Many homeowners spend countless hours poring over the many choices of styles, wood type, color, and layout of custom kitchen cabinetry. And once installed, it is just assumed that the hard work is done, and now it’s time to sit back and enjoy the handiwork. There are certain things that should never be used on the cabinet surfaces, and methods to cleaning that, if known, can help to ensure that your cabinets are around and beautiful for years to come!
It is no secret that kitchen cabinets are the most prone to spills of many different materials including greases and oils. Obviously, when there are spills, it’s best to get the spill up as promptly as possible. When the spill or splatter is grease or oily substances, use a mild detergent and a soft cotton cloth to blot dry. Do not saturate the wood and avoid using dish sponges as there may be remnants of harsher detergents that can harm the finish. Whenever wiping the cabinet, go in the direction of the wood grain. Failure to do so could scratch the surface, allowing crevices that cannot be effectively cleaned.
Avoid excess moisture and heat: It’s not uncommon to find towel bars located on a cabinet door or a coffee maker directly under a set of upper cabinets. Excess or chronic moisture can not only break down the surface finish but can also do damage to the underlying wood. Keep these items clear of cabinetry surfaces.
Avoid abrasives: Do not use abrasives, such as scouring pads, steel wool, plastic brushes, or powdered cleaners, as they will damage the finish and leave scratch marks. The scratches are small crevices that cleansers and grease can get in, but not easily out. Over time, this will ruin the look of your custom cabinetry, causing you to refinish the cabinets.
Products you should never use on cabinets: There is a list of things that should not be used on the finished surfaces of your cabinets. Some of these products include petroleum-based cleaning products, silicone-based products (such as furniture polishes), bleach, plastic brushes, steel wool, solvents, strong soaps and detergents that claim to break down oil, grease, and grime, avoid scouring pads, anything with dyes, nail polish remover, ammonia-based cleansers, and paint thinners. All of these products can (and will likely) cause irreversible damage to the cabinet surface.
Custom Cabinets In Ramsey MN
We, at Danner’s Cabinet Shop, want to ensure that any cabinets that you enjoy are kept in good shape for many years to come! If you are in the market for new cabinetry for your kitchen, bath, closet area, or any other part of your home, contact the professional cabinet makers at (763) 753-4002 today.
