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How do I freshen up my kitchen cabinets?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 14, 2026

We've rounded up 10 ways you can do this with some standard tools, straightforward installations, pre-made kits, and more.

  1. Paint Kitchen Cabinets. ...
  2. Reface Kitchen Cabinets. ...
  3. Install a Pull-Out Cabinet Shelf. ...
  4. Put in Undercabinet Lighting. ...
  5. Build a Butcher Block Island. ...
  6. Build a Sideboard. ...
  7. Build a Window Seat. ...
  8. Add a Plate Rack.

How do I bring my kitchen cabinets back to life?

Restoring Cabinets with Paint

  1. Remove as much of the old finish as possible with a paint stripper. ...
  2. Next, use wood filler to repair any dents, scratches, or other forms of surface damage.
  3. When newly smoothed surfaces are dry, finish off with sandpaper—100 grit, then 180 grit, and finally, 220-grit.

How can I update my old kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

How to Update Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them

  1. Wrapping cupboard doors. Another popular method to change the look of your cabinets is to wrap them, the most common material used to do this is vinyl. ...
  2. Adding under cabinet lighting. ...
  3. Adding cabinet molding.

How can I update my kitchen cabinets without paint?

How to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets WITHOUT a Drop of Paint

  1. 5 Ideas: Update Kitchen Cabinets with Hardware, Backsplash, Glass Doors & More!
  2. UPDATE HARDWARE & LIGHT FIXTURES.
  3. ADD GLASS TO FEATURE CABINETS DOORS.
  4. ADD A NEW BACKSPLASH.
  5. USE THE RIGHT HOME DECOR.
  6. PAINT… JUST A LITTLE.

How do you deodorize a wood cabinet?

Deodorize While Cleaning

Completely wipe down the cabinets with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar on a slightly damp sponge or lint-free cloth. The vinegar helps cut greasy residue while removing odors, says the Maid Brigade.

23 related questions found

How do I stop my kitchen cabinets from smelling?

Vinegar and baking soda have both been known to absorb odors, although you won't want to mix them unless you want a mess on your hands! Leaving a bowl of vinegar in each cabinet overnight, or up to a day, can help remove the musty smell from your cabinets.

How do I keep my cabinets from smelling?

15 Secrets to Keeping Your Custom Closets Smelling Fresh

  1. Find the Source of the Musty Smell. ...
  2. Regularly Clean Your Custom Closets. ...
  3. Clean and Dry Items Before Storing. ...
  4. Reorganize Your Closets. ...
  5. Hang Garments on Wooden Hangers. ...
  6. Reuse Dryer Sheets. ...
  7. Store Container of Coffee Grounds. ...
  8. Use Activated Charcoal.

How can I make cheap kitchen cabinets look good?

How to Make Cheap Kitchen Cabinets Look Expensive

  1. Better Hardware. Basic hardware for discount cabinets is plain. ...
  2. Door Replacement. You can replace your old cabinet doors or simply sand them down and give them a more modern finish. ...
  3. Repaint. The white kitchen is in vogue right now. ...
  4. Get Organized.

Are honey oak kitchen cabinets outdated?

Honey Oak Cabinets

A staple in kitchens of the 1980s and '90s, these golden-toned wood cabinets have fallen out of favor as white and gray cabinets have risen in popularity. If you don't like your light-stained cabinets, but they're in good shape, consider refinishing or painting what's there.

How do professionals paint kitchen cabinets?

How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets Like A Pro In 9 Steps

  1. Assess the condition of your kitchen cabinets. ...
  2. Remove and label the doors and drawer faces. ...
  3. Put down drop cloths. ...
  4. Clean the cabinets. ...
  5. Lightly sand your cabinets. ...
  6. Prime your kitchen cabinets. ...
  7. Inspect the primer. ...
  8. Paint your kitchen cabinets like a pro.

How do you make an outdated kitchen look modern?

How to Modernize Your Outdated Kitchen

  1. Upgrade your metals. ...
  2. Swap out your flooring. ...
  3. Consider removing your upper cabinetry. ...
  4. Modernize your countertops. ...
  5. Give people a place to sit. ...
  6. Get energy efficient with your appliances. ...
  7. Paint your existing cabinetry. ...
  8. Install new lighting options.

How do you fix faded wooden cabinets?

And it was enough to do my entire kitchen and a bathroom!

  1. Step 1: Supplies. Ugly Cabinets. ...
  2. Step 2: Clean Cabinets. First clean the cabinets. ...
  3. Step 3: Go to Home Depot. Buy Restor-A-Finish, Super Fine (0000) Steel Wool and Howard Feed-N-Wax. ...
  4. Step 4: Apply Restor-A-Finish. ...
  5. Step 5: Apply Howard Feed-N-Wax. ...
  6. Step 6: You Are Done!

How do you clean grime off wood cabinets?

Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and warm water and pour it into a spray bottle. Mist on cabinets, let sit for a minute or two and then wipe clean with a soft cloth. Add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to the vinegar and water solution to clean extremely grimy cabinets.

How can I update my oak kitchen cabinets without painting them?

How to Update a Kitchen With Oak Cabinets (Without Painting Them)

  1. Gather inspiration.
  2. Look at what you have and be realistic.
  3. Paint the walls a soothing neutral color.
  4. Change hardware and fixtures.
  5. Update lighting.
  6. Add warm coordinating accents.

Are oak cabinets Coming Back in Style 2020?

However, oak cabinets are currently in the middle of making a comeback. There are several possible reasons for this. First, homeowners are looking for warmth and authenticity in their kitchens. Natural wood checks all the boxes.

How can I make my kitchen look expensive?

Colours such as creams and beiges can make a kitchen look elegant and expensive. If your kitchen is modern, you can use dark colours, such as blacks and greys, which can make it look lavish and extravagant. White reflects light and makes the space look bigger, so complement white with some wood and metallic highlights.

How do you clean old cabinets?

Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and warm water and put into a spray bottle. Mist on cabinets, let sit for a minute or two and then wipe clean with a soft cloth. This step is optional. Add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to the vinegar and water solution to clean extremely grimy cabinets.

Why do my cabinets smell musty?

Most likely, your cabinets have a musty smell. This is caused by excess moisture in the cabinet, something that is quite common in many regions across the country. Most cabinetry is located in the kitchen or bathroom, both rooms that are exposed to water elements.

How do you get rid of a musty smell?

To get the last of the musty smell out of your house, use a natural odor absorber like activated charcoal or baking soda. These products will absorb the smell, so you'll want to throw them away and replace them every two weeks or so.

Why does my cupboards smell musty?

An unpleasant damp scent often comes from mold or mildew growing. In dark places that have access to water or condensation, such as kitchen cupboards, the walls or wood may become saturated, and, when they can't dry, they begin to grow fungi. Mold and mildew may also grow on towels left wet inside a cupboard.

How do you get the smell out of wooden drawers?

Place a small cup filled with borax or baking soda in each drawer and close the drawers. Let the borax or baking soda absorb the odors for a few days if possible. I've also placed dryer sheets in each drawer for a few days. Dryer sheets work best if the smell is tolerable and not overwhelming.

How do you deodorize a kitchen?

  1. Boil lemons. Make a lemon steam to neutralize pungent odors. ...
  2. Leave a bowl of baking soda or vinegar out overnight. ...
  3. Open your windows and range hood. ...
  4. Refresh your sink. ...
  5. Simmer a stovetop potpourri. ...
  6. Try a charcoal filter splatter screen. ...
  7. Use coffee grounds. ...
  8. Use a vinegar steam.