How to Maintain Your Newly Refaced or Painted Cabinets

Congratulations on your kitchen update! Here are some of the tips we offer our clients to keep their cabinets looking like new after we’ve completed their refacing or painting project.

1. Avoid Cleaning Products Initially

Avoid all cleaning products on the cabinets for at least a month after installation. The finish is still curing and should be left alone.

2. Use Knobs and Pulls

Try to keep hands off the cabinets by using the knobs and pulls. Oils and acids on your skin, particularly when taking medicines or prescription drugs, can damage cabinetry.

3. Clean Spills Immediately

Clean all food spills from the wood surfaces immediately. Many foods can damage wood finishes, particularly high-acid foods such as orange juice, coffee, tea, mustard, etc. Use a microfiber or lint-free cloth to wipe cabinets instead of a wash rag or dish sponge. Clean spills with a lint-free cloth. You may dampen the cloth and use a mild dish soap, if needed. Use as little water as possible and dry the cabinet immediately.

4. Regular Cleaning After Curing

For regular cleaning after the finish has cured, use a clean, soft cloth. You may dampen the cloth with a bit of water. Do not hang wet cleaning or dish cloths on the cabinets as this will likely damage the finish over time.

5. Avoid Harsh and Abrasive Cleaners

Don’t use abrasive cleaners (including Mr. Clean Magic Erasers), solvent-based cleaners, harsh chemicals such as bathroom cleaners, any cleaner in combination with a brush, cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, wax, baking soda, or silicone. Do not use mineral spirits or paint thinner around your cabinetry and avoid getting paint splatters when painting the ceiling or wall.

6. Relocate Heat and Steam Appliances

Move heat and steam producing appliances out from under the cabinets when in use (especially important if you’ve refaced with a laminate).

7. Avoid Wood Wax

Avoid wood wax. Wax attracts dust, dirt, and grease that can build up under multiple layers of wax. A fine furniture cream polish can be applied quarterly rather than a wax product. If you choose to polish, clean off dust and spills first.

8. Use Ventilation When Cooking

Use a ventilation fan when cooking. It removes most of the airborne smoke and grease which otherwise would be absorbed by wood cabinetry.

9. Protect Cabinets from Sunlight

If you have older windows without UV protection, and sunlight hits the cabinets, consider getting a protective film applied to the windows or installing window treatments. Unfiltered sunlight not only accelerates drying, but it also tends to bleach wood. In turn, stain pigments become discolored, and new pigments are prevented from penetrating the wood, thus yielding a washed-out effect.

10. Maintain Natural Humidity

Open your home to fresh air and allow the wood to breathe. Natural humidity is good for wood. A rigidly controlled environment can dry out wood quickly, causing premature cracking, shrinking, and splitting if not cared for regularly. Humidity should remain within a range of 35% and 50%. The EPA recommends maintaining indoor humidity to protect not only the cabinet but also your overall indoor air quality.

11. Contact Us for Repairs

Call Kitchen Tune-Up or your cabinet supplier if there are accidental nicks, gouges, and scratches in the wood. Avoid lemon oil or quick-fix DIY products to try to repair the damage.

At Kitchen Tune-Up we want to help you make the most of your home. We would love the opportunity to see your kitchen, show you door and hardware samples, and create a plan to update and upgrade your space to meet your needs. Contact us today for a free design appointment and estimate.