Kitchen cabinets are subject to elements that require more specialized care compared to wood furniture and cabinetry in other areas of the home. Understanding how to properly clean your cabinets will protect them from damage and keep your investment looking beautiful for a lifetime.

Cabinet Cleaning

Painted Cabinets

  1. Wipe spills immediately with a clean, soft cloth dampened with warm water. After that, immediately dry using a second clean, soft cloth.
  2. Regular cleaning only requires wiping with a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water. After that, immediately dry using a second clean, soft cloth.
  3. To remove oil, grease, food residue or tougher spills, use a clean, soft cloth dampened with a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and warm water. We recommend mixing four to five drops of Dawn® soap to one gallon of water. After that, immediately dry using a second clean, soft cloth.

Stained Cabinets

  1. Wipe spills immediately with a clean, soft cloth dampened with warm water. After that, immediately dry using a second clean, soft cloth.
  2. Regular cleaning only requires wiping with a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water. After that, immediately dry using a second clean, soft cloth.
  3. To remove oil, grease, food residue or tougher spills, use a clean, soft cloth dampened with a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and warm water. We recommend mixing four to five drops of Dawn® soap to one gallon of water. After that, immediately dry using a second clean, soft cloth.
  4. Be sure to wipe with the grain direction.

Laminate, Melamine & Acrylic

  1. Wipe spills immediately with a clean, soft cloth dampened with warm water. After that, immediately dry using a second clean, soft cloth.
  2. Regular cleaning only requires wiping with a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water. After that, immediately dry using a second clean, soft cloth.
  3. To remove oil, grease, food residue or tougher spills, use a clean, soft cloth dampened with a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and warm water. We recommend mixing four to five drops of Dawn® soap to one gallon of water. After that, immediately dry using a second clean, soft cloth.
  4. If there is a pattern or graining, be sure to wipe with the grain direction.

IMPORTANT: Prolonged exposure to spills, food and/or liquids may discolor or damage cabinet finishes.

Products to avoid

Harsh Cleaners

Harsh cleaners can damage the finish of your cabinetry. Avoid cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, citrus products, mineral oil, 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. 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.

Abrasives

Abrasive cleaners, scouring pads and abrasive liquids or powders can damage the finish resulting in a dull appearance. Examples of common abrasive cleaners to avoid: Ajax, Soft Scrub, Comet, baking soda, Scotch-Brite pads, steel wool and Magic Erasers.

Sponges and Dishcloths

Avoid the use of your everyday kitchen sponges and dishcloths. These items could contain remnants of food, oil or other cleaning solutions. They could also contain particles that could scratch the cabinet finish.

Specialty Areas of Cleaning

Glass Doors

Spray ammonia-free glass cleaner on to a lint-free cloth.

Avoid spraying the cleaner directly to the surface as overspray and drips can damage cabinet finishes.

Maple Chopping Block

Occasionally use food-grade mineral or vegetable oil to reseal and help preserve your block. Reseal only frequently used areas. 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.

Always follow safe food handling recommendations.

Bread Board

Thoroughly clean after each use with a clean, soft cloth dampened with a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and warm water. Do not soak the breadboard in water or wash it in the dishwasher.

Always follow safe food handling recommendations.

Metal Doors or Inserts

Use a clean, soft cloth dampened with a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and warm water.

Avoid abrasives or acidic items as they will scratch or etch the surface of the stainless steel.

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