Congratulations on your new cabinets! They can add beauty, functionality, and a touch of elegance to any space. But how do you keep them looking as stunning as the day they were installed? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Follow these simple tips and tricks to care for your cabinets and ensure they remain beautiful for years to come.
1. Regular Dusting & Cleaning
Dust your cabinets regularly to keep them looking fresh. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid any scratches. For laminate and high-gloss cabinetry, a microfiber cloth works wonders in keeping the surfaces smooth and spotless.
Pro Tip: A microfiber cloth is a must for keeping laminate and high gloss finishes looking sleek and shiny.
2. Glass Door Care
Got glass doors on your cabinets? Here's how to keep them sparkling:
Spray an ammonia-free glass cleaner onto a clean, soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel, not directly on the glass. This prevents the cleaner from seeping behind mullions or dividers, which could damage the wood or other materials.
3. Fighting Grime
Sometimes, all you need to tackle grime is a dampened cloth. Here’s what works best:
Use a clean, soft cotton or microfiber cloth dampened with warm water to wipe away most dirt.
For extra tough grime, create a mild cleaning solution by mixing 5% dishwashing liquid (not dishwasher detergent!) with 95% warm water. This solution works great for removing dirt and grease.
After cleaning, make sure to wipe down your cabinets with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.
Important: Laminates and high gloss materials should always be dried with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches!
4. What About Spills and Splatters?
The key here is speed! Clean up any spills or splatters as soon as possible to prevent damage. Prolonged exposure to food, water, grease, or oil can cause permanent discoloration or damage to your cabinet finish. After cleaning, dry your cabinets with a soft, clean cloth—especially for stained and painted cabinets. For laminates or high gloss surfaces, always use a microfiber cloth for drying.
5. Polishing & Waxing: Not Necessary!
You might be tempted to polish or wax your cabinets, but resist the urge! Over time, waxing and polishing compounds can build up, leaving your cabinets looking hazy, streaked, or even yellowed. Plus, wax buildup is tough to remove, and nobody wants that hassle. So, save your cabinets the trouble and skip the wax!
6. Keep Moisture in Check
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of cabinets. Here’s how to protect your cabinetry from potential water damage:
Never drape damp towels or clothes over cabinet doors, as moisture can cause peeling and discoloration.
Wood naturally expands and contracts based on moisture levels, so it’s important to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level in your home. For specific recommendations, consult your Cabinet Warranty and Homeowners Guide to Humidification.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a self-cleaning oven, remove the cabinet doors and drawers near the oven before using the cleaning feature. The heat from the self-cleaning cycle is much higher than normal cooking temperatures and could potentially damage your cabinetry.
7. Protect Against Sunlight
Direct sunlight can darken the color of natural wood, although walnut wood will actually lighten. Painted wood surfaces, laminates, and high gloss finishes are also prone to fading. To protect your cabinets, consider using blinds or drapes to block out direct sunlight.
Note: Avoid cleaning high gloss materials in direct sunlight, as it can cause streaks or discoloration.
8. Products to Avoid
Some cleaning products can be harmful to your cabinets. Here's what to stay away from:
Harsh detergents, multi-purpose cleaners, and abrasive cleaning products like tub and sink cleaners, scouring powders, steel wool, or self-polishing waxes.
Sponges or dish cloths, as they may have remnants of food, oil, or harsh cleaning solutions that can damage your cabinets.
Paper towels, especially for high gloss finishes, as they can scratch the surface.
Solvent-based or petroleum-based products, including mineral spirits, nail polish removers, or paint thinners.
Ammonia, bleach, or cleaning products containing ammonia or bleach.
Silicone-based cleaning, waxing, or polishing products.
9. What to Do if You Have a Nick or Scratch
Even with the best care, your cabinets may eventually experience minor nicks or scratches. But don’t worry—touch-up kits are available for most cabinetry styles. These kits usually include a color-matched touch-up pen for hiding small blemishes and a tinted putty stick for filling in deeper scratches or gouges. Simply follow the instructions provided with your kit to keep your cabinets looking flawless!
Conclusion: Simple Care for Long-Lasting Beauty
With these easy steps, your cabinets will continue to shine and maintain their beauty for years to come. Regular dusting, gentle cleaning, and avoiding harmful products are key to keeping your cabinetry in top shape. And remember—moisture, heat, and sunlight are the biggest threats to their longevity, so stay mindful of those environmental factors.
By following these tips, you can ensure your new cabinets stay as gorgeous as the day they were installed, helping to create a space you’ll love for years to come. Happy cleaning!
Written By: Amiah Faldet
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