Your new cabinets are an investment, and with minimal care you can keep them looking as lovely as the day they were installed. We have some basic cabinet maintenance suggestions that will keep your kitchen or bathroom cabinet investment looking fantastic for years to come!
Cabinet Maintenance, Cleaning & Polishing
Your cabinet door and drawer fronts are hardwood and deserve the care you give to fine furniture. Be sure to remove any splatters or spills immediately to avoid damage to the finish.
Dust your cabinets with a soft cloth. You can dampen the cloth very slightly or spray the cloth with a dust remover. You can also clean the interior of your cabinets occasionally the same way.
If you wish, you can polish any wood and laminate surfaces with a good non-oil based furniture polish a few times a year. Don’t use paste wax or polishes with silicone. They can create a wax build-up that is hard to remove. The residue will attract dust and make your cabinet finish look dull.
Never use any other types of cleaners or polishes on your cabinets, including bleach, detergents, citrus-based cleaners, ammonia-based cleaners, steel wool, soap pads, or abrasive cleaners. These will damage the wood finish, possibly beyond repair. Check with your manufacturer for cleaning products recommended for your cabinetry.
Use a putty stick, available at hardware stores, to cover minor scratches. Putty sticks are available in tones to match every cabinet finish.
Be cautious about positioning small appliances that generate heat, such as coffee makers and toasters. Cabinet finishes cannot handle temperatures higher than 174° Fahrenheit without damage to their finish. Don’t position or mount those appliances where those temperatures can reach your cabinet doors and drawers.
Be aware that center panels in cabinets may shrink/expand seasonally due to changes in humidity.
Consumer Buying Guide
Browse our free guide to learn what to consider when choosing the right flooring for your space.
