With proper care, Crystal Cabinetry will provide a lifetime of use and satisfaction. Through years of experience we have compiled recommended methods to keep your cabinets looking their best.

Basic Cabinet Care and Cleaning

If spills occur, wipe it promptly with a damp cloth or sponge and dry the surface immediately. This the most important impact you can have on your cabinetry; substances may become difficult to remove and stain or cause damage upon prolonged contact.

To clean and remove oil, grease, food residue or daily spills, use a clean soft cloth dampened with a solution of mild dish washing liquid and water; dry immediately with another clean soft cloth. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the wood grain and avoid using your dishcloth to clean the cabinets; remnants of detergents and grease can have a harmful effect on the finish.

Pay special attention to the sink area and dishwasher as they are common areas for moisture to accumulate; this moisture should also be wiped up immediately. Be sure not to drape damp or wet dishtowels over cabinet doors or decorative appliance panels, prolonged contact from moisture can cause permanent damage to the cabinetry and finish.

Self-cleaning ovens also require special attention as they generate intense heat during the cleaning cycle. To help prevent damage to your cabinetry, removal of doors and/or drawer fronts on adjacent cabinetry during the cleaning cycle is recommended.

What Cleaning Products are ok to use?

Bona Cabinet Cleaner

Specifically designed to address your most common cabinet cleaning needs in a non-toxic, residue-free formula. Easily removes fingerprints and is safe for cabinets and your family.

Cleaner must be wiped off within one minute, do not apply the cleaner and allow it to remain on the surface beyond this timeline.

Area must then be cleaned with a cloth dampened only with water. This will allow for all the residual cleaner to be removed from the finish.

Murphy’s Oil Soap

For over a century, Murphy® Oil Soap has been a trusted hardwood floor and wood cleaner. Safety clean wood with Murphy® Oil Soap by diluting with water per the label instructions to not cause damage to the finish.

Cleaner must be wiped off within one minute, do not apply the cleaner and allow it to remain on the surface beyond this timeline.

Area must then be cleaned with a cloth dampened only with water. This will allow for all the residual cleaner to be removed from the finish.

Minwax Wood Cabinet Cleaner

Minwax® Wood Cabinet Cleaner is specially formulated to help you maintain the natural beauty of your finished wood and laminate surfaces.

Cleaner must be wiped off within one minute, do not apply the cleaner and allow it to remain on the surface beyond this timeline.

Area must then be cleaned with a cloth dampened only with water. This will allow for all the residual cleaner to be removed from the finish.

What Cleaning Products should I avoid?

Harsh Cleaners

Harsh cleaners can damage the finish of your cabinetry. Avoid cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, citrus products (including orange and lemon oil), mineral oil, organic solvents; harsh detergents, strong soaps and abrasive cleansers.

Examples of harsh cleaners to avoid: 409, Simple Green,Glass Cleaner and Clorox.

Waxes and Polishes

Cleaners containing waxes can cause “build-up” creating a “yellowing” effect over time. Most common self-polishing waxes can damage your finish,particularly products that contain silicone. Polishes may tend to look great at first but can hold dust particles on your cabinets finish.

Examples of common waxes and polishes to avoid: Johnson Paste Wax, Liquid Gold, Pledge and Old English.

Scratching and Abrasion

Abrasive cleaners physically scratch off dirt, stains and residue as you rub the surface and can damage the finish resulting in a dull appearance. Avoid using scouring pads, abrasive liquid and abrasive powders when cleaning.

Examples of common abrasive cleaners to avoid: Ajax, Soft Scrub, Comet, baking soda, scotch brite pads and steel wool.

Maple Chopping Block Cleaning and Care

Basic Cleaning

Our top-quality Butcher Block is intended to be used as a true cutting surface. Clean it like you would any cutting surface, taking care not to allow water to remain on the surface for any prolonged length of time.

Periodically Reseal the Surface

Occasionally use food grade mineral or vegetable oil to reseal and help preserve your block. Reseal only the area on which you frequently cut. Upon years of heavy use, it may become necessary to refinish the block. Sand off the finish and reseal using either a mineral or vegetable oil, or with “Good Stuff” Urethane Gel clear protective finish.

Laminate and Melamine Cleaning

Basic Cleaning

Use a soft cloth to wash surface with warm water and a mild dish washing detergent. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

Stubborn spots and stains can be cleaned with normal domestic cleaners or soaps that have no abrasive ingredients. Thoroughly rinse all traces of the cleaning agent to prevent streaks forming then dry the surface with a clean, absorbent cloth.

Glass Doors and Mirror Cleaning

Basic Cleaning

Some rooms are accented with glass doors, glass inserts or have a mirror frame. Any glass cleaner can be used for these items but require some precautions. Be sure to apply the cleaner to a towel, avoid spraying the cleaner directly to the glass surface as it can damage cabinet finishes and soak into areas behind the glass causing damage and discoloration.

Use a lint-free cloth for best results.

Creating the Best Environment for You and Your Cabinetry

Consistent and Controlled Environment

To keep your cabinets and wood components at their best, temperature and humidity conditions inside of your home should be kept continuously within a range. Generally, the range is between 60º-80º F with a relative humidity range of 35 percent to 50 percent. Try to avoid sudden indoor changes to temperature and/or humidity; this causes material swelling or shrinking resulting in finish damage to your cabinetry.

Control Humidity

Use dehumidifiers and/or air conditioners in seasons or regions with high humidity. On the flip side, use a humidifier to keep air from becoming too dry in seasons or regions with low humidity. The optimal relative humidity for your home is 35 percent to 50 percent which can be measured on many new thermostats or small humidity monitors. Both items can be purchased at most home improvement stores and online retailers. Controlling humidity is not only good for your cabinetry but all wood products, including wood flooring, interior doors, windows, furniture: it’s also beneficial to your comfort and health.

Proper Ventilation

When taking hot or steamy showers, be sure a fan is turned on to exhaust excess humidity and heat. This also applies when cooking; always turn on the vent hood to capture and exhaust excess heat, humidity and cooking contaminates such as grease and smoke. Using proper ventilation also helps improve your home’s indoor air quality.

How Moisture Can Affect Cabinetry
  • Repeated exposure to excessive moisture such as splashing of surfaces from a sink or even a single longer-term event such as flooding WILL result in irreversible damage to wood cabinetry. If the moisture is not addressed it may cause finish failure and may result in mold and mildew growth.
  • When exposed directly to water, most wood products will expand in thickness quickly and dramatically. Some products can even double in size when water is absorbed into the wood fibers. This can cause failures to cabinet box work, wood joinery and finish.
How Humidity and Temperature Can Affect Cabinetry
  • Extremes in temperature and humidity can cause wood to expand and contract, swell or warp, and possibly damage your cabinetry. It is important to control the temperature and humidity in your home all year long. Controlled temperature and humidity in your home will help ensure the stability and life of your wood cabinetry.
  • High humidity and temperature cause wood to expand; as the wood expands it can cause failures to wood joinery and the cabinet finish. In some cases, high humidity can also cause doors to rub or hit each other.
  • Low humidity and temperature cause wood to shrink, extremely dry conditions and cool conditions can result in wood parts splitting and cracking. A common sign of this is door panels shrinking exposing unfinished panel edges.
  • Both low and high humidity and temperature can also cause moulding base or crown joint separation. In some cases where humidity exposure is uneven, components may appear twisted, warped or bowed.