How to Clean Matt and Satin Kitchens

Tags: Kitchen Cleaning Tips

Matt and Satin finishes are among the most popular kitchen surfaces. The reason is quite simple: Matt finishes are perfect for homeowners who like a more traditional kitchen design. The best thing about matt kitchens is that fingerprints and scratches aren’t as visible as on surfaces with more sheen. With satin, a finish in between matte and shiny, you get a velvety finish with a beautiful shine. Unlike shiny kitchens, a satin finish only creates a gentle glow. Shiny finishes reflect a lot of light, and spots are much easier to see on the surface. Altogether, whether high gloss, satin, or matt finishes, any kitchen still gets dirty and requires cleaning. And how to clean surfaces right matters. Why? Many people get it wrong and use cloths and chemicals that result in serious scratches. Read our kitchen cleaning tips below to do it the right way.

Avoid bleach & chemicals

Eventually, all kitchen cabinets will be covered in oily fingerprints, spills, and smudges to a certain degree. Most importantly, avoid using any chemicals on any painted surface. Especially if you have a satin or a matt finish, avoid chemical sprays or harsh detergents. 

At Dianella Polishing, we see the damage chemicals can cause to kitchen surfaces. Various chemicals, including jiff, bleach, domestos, or Mr Sheen, will break down the coating and, or scratch the surface. The granules, bleach, or silicone in these cleaners are dangerous and can cause more harm than good. Avoid chemical products that cause scratches and follow these simple steps instead. 

Water & Dish Soap to the Rescue

If your matt or satin kitchen is in desperate need of a clean, it is time to act. There is a practical and straightforward DIY way to remove stains and prints and restore your beautiful matte or satin kitchen finish. Here’s what you need to get:

• Bowl
• Dishwashing liquid
• Warm water
• Two Microfibre cloths

The only thing you should put on a satin or matt paint job if you are going to clean it in warm soapy water. It is DIY and as straightforward as that. 

Clean your Kitchen like Karate Kid

When doing the dishes, get clean, warm water, put a small amount of dishwashing liquid in the water then get two brand-new microfibre cloths in two different colors. Note that the amount of dishwashing liquid shouldn’t exceed the size of your small fingernail. “The best way to remember cleaning the right way is to clean the kitchen surfaces like Karate Kid cleaned the master’s old-timer in Karate Kid’s “Wax on wax off” – scene”, says Trevor, Director at Dianella Polishing. In case you missed that movie, you weren’t born yet, or, it’s been too long since you last watched Karate Kid (1984), refresh your memory below.

Use Both Hands

We recommend soaking one of the soft microfibre cloths in warm soapy water, not too wet, just damp. Wipe down your kitchen surfaces with your right hand by wiping in circles. Then, wring the soapy cloth and wipe them down again. Then, use the other microfibre cloth in your left hand to remove excess moisture.

Increase the life of your kitchen by cleaning right

Sadly, many people make the mistake of using harsh coarse cloths or scourers that will scratch your satin or matte finishes. By cleaning your kitchen the right way by following the steps above, you invest in the longevity of your matt or satin kitchen surfaces. The most important thing to consider is to avoid damaging chemicals and use soft microfiber cloths and warm soapy water instead. This will increase your kitchen’s good looks up to 15 to 20 years. 

How often should you clean your kitchen?

Cleaning your kitchen is a never-ending job. Of course, everyday messes such as breadcrumbs on the counter or dishes in the sink should be cleaned up daily. Generally speaking, you should only need to wipe the kitchen cupboards down if you have spilled food or wine or grease when cooking. We recommend regular maintenance wipe-downs approximately once a week to keep your kitchen looking presentable for family and friends. Depending on how much dirt and grime come together, a deep clean every 3-6 months is more than sufficient.

Get in touch with the experts at Dianella Polishing 

Dianella Polishing is a well-respected Western Australian-owned business which, since 1982, has specialized in two pac painting and polishing of kitchens, office and shop fit-outs. We are kitchen experts and are here to help you where we can. If you have a question about how to clean your kitchen surface or you are looking for further advice, please get in touch with our friendly team today.