New cabinets for your kitchen or bath can be a big investment and you want to keep them looking great for many years to come! There are some very simple things you can do to maintain their appearance. Just like any other type of furniture, the cabinets should be dusted and/or vacuumed regularly to remove any dust particles that have accumulated. When dusting, we recommend using a polish-moistened or damp cloth and to wipe following the grain of the wood. Wiping against the grain could cause scratches if the dust contains grit. Any residues caused from cooking oils or smoke should be wiped up with a damp cloth and a small amount of furniture cleaner. Old t-shirts, cheesecloth, dish towels, or flannels make great wiping cloths; just make sure they are clean and free of buttons or snaps so they don’t cause scratches.
It takes just a small amount of effort to keep a kitchen looking brand new. Here are a few more tips to help you keep your cabinets looking new for many, many years to come!
- Wipe up spills, splatters, and water spots as they occur immediately, keeping the cabinets dry.
- Clean as needed with a soft, lint-free cloth. Use a mild detergent or soap with warm water.
- Dry surfaces immediately with a soft cloth.
- Avoid using a dish cloth or sponge. It could contain remnants of grease or detergents.
- Do not use products with bleach, ammonia, or abrasive additives like petroleum solvents.
- Never use scouring pads, steel wool, or powdered cleaners.
- Do not allow oven cleaners to come into contact with wood surfaces.
- Avoid placing small kitchen appliances where heat is directed onto cabinet surfaces.
- Avoid draping damp cloths or dish towels over cabinet doors – excessive moisture can cause permanent damage.
- As with any new cleaning product, test a small spot in an inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn’t damage the cabinet surface.