Cabinet Care 101 – Are you Cleaning Your Kitchen Properly?

So the job is done, your dream kitchen has been designed and installed and you’re thrilled with your new space. Choosing cabinetry for your home is an investment in functional beauty that will result in years of enjoyment and convenience. If improperly cleaned and maintained, your cabinets can begin to show wear and age much faster than if taken care of. It’s important to follow proper cleaning guidelines to keep your cabinetry looking new and beautiful and without doing any damage. So, how do you keep it looking new as long as possible?

Here’s our tips:

• Dust often with a lint free soft cloth, always in the direction of the grain.
• Once a year, polish all surfaces using a good quality furniture polish that is silicone free.
• Treat all laminates and non-wood surfaces as you would your finely finished doors.
• For stubborn stains, clean as needed with a mild detergent or mild soap and very little water. It is always preferable to use a damp cloth rather than to apply water directly to the cabinet.
• Soap and water may be used to clean the metal knobs, handles and components on the cabinet doors and drawers.
• Avoid the use of oily polishes, spray or paste waxes, or any products containing petroleum solvents or silicone as these can damage the fine cabinet finish.
• Always use a clean lint free cloth and avoid pouring the cleaner directly onto a surface.
• Avoid the use of dishcloths to wipe the fine wood surfaces because often the dishcloth will contain detergents and greases that can harm the finish.
• Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads or powdered cleaners on cabinet surfaces. They can eat through the finish coat allowing moisture to attack the wood below.