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

[gardenia8888]

Hi Mitchell,

Thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate your honesty and will mention it to my property manager at the next inspection. I like your idea of applying Mr. Sheen on them. 

[gardenia8888]

Hi Mitchell,

What can I use to seal it which is easy to obtain and use? Also, after sealing, can I use Mr. Sheen? Will the seal stain the MDF? 

TIA

[EricL]

Hello @gardenia8888 

Was there a specific seal you had in mind? A paint seal, a wax seal or an oil product to go on the door? If you are keen to try Mr. Sheen, I suggest trying to spray a small section at the back of the door to see how it will react with Mr. Sheen. If the results are positive and you are happy with it, then you can commit the rest of the door. But if it does not agree with the MDF material, I recommend stopping its use. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[gardenia8888]

Hello Eric,

I don't mind anything as long as it's good for MDF and easy to apply (not too expensive either). I guess if you can give me examples of all types of seals, then I can decide (if it's not too much trouble). Thanks for the tips on applying Mr. Sheen. 

Teresa

[JacobZ]

Hi @gardenia8888,

I believe @MitchellMc was recommending the Mr Sheen product to basically match the oil stain and then leave it as is so things at least look uniform.

I tend to agree with Mitchell that your landlord should be looking to replace them, but if you'd just like to give them a bit of a facelift, then some Enamel Paint is the way to go.

You'll need to use an undercoat such as Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat before applying 2 coats of enamel paint such as Dulux Vivid White Aquanamel Semi Gloss Paint.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[gardenia8888]

Hi Jacob,

Thanks for your suggestions. Will let you all know how I go when I decide what to do, but now I have some ideas and options. 

[gardenia8888]

Hello,

I found these on Bunnings website: Bondall 250 ml clear gloss monocel clear varnish and Cabot's oil based polyurethane varnish. Would any of these be suitable for sealing the MDF drawers? 

Also, read somewhere that sometimes sanding can help remove oil stains. What do you think?

TIA

[EricL]

Hello @gardenia8888 

If you are sealing uncoated MDF then yes both products will work on it surface, I suggest testing a small area at the back to see what kind of finish it will produce. If you are happy with the finish, you can then commit the entire door. In regards to sanding the surface, my best advice is not to sands too deeply, otherwise the surface will turn hairy and it will difficult to bring it back to its original state.  

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric