Cabinet Care Guide

You just invested in a new kitchen filled with beautiful cabinets.  The last thing you want is a spill or stain to discolor and ruin the surface of your incredible looking cabinets.

General Cleaning

All of our cabinets are made from quality materials that are strong and durable, but if you completely neglect them or clean them overzealously, the cabinets could become damaged or discolored.  The simple act of dusting your cabinets should be enough to keep them looking great for a very long time.

Dusting

Take a fresh cotton cloth and wet it with water.  Wipe down all the surfaces of the cabinet doors and bodies.

Cleaning with Cabinet Cleaners

If something spills or gets stuck on your cabinet surface, it is possible that you will need more than a damp cloth.  We recommend Magic brand Cabinet and Wood Cleaner and Polish.  This can be found at Home Depot and many other stores.  Using a fresh cotton cloth, wipe down the surface of the cabinets to remove the spill.  Like with any cabinet cleaners, be sure to spray the cleaner on a cloth first; do not spray directly on cabinets.

*Regardless of what cleaner you use, be sure to first test the effects of the cleaner on the back of a door. Any cleaner may affect the finish. Water is the only safe product.*

*Warning*
Avoid:

Moisture Damage

You will want to avoid all forms of moisture damage.  Whether you are dusting or cleaning, if you ever leave excess water or cleaner on the surface of the cabinets, be sure to wipe it with a dry cloth to prevent any permanent damage.

Solvent-based cleaners

Solvent-based products like denatured alcohol should never be used to clean your furniture.  Solvents like denatured alcohol are often used during furniture restoration when attempting to remove the finish of a cabinet.

Ammonia and Bleach

While ammonia and bleach are very useful for cleaning your kitchen floor, they are not recommended for cabinets.

Harsh detergents

Harsh detergents can damage or remove the finish on your cabinets.  It is important to use mild cleaning agents like those found in cabinet cleaners.

Abrasive Cleaning Products

Cleaning products such as steel wool and scouring pads can cause damage to the finish on your cabinet.

When it comes to cleaning our kitchen cabinets, we have 4 distinct methods for different types of cabinets.

American Style Cabinets

 

Stained natural wood grain cabinets (American Walnut, Espresso, Mahogany)

Keep your cabinets clean with regular dusting.  Stained solid wood cabinets are more susceptible to damage from a harsh cleaner.  For a severe stuck-on mess we recommend Magic brand cabinet cleaner.  You can also try to wash with vinegar and hot water or a very mild detergent, and then rinse-&-dry quickly.  Many years after your purchase you may want to try a polish product if you wish to bring a shine back to your old cabinets if necessary (not recommended for new cabinets). Touch-up Kits are available for minor scratches; please contact your vendor for details.

Poly-Urethane painted cabinets (White/Grey Shaker, Antique White)

Keep your cabinets clean with regular dusting.   The painted coats on your cabinets should make it harder for any serious stains or stuck-on messes to damage your cabinets but you should still clean any spills right away.  *Our Antique White cabinets have detailed glazing lines added to the doors to accentuate their detailed design.  These lines are more susceptible to damage from cleaning products.* Touch-up Kits are available for minor scratches; please contact your vendor for details.

European Style Cabinets

 

Textured Melamine cabinets (Milan, Cocoa)

Keep your cabinets clean with regular dusting.   If a serious spill causes a thick stuck-on mess on your textured melamine cabinets, you may need to wipe down your cabinets and doors more than one time to be sure that there is no food or grease residue in the tiny textured grooves of the panels.  The textured Melamine is resistant to stains and discoloration, but if need be, we recommend Magic brand cabinet cleaner. Textured melamine finish is most susceptible to high heat and long hours of direct sunlight (not recommended for outdoor use).

High Gloss Cabinets

Keep your cabinets clean with regular dusting.   A benefit of the High Gloss cabinets is their resistance to stains and discoloration from food and spills.  However, it is still important to clean any messes right away.  High gloss lacquer is more susceptible to scratches than stains.