How to remove oil stain on MDF kitchen drawers?

[gardenia8888]

Hello,

Recently my hubby spilt some cooking oil which fell onto the kitchen drawers (photos attached).

We are currently renting and have tried to clean the stain with warm water and dish liquid, covering the stain/s in cornstarch and even rubbed a small amount of turpentine in a small area but haven't persisted with it. However, the stain/s is still there. Any further cleaning ideas?

Is it possible to varnish or oil it so that the stain looks uniform? Can you please advise what we can do or use so that it looks the same? We obviously don't want to spend a lot because we are renting but at least so that the stain is not that obvious. To me it looks like MDF. (There is a small amount of white laminate near one of the knobs it was covered in that has been cut out previously but not by us). 

TIA,

Teresa

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @gardenia8888 

Welcome to the Bunnings Community pages A good place for this type of question!

It does look like MDF dosnt it. And dosnt seem to have been sealed. 

Two things come to mind, 

- Paint it. There are paints that can be used for kitchen ceilings manufactured to cover an oily styled surface, Id warm wipe the excess if any is left and then remove the knobs and paint. Maybe something like this Dulux White Ceiling +PLUS Kitchen And Bathroom Paint - 1L 

- If you can find a draw front that matches the design from second hand  store or side of the road. Im sure ive seen similar designs around. I would replace it then. Its not supper urgent unless you are moving out So you could take your time and keep the paint solition as a back up?

Dave

[gardenia8888]

Thank you, Dave, for your suggestions. Will keep them in mind. Only thing about the paintwork is that it would be more obvious that I painted it and am not sure if they would want it painted, but then again it might look better than what it is. 

[gardenia8888]

Hello Dave,

Since you suggested the painting and that it isn't sealed. Does it have to be sealed before painting? Thanks. 

[EricL]

Hello @gardenia8888 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your kitchen drawers.

In order to paint the drawer fronts the surface must be sanded down to allow the paint to penetrate the surface. If it is MDF, I suggest sanding lightly so as not to damage or reduce the cut-out features of the drawer front. A little bit of effort can be applied to the oil-stained section of the drawer front. Another option is to try beeswax on the door to give it a uniform look. It will need to be repeated every now and then as the beeswax fades away.

It's best to document your plans and suggestions by email to your landlord so that there will be a record of the upgrades you are making to the property.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[gardenia8888]

Hi Eric,

Thanks for your reply and suggestions, which is very helpful. 

Like the idea of trying beeswax too, as it might be easier before trying to paint the drawers. 

Let's see how it goes. Thanks.