Ways to Update Cabinets in a Rented Home

Cabinets in rented houses are not usually stylish. If they are it is because the home is newer and the cabinetry has not been used and abused. Landlords do not usually update non-working components of the house. They are in the business to make money, and some do not want to spend fifty cents let alone hundreds or even thousands of dollars on an unnecessary update. It is possible to improve the look of ugly and/or outdated cabinetry. Update cabinets in your rented home without making permanent changes using these easy methods. They can look like brand new, or at the very least they will look improved.

Begin by Cleaning and Coating the Cabinets with Natural Citrus Oil

The cheapest way to update cabinets in a rented home is with Murphy's Oil Soap and natural citrus oil. Begin by thoroughly washing the doors and fronts with Murphy's Oil Soap and warm water. Follow product label directions to achieve the best results. Dry the cabinets thoroughly. Next, liberally apply natural orange or lemon oil. Rub it into the wood, and buff it to achieve a like-new shine. It is amazing how nice the cabinets in a rented home will look after they have been properly cleaned and polished with natural citrus oil. This is an improvement and a budget update that the landlord will not complain about.

Swap Out Ugly Old Knobs and Pulls on Cabinets in a Rented Home

Knobs and pulls can greatly date cabinets in a rented kitchen and bathroom. Some styles literally scream out the decade they are from. This is a very easy update, and it does not have to be permanent. Swap out ugly old knobs and pulls with new ones, and be sure to save the old ones. Most landlords will not allow an update of any kind. Be sure to put the ugly old knobs and pulls back before moving out. Chances are the new ones can be used again. Why invest in a home that belongs to someone else anyway?

Update with Temporary Wooden Onlays in a Rented Home

Cabinets with relief carvings are absolutely gorgeous, and almost any flat-paneled cabinetry can be transformed, even in a rented home. The changes can be temporary with the help of peel and stick strips. Buy wooden onlays, and paint or stain them to match the existing cabinets in the rented home. Apply double-sided adhesive strips that are strong enough to attach to the cabinets. When it comes time to remove the adhesive it can be rubbed away using citrus oil, and nothing will be left behind that will damage the wood.