Caring for your Cabinetry
Wood Cabinets
As with all wood products, avoid exposing your wood cabinets to excessive moisture. Wipe them with a clean, damp cloth, then wipe them immediately with a dry, soft cloth. We recommend using a 100% cotton cloth. This process may be done as often as needed. Complete a small area at a time so that moisture from the damp cloth will not sit on the wood for an extended period. For the best result, wipe in the direction of the wood grain rather than in a circular motion.
Avoid using products containing ammonia, bleach, wax, or silicone. The use of these products may damage the finish on your wood cabinets.
Wood has a tendency to expand during humid seasons (spring & summer) and contract during dry, cold seasons (fall & winter).
Ideal humidity is 40-50%. This level should be maintained throughout the year.
Lacquer Cabinets
Lacquer may be cleaned with a solution of warm water and a small amount of mild dish detergent. Wipe clean with a cloth dampened in the water/detergent solution and dry immediately with a soft cloth to avoid streaking. Avoid cleaning with products containing bleach, ammonia or silicone. Though this finish is very durable, repeated use of harsh chemicals may damage your lacquer finish.
Melamine Cabinets
Melamine may be cleaned with a solution of warm water and a small amount of mild dish detergent. Wipe clean with a cloth dampened in the water/detergent solution and dry immediately with a soft cloth to avoid streaking. Melamine can be damaged by excessive water that may seep into seams, so ensure your cabinets are wiped with a dry cloth after washing. Avoid using cleaners containing ammonia, silicone or bleach.
Everyday Cabinet Care
Clean up liquid spills as they occur. Areas around your sink and dishwasher may need to be cleaned more often. Never hang a wet dish cloth or dish towel over your wood cabinet door. The moisture may eventually cause permanent damage to your door.
Cabinet Interiors may be cleaned with warm water and a very small amount of mild dish detergent solution. We recommend that you dry with a soft cloth immediately after washing. Excessive water left behind on melamine surfaces may seep into seams and damage the material.
Self-cleaning appliances create a great deal of heat during the cleaning process. Since there is a chance that some of this heat may escape through seals or gaskets, we recommend you either pull your oven out approximately eight inches, or remove doors and drawers that are directly beside the appliance while the self-cleaning feature is in use.
Cleaning the hardware on your cabinets
Wash your hardware with a solution of warm water and a small amount of mild dish detergent. Dry your hardware and the areas around the cleaned area immediately after. Hinges may be cleaned with a dry cloth or cotton-tipped swab. Brass and silver cleaners are not recommended for cleaning handles. Some of these solutions may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the finish on the handles. Most of our handles are coated with a lacquer that will prevent them from tarnishing.
