Are Black Cabinets Hard To Keep Clean? (Find Out Now!)

Hannah DeMoss
by Hannah DeMoss

Choosing the right cabinet color for your kitchen is more important than it may seem. There are many things to consider with the kitchen cabinets. One of these is to consider how easily the cabinets are to clean, especially if you have chosen black cabinets.

Black cabinets are not hard to clean. However, black cabinets do need to be cleaned often. Unlike white cabinets, black cabinets do not appear as clean as often. Dust, scratches, lint, fingerprints, and other smudges show up easily on black cabinets. This means that black-colored cabinets require routine cleaning far more than their white cabinet counterparts.

As with any type of cabinet, they have their pros and cons that you should consider. Moreover, if you decide on black cabinets, you will want to know some tips for how to clean them properly.

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Using Black Cabinets in Your Kitchen

If you already have black cabinets, or are wondering if you should, there are some important points to consider. As mentioned, black cabinets have their pros and cons. You want to make sure you consider all of them.

Whether you choose black cabinets depends on what you are looking for. Do you want your kitchen to feel small and intimate? Do you want a modern, sophisticated look?

If you answered “yes” to those questions, then you may very well want to choose black cabinets for your kitchen. However, what are some of the cons?

First, black cabinets can make a small space seem even more cramped. If you have a small kitchen already, it may be best to avoid black cabinets. Moreover, as mentioned, black cabinets get dirty very easily.

Consider what can easily show up on black cabinets that will not easily show up on other colors:

  • Dust
  • Scratches
  • Fingerprints
  • Smudges
  • Lint

These are all common, everyday things that can show up on the cabinets. While they are not hard to clean, they do require regular cleaning.

Black Cabinets Are More Intimate

When you use black cabinets in your kitchen, your kitchen will feel smaller. Now, this can be a good thing in a large kitchen. However, in a small kitchen, it can seem claustrophobic.

Black cabinets are, by their nature, darker. During the day, this can be okay. However, at night, they can seemingly disappear in the darkness, which can make the kitchen difficult to navigate.

For many, making a space look bigger is more ideal. However, this aesthetic is a choice for you to make.

This is one aspect of using black cabinets that should be considered. However, once you have decided on using them, you will have to clean them.

Black Cabinets Get Dirty Easily

It may not be mentioned often, but black cabinets get dirty quite easily. Considering all the things that show up on black cabinets, it is easy to see why. You touch your cabinets every day when you get food, glasses, or dishes. Many times, without realizing it, your fingers touch the black finish of the cabinet. This will leave smudges.

If you have children, those smudges will be even more numerous. It is unavoidable. Additionally, dust is everywhere and accumulates even with the best care. When you have white cabinets, these blemishes do now show nearly as easily. That does not, however, mean they are not there.

Yet, you want your cabinets to be aesthetically pleasing to anyone who sees them. You do not want to see white specks, white streaks, and unattractive smudges covering them.

Cleaning Black Cabinets

Black cabinets are not hard to keep clean as long as you clean them regularly. They are not difficult to clean, but it does require you to have a routine.

If you do not want to worry about cleaning your cabinets weekly, it may be best to consider another color. However, if you decide to stick with the black cabinets, you will have to know how to clean them.

Remember, black cabinets are easy to clean. You will only need a few materials to clean them each week.

  • A spray bottle (or something else to hold the cleaning solution)
  • Distilled vinegar
  • Water
  • Dish soap
  • A cleaning rag (microfiber is the best)

You can make a solution of water and vinegar and soap that will easily clean your black cabinets. So, how do you make the solution?

To make this solution, you will want to make a mixture that is roughly three-quarters of water to one-quarter of vinegar. To this mixture, you would add just a few drops of the dish soap.

Once you have all the ingredients in the spray bottle, make sure to shake it well to complete the mixture.

Tips for Cleaning Black Cabinets

When you clean your black cabinets, there are a few tips that will make it go easier. Considering these tips before you begin is a perfect way to save you headaches later.

  • Do not use abrasive cleaners. Using a gentle mixture, like the vinegar and water mixture, is perfect. Abrasive cleaners that use chemicals can damage your black cabinets
  • Do not use too much mixture. You do not need much cleaner to get the cabinets clean. If you use too much cleaner, regardless of how gentle it is, it can potentially damage the cabinets. 
  • Rinse and dry the cabinets. After you have scrubbed away the blemishes, it is best to rinse the cabinet with a dampened microfiber cloth. Afterward, dry it with a microfiber cloth, too. This will avoid damaging the cabinet. 

Along with regular cleaning, these tips will help you maintain the finish of your black cabinets. These tips will help you keep them clean.

It is important to monitor the cleanliness of your black cabinets. Dust and smudges can build up quickly without you realizing it.

While not hard to keep clean, black cabinets do require a little more maintenance than you may be used to.

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Related Questions

What Color Cabinets Are Most Popular?

The most popular color cabinet is white. While other colors are building in popularity–such as black or blue–white is still leading the market. White cabinets hide dust and smudges much better and are better when selling a home. 


How Do You Pair Cabinet Colors with Wall Colors?

Black cabinets go best with a wall that is lighter in color. However, when the walls are darker in color, it is best to go with a light color. White cabinets, for example, can match well with walls that are either light or dark. Dark cabinet colors should not be paired with dark walls. 


Can You Have Black Countertops with Black Cabinets?

Black countertops can be paired with black cabinets if you want an extremely dramatic look. However, it is best to pair lighter color countertops with black cabinets. White countertops, gray countertops, or cream-colored countertops work best.

Hannah DeMoss
Hannah DeMoss

Hannah DeMoss has been a writer for nearly a decade. Her passion for writing began years ago has continued to grow. Her expertise at home involves furniture restoration and other small DIY tasks. When not writing, Hannah enjoys the outdoors with her husband and pups, as well as traveling.

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