remove the worst stains around door handles by applying Goo-Gone or Oops to a cloth and slowly scrubbing the area after testing on a hidden spot. Be careful to stop and check continuously so you don't rub off the finish.

  2. Scour other stubborn spots with baking soda poured onto a wet sponge. Rinse well and dry with a clean cloth. Do not use abrasive cleansers.

  3. Clean the entire cabinet door with straight lemon oil and a clean cloth. Rub with the grain.

  4. Wash with oil soap or dishwashing liquid mixed with water can be used to clean wooden cabinets that have only lighter dirt. Apply it with a sponge and do not mix dirt rinsed from the sponge with the cleaning solution. Rinse with a clean cloth and dry the cabinets with a towel rubbed along the grain.

  5. Polish wood cabinets with furniture polish and a clean cloth if they look dull after cleaning.

  6. Tip

    Make a paste of baking soda and water to clean and polish cabinet hardware.

    Warning

    Do not use harsh cleaners, bleach or acid-based cleansers on cabinets or wood. While the finish on cabinets is meant to be durable, it is not meant to withstand harsh chemicals.