After investing your time and hard-earned money into purchasing and installing your new cabinetry, you’re going to want to keep them looking stunning for years to come. By keeping your cabinets in good shape, they will be able to last much longer, while preserving the beauty of your kitchen or bathroom and the value of your home. The kitchen is considered to be the hearth of the home, with your cabinets being the main feature. With proper care and maintenance, your cabinets should last a lifetime. At Custom Cabinets Fort Worth, we want to make sure your kitchen stands up to the test of time, so we’ve compiled a list of some of our top maintenance tips. Read on to learn more.
Daily Care
Avoid Moisture Exposure
Moisture can really do some damage to your cabinets. First, ensure your kitchen or bathroom is properly ventilated to prevent excess humidity. Make sure to clean up after spills and liquid splatters immediately. This will help prevent any staining or water damage. When cleaning a spill, you should blot the spot rather than wipe it up. Areas near the sink and dishwasher are more exposed to water so make sure to check these areas frequently. Also, avoid draping wet towels over cabinets as this contact can cause warping.
Be Gentle on Your Cabinets
You want to go easy on your cabinets. A damp washcloth should do the trick in most cases. If dealing with more stubborn spots or build-up, a mild soap may be added to warm water when used on laminate or paint finishes. Stained finishes should be cleaned using a mild wood cleaner diluted in warm water. Always avoid the use of harsh chemicals or anything abrasive. Petroleum-based products, bleach, spray cleaners, glass cleaners, solvents, citrus, ammonia, and steel wool can damage the surface of your cabinets. Also avoid waxing as this will cause build-up and attract dust.
Protect Your Cabinets From Environmental Harm
Always try to mitigate exposure to heat, which may cause swelling and warping. Excessive sun exposure can cause your cabinets to fade over time. Cover your windows with curtains or shades to prevent damage from sunlight. Smoke can also cause damage to cabinets. Make sure to open any windows or use the exhaust fan when cooking to minimize exposure to smoke.
Long-term Maintenance
Your cabinets should stay in great shape if you keep up with their daily care, but will need some additional maintenance. Apart from any occasional spills or splatters, make sure to wipe down your cabinets with a damp cloth every two weeks. Again, you may use a diluted soap-water mixture for difficult spots or stains. Check your cabinetry hardware for any damage, loose connections, or misalignments. If you notice any irregular or serious damage, call a cabinet maker for a professional assessment.
As the heart of your home, your kitchen deserves proper maintenance and care. It’s a well-known fact that a well-maintained kitchen will usually increase the resale value of a home. If you keep up with day-to-day and long-term maintenance of your cabinets, you can expect them, and your kitchen, to look gorgeous for several years.
