How to Clean White Veneer Shelves Turning Yellow in the Kitchen

White veneer shelves create a bright look when added to a kitchen, but they are also a magnet for grime and will take on a yellowish appearance over time. While it might look unattractive, the yellowish tint found on white veneer shelves in the kitchen is the result of accumulated cooking grease and will not permanently damage the shelves. However, many commercially available cleaning solutions are harsh and can strip or damage the veneer, so it is best to use a gentle homemade degreaser made of ingredients commonly found around the house.

Soda ash
Liquid dish soap
White vinegar
Lemon juice
Hot water
Spray bottle
Sponge
Coarse washcloth

Instructions

- 1
  Combine 1/2 teaspoon of soda ash, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap, 4 tablespoons of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 cups of hot water inside a spray bottle. Mix the components well until no sediment remains on the bottom of the bottle.
- 2
  Spray the white veneer shelves with the cleaning solution. Thoroughly saturate the yellow areas. Pay special attention to darker areas or spots where the yellowish grime is thickest. Let the solution soak in for 10 to 15 minutes.
- 3
  Dip a sponge in very hot water. Wring out the excess liquid. Scrub the white veneer shelves in a circular pattern. Remoisten the sponge as needed, since the heat from the water will help lift the grime.
- 4
  Wipe up the lifted grime, using a coarse washcloth. Spray down the cabinets again with the cleaning solution. Immediately wipe the cabinets clean with the coarse washcloth to lift up any remaining residue.
- 5
  Repeat Steps 1 through 4 as needed until the shelves reach their original shade of white. Perform light cleanings every couple of weeks to maintain their color and cleanliness.

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