How to Refresh Your Painted Cabinets This Winter: Cleaning, Care & Touch-Up Tips.
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Winter is the perfect time to give your painted kitchen cabinets a gentle refresh. Cooler weather, festive hosting and increased indoor activity can all highlight scuffs or areas that need a little care. The good news? With high-quality painted finishes — especially durable ones like ours — a seasonal refresh is quick, simple and highly effective.
Here’s how to clean, maintain and touch up your cabinets so they look beautifully crisp going into the new year.
Start with a Gentle Deep Clean
Painted cabinets don’t need harsh products. In fact, mild cleaning is best for protecting your finish.
- Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth
- Avoid bleach sprays and abrasive pads
- Dry immediately to prevent water marks
For guidance on how painted finishes are applied — and why they last — see our page on Painting Your Kitchen.
Dealing with Grease, Steam and Everyday Use
Kitchens naturally attract grease, particularly around hobs and handles. A very small amount of diluted washing-up liquid usually removes residue without affecting paint. For tougher spots, use a non-abrasive cream cleaner — but only sparingly.
If your kitchen is older, consider reviewing how the finish has aged compared to our newer bespoke cabinet materials.
Touching Up Small Marks and Scuffs
Even high-quality painted kitchens can show the occasional knock or utensil scrape. Touching up is quick, but technique matters:
- Use the exact colour and sheen originally supplied
- Feather edges lightly to avoid visible transitions
- Work in thin, small layers for the cleanest finish
If you’re unsure of your cabinet style or range, our Handmade Kitchens page helps you identify the details.
Refresh Your Handles for a Quick Lift
A fast way to make painted cabinets feel brand new is to update or polish the handles. Brass and nickel continue to dominate 2026 trends.
If you’re planning a wider upgrade, our Design Style Choices page offers inspiration on pairing colours, woods and hardware.
Consider a New Colour for the New Year
Small touch-ups help, but some homeowners use winter as an opportunity for a full repaint or door update. Soft greens, warm neutrals and charcoal greys remain popular choices for 2026.
See real examples of painted finishes in our Blue & White, Off-White & Grey and Soft Greys galleries.
Protect Cabinet Interiors Too
While refreshing exteriors, it’s worth checking internal storage areas for wear, especially high-use drawers and larders.
These upgrades extend the life of your cabinetry and improve everyday usability.
When to Consider a Professional Repaint
If your cabinets have experienced sun fade, heavy humidity exposure or multiple previous repaints, a professional refresh may give the best long-term result. We can advise on whether your doors are suitable for repainting or if replacement fronts may be more cost-effective.
Learn more about the materials behind your doors in our guide: What Our Standard Cabinets Are Made From.
FAQs
How often should I clean painted cabinets?
A gentle wipe-down every one to two weeks is usually enough, with a deeper clean every few months.
Can I use magic erasers on painted cabinetry?
We don’t recommend it — they can be abrasive and may dull the finish.
How do I avoid brush marks when touching up?
Use light coats, a soft brush and small feathered strokes to blend the repair.
When should cabinets be professionally repainted?
When there is significant wear, widespread peeling or a desire for a full colour change, a professional repaint may give a longer-lasting result.