How Do I Keep My Kitchen Cabinets Looking New?

You may get the most value from your kitchen remodel investment if you purchase high-quality, long-lasting products. It's also much simpler to keep your new kitchen cabinets looking as good as the day they were installed. Keeping up with regular cleaning and maintenance of your cabinets is another way to protect the value your remodel has brought to your home.

Everyday use of your kitchen will leave a dull, sticky film that will eventually wear down the surface of your cabinets, no matter how well-manufactured they are. That's because the normal kitchen is similar to a chemistry lab, where heat and dust are combined during the cooking and preparing of meals.

How to Maintain Cabinets in Kitchen

The next step after achieving your ideal kitchen is properly caring for it. For example, kitchen cabinets require special attention when washing and wiping, unlike the standard methods most employ elsewhere. Here are some of our top suggestions for optimising the results of your kitchen remodel.

How to Clean and Take Care of Your Cabinets

Maintaining a spotless and well-organized kitchen includes, among other things, regularly cleaning and caring for the cabinets. Keeping up with routine maintenance not only keeps your cabinets looking great but also extends their useful life. This article will show you how to clean and maintain your kitchen cabinets properly, no matter what material or finish they have. Keeping your cabinets in perfect shape for years is easy if you follow these guidelines.

Cabinet Care

If properly cared for, your cabinets can last for decades without requiring replacement. To maintain it, you should wash it, dust it, and polish it with caution. Wood's natural beauty comes from its distinctive grain patterns and colour variations. Wood has inherent variation because it is a natural material. Wood can range in colour and grain from one tree to the next and from one forest to the next due to differences in climate and other environmental factors. To bring out the grain and lustre of the wood, we apply and wipe on our stains by hand.

During Installation

Cabinets should be cleaned with a soft, moist cloth followed by a dry, clean cloth. When cleaning wood, it's important to always go with the grain. A high-quality polish, applied in a thin layer, will do. Use a polish that doesn't require a base coat, and avoid those that contain silicone or wax. A good polish will help prevent minor damage, discolouration, and moisture buildup.

Standard Cabinet Maintenance

Cabinets can be ruined by grease and grime buildup, ruining a brand-new kitchen's aesthetic. At least once every two weeks, or more often depending on the amount of use, wipe down cabinets with a soft cloth wet with warm water to eliminate residue. To get truly clean cabinets, combine some water and mild dishwasher soap. When cleaning wood cabinets, always wipe in the grain. If any moisture is left on the cabinets after cleaning, wipe it off with a soft towel.

Clean Up Spills Quickly

Long-term contact with many substances can result in stubborn stains or other damage that are difficult, if not impossible, to remove. Immediately after mopping up spills, the area should be dried off completely. Instead of wiping the area clean, dab until the contaminant is gone.

Avoid Too Much Moisture

This is a major threat to the final product. The baseboards and cabinets closest to the sink, dishwasher, and water supply are the most at risk. Any wet spots should be dried up right away. Do not hang wet dish towels or other items over cabinet doors, and keep coffee makers away from the shelves.

Avoid Extremes in Humidity and Temperature

The finish on your cabinets could be damaged by changes in humidity and temperature. Maintaining year-round temperature and humidity control in your home is a must. Allow mild warping to occur during one heating cycle before replacing it.

Beware of UV Radiation

Natural wood cabinets, in particular, can quickly deteriorate under the intense Colorado sunlight. Painted wood furniture and laminate or Thermofoil surfaces will fade in direct sunlight over time. To prevent your furniture and carpet from fading due to direct sunlight, cover your windows.

Stay away from harsh cleaners

The finish on your cabinets is vulnerable to harsh cleaning products. Keep away from products that use ammonia, bleach, citric acid (orange and lemon oil count), and organic solvents to clean.

Avoid Being Exposed To Wax

The majority of self-polishing waxes on the market are harmful to finishes. Instead, use only the finest cream furniture polishes, such as those sold at speciality paint and furniture stores.

Protect From Wear And Tear

Use a mild detergent and a moist towel to clean as needed. Scouring pads and other abrasive cleansers should be avoided to preserve exquisite finishes.

Beware of plastic and rubber.

Avoid putting anything made of plastic or rubber on wood surfaces using felt or linen underneath.

Refrain from Strong Acids

To protect the laminate finish, you should not use any items that include strong acids or abrasives.

Avoid scratches and chips

When cleaning, avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges. Surfaces can become scratched and worn from using "stiff" paper towels. When cleaning a laminate table or counter, it's best to use a soft cloth. You shouldn't use a laminate counter top for chopping. Always utilize a wooden cutting board to avoid damaging your counter or table. You can try spraying some furniture polish on the damaged areas to see if that helps.

Tips For Maintaining Laminate Products

Our laminate products can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. Typically, a damp sponge is all you need to clean laminate surfaces daily.

Basic Cleaning

Use a soft cloth and warm water with a moderate amount of dishwashing detergent to clean the surface. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft towel. Spots and stains can be removed using a general cleaner or a bathroom cleanser.

Intractable Spots and Stains

Mix baking soda and water to form a paste. Use a gentle bristle brush to scrub the area in a circular motion. Use caution and a gentle touch around the paste because it could scratch your skin. After that, dry it off with a fresh, soft towel. Maintain effort if it is producing desired outcomes. Use a household bleach solution containing 5 percent sodium hypochlorite if the discoloration persists. Make sure you don't get anything on your skin, eyes, or clothing. Apply the bleach with a soggy sponge or paper towel and let it sit on the stain for no longer than a minute and a half. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth after each use.

Advice For A Maple Cutting Board

Basic Cleaning

Clean it the same way as any other cutting surface, being careful not to leave water sitting there for too long.

Reseal the surface periodically

Mineral or vegetable oil can be used to reseal the block every so often, extending its life. Only the most commonly used cutting surface should be resealed. After several years of constant use, the block may need to be refinished. Remove the current coating with sandpaper, then reapply a new one with mineral, vegetable, or a clear protective finish such as "Good Stuff" Urethane Gel.

How Your Cabinetry Is Affected by Temperature and Humidity

Even with careful upkeep, the elements and the ever-shifting temperature can damage bespoke kitchen cabinets, despite our best intentions. Wooden kitchen cabinets are particularly vulnerable to the effects of moisture and humidity. To provide the finest care for your kitchen cabinets, it is essential to create a wood-friendly environment.

How Do Weather Changes Affect Cabinetry

Moisture

A wood cabinet's lifespan can be drastically shortened by even brief exposure to excess moisture. For example, splashing water from a sink can ruin the surfaces, and the wood will likely be damaged beyond repair. Inadequately sealed cabinet doors can also be damaged by steam from crock pots and stovetops.

Any moisture that collects on the wood's surface should be removed immediately to prevent this damage. Avoid using dehumidifiers or cloths to eliminate moisture, and keep away from direct heat from flames. The harm that moisture and mould or mildew may do to kitchen cabinets can be prevented quickly.

Humidity

Wooden storage units respond to changes in humidity by swelling, whereas low humidity causes them to contract. Therefore, unfinished or bare wood will be subject to the most radical transformation. However, even finished wood can suffer harm if exposed to dampness for an extended period. Even the wood's laminated surface is vulnerable. Besides this, even solid wood can expand or contract in size along the grain.

The dimensional stability of your particle wood and fibreglass surpasses that. When put under water, however, they would expand to monstrous proportions. The expansion and contraction of wood, as well as the appearance of cracks, are all signs of a lack of cohesion. Furthermore, these modifications are more resistant to lighter paint finishes.

Continued Humidity (Dryness)

While prolonged exposure to high or low humidity will cause the most harm to your wood cabinets, either extreme is bad for them. Cabinets are especially vulnerable to cracking in the severely dry weather. Some shrinkage and the exposure of the panel edges is possible with wood cabinetry with panelled doors.

Having panel edges that are either visible or unfinished will make your cabinets stand out from the rest of the room. These symptoms suggest that the humidity levels in your area are too low.

Temperature

Sudden shifts in temperature can also harm wooden cabinetry. Humidity swings are usually connected to the temperature shift. When the temperature rises, the material will expand, and vice versa when the temperature drops.

The greater the temperature swing, the more likely your cabinets may be damaged. Wood warping, cupping, and bowing are possible outcomes of this phenomenon, as can cracking and even splitting the wood.

Long-Term Cabinet Care:

• Repair any chips, scratches, or dings right away.
• Once or twice a year, give the exterior of the cabinets a thorough cleaning.
• Periodically, you should readjust things like drawer hinges, cabinet screws, and cabinet runners.
• Keep up with routine maintenance to stave off the need for more extensive repairs.

Regular maintenance is essential for your kitchen cabinets to maintain their aesthetic and effectiveness over time. You may safeguard your cabinets from harm, increase their lifespan, keep a lovely and organised kitchen, and preserve them from damage by adding cleaning, inspection, and preventive measures into your routine. Always consult the manufacturer's instructions for any recommended care recommendations and adapt your maintenance strategy based on your cabinets' unique material and finish.

Conclusion 

To maximize the value of your kitchen remodel investment, it's essential to purchase high-quality, long-lasting products and maintain them regularly. This will not only protect the value of your remodel but also extend its useful life. Proper cabinet maintenance involves washing, dusting, and polishing the cabinets with caution, ensuring they are in good condition. Wood cabinets have inherent variations in color and grain due to climate and environmental factors. During installation, clean cabinets with a soft, moist cloth followed by a dry, clean cloth, applying a high-quality polish in a thin layer to prevent minor damage, discoloration, and moisture buildup.

Standard cabinet maintenance involves wiping down cabinets with a soft cloth wet with warm water to eliminate residue. Clean spills quickly and dry them off completely. Avoid excessive moisture, extreme humidity and temperature, and UV radiation. Natural wood cabinets can deteriorate under direct sunlight, so cover windows to prevent fading. Avoid harsh cleaners, such as ammonia, bleach, citric acid, and organic solvents, and avoid being exposed to wax.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your kitchen cabinets last for years and maintain their beauty and functionality. For a maple cutting board, clean it as any other cutting surface, being careful not to leave water sitting there for too long. Reseal the surface periodically with mineral or vegetable oil. After several years of constant use, the block may need to be refinished.

Temperature and humidity can damage wooden cabinets, especially in dry weather. Moisture can cause swelling and contraction, while humidity can cause shrinkage and exposure of panel edges.

Temperature swings are connected to temperature, with higher temperatures causing more damage. Long-term cabinet care includes repairing chips, scratches, or dings, cleaning the exterior of cabinets once or twice a year, and regularly readingjusting drawer hinges, cabinet screws, and runners.

Regular maintenance is essential for maintaining the aesthetic and effectiveness of your kitchen cabinets. Always consult the manufacturer's instructions for recommended care recommendations and adapt your maintenance strategy based on your unique material and finish.

Content Summary: 

• You may get the most value from your kitchen remodel investment if you purchase high-quality, long-lasting products.
• Keeping up with regular cleaning and maintenance of your cabinets is another way to protect the value your remodel has brought to your home.
• The next step after achieving your ideal kitchen is properly caring for it.
• Here are some of our top suggestions for optimising the results of your kitchen remodel.
• Maintaining a spotless and well-organized kitchen includes, among other things, regularly cleaning and caring for the cabinets.
• This article will show you how to clean and maintain your kitchen cabinets properly, no matter what material or finish they have.
• Keeping your cabinets in perfect shape for years is easy if you follow these guidelines.
• If properly cared for, your cabinets can last for decades without requiring replacement.
• Use a polish that doesn't require a base coat, and avoid those that contain silicone or wax.
• A good polish will help prevent minor damage, discolouration, and moisture buildup.
• At least once every two weeks, or more often depending on the amount of use, wipe down cabinets with a soft cloth wet with warm water to eliminate residue.
• When cleaning wood cabinets, always wipe in the grain.
• Immediately after mopping up spills, the area should be dried off completely.
• The finish on your cabinets could be damaged by changes in humidity and temperature.
• Maintaining year-round temperature and humidity control in your home is a must.
• Natural wood cabinets, in particular, can quickly deteriorate under the intense Colorado sunlight.
• To prevent your furniture and carpet from fading due to direct sunlight, cover your windows.
• The finish on your cabinets is vulnerable to harsh cleaning products.
• Use a mild detergent and a moist towel to clean as needed.
• To protect the laminate finish, you should not use any items that include strong acids or abrasives.
• Avoid scratches and chips When cleaning, avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges.
• When cleaning a laminate table or counter, it's best to use a soft cloth.
• You shouldn't use a laminate counter top for chopping.
• Always utilize a wooden cutting board to avoid damaging your counter or table.
• Typically, a damp sponge is all you need to clean laminate surfaces daily.
• Use a soft cloth and warm water with a moderate amount of dishwashing detergent to clean the surface.
• Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft towel.
• Mix baking soda and water to form a paste.
• Use a gentle bristle brush to scrub the area in a circular motion.
• Make sure you don't get anything on your skin, eyes, or clothing.
• Wooden kitchen cabinets are particularly vulnerable to the effects of moisture and humidity.
• To provide the finest care for your kitchen cabinets, it is essential to create a wood-friendly environment.
• Any moisture that collects on the wood's surface should be removed immediately to prevent this damage.
• The harm that moisture and mould or mildew may do to kitchen cabinets can be prevented quickly.
• The expansion and contraction of wood, as well as the appearance of cracks, are all signs of a lack of cohesion.
• While prolonged exposure to high or low humidity will cause the most harm to your wood cabinets, either extreme is bad for them.
• Cabinets are especially vulnerable to cracking in the severely dry weather.
• Having panel edges that are either visible or unfinished will make your cabinets stand out from the rest of the room.
• These symptoms suggest that the humidity levels in your area are too low.
• Sudden shifts in temperature can also harm wooden cabinetry.
• Humidity swings are usually connected to the temperature shift.
• The greater the temperature swing, the more likely your cabinets may be damaged.
• Keep up with routine maintenance to stave off the need for more extensive repairs.
• Regular maintenance is essential for your kitchen cabinets to maintain their aesthetic and effectiveness over time.