How to Clean Cabinets and keep them looking beautiful

Cleaning your cabinets

Caring for your custom cabinets is similar to caring for fine furniture. Whether they require a light dusting or removing food splatter, the process is almost the same.

Dusting with a soft cloth is often all that is required to keep your cabinets dust free. If your cabinets and doors are lightly soiled, a warm damp clean cloth is all you need. If an extra boost is needed, you may make a solution of equal parts water and vinegar with a few drops of liquid dish soap. This and a bit of rubbing may be all that is required to remove any food residue. Don’t forget to wipe down with a dry soft cloth.

• Clean spills and splatter immediately to avoid oil and grease from seeping into the cabinet and causing it to discolour or stain.
• Use a clean dry soft cloth for regular dusting, avoid premoisten polishing sheets.
• Waxing and polishing are not recommended. Avoid wax or aerosol dusting and polishing sprays since the cause buildup and residue over time.
• Spray ammonia-free glass cleaner on a cloth and clean the glass on cabinet doors directly avoiding contact with cabinetry and the window dividers.
• Use touch up kits and putty sticks to hide surface scratches.

What to avoid

Its important to avoid moisture since this can cause considerable damage and discoloration. Do not hang damp or wet dishcloths over cabinet doors since this can affect the cabinets finish. Heat and light are also culprits. Heat damage can occur if an extreme heat source come in contact with cabinetry such as an appliance on the counter. Keep in mind that natural sunlight with change the colour of wood surfaces as well as laminated and thermofoil surfaces.

What cleaning agents to avoid.

As with all fine furniture any harsh chemical or abrasives are to be avoided if you want to keep the integrity of your cabinets.

The following cleaning products are to be avoided as damage may occur:

• Harsh detergent or strong soaps that are not meant for harder surfaces such as flooring
• Harsh abrasives that are meant for scouring sinks or tubs
• Soiled cloths or sponges may have particles that can scratch or food and oil residue.
• Acetone or Solvent based products such as nail polish remover, mineral spirits or paint thinners.
• Cleaning products that include ammonia
• Bleach or products containing bleach
• Wax or polishing products.