Cabinet Finish
Use & Care

Cabinet Finish cleaning instructions

To maintain the quality of your cabinets, it's important to clean them regularly, just like any other piece of fine furniture. Whether your cabinets are finished with melamine, lacquer, acrylic, laminate, or our catalyzed conversion varnish finishes, they are resistant to household agents, foods, and beverages commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. However, it's important to note that while surfaces are scratch-resistant, they are not completely scratch-proof.

Please consider the following points:

Cleaning Advice

Distilled white vinegar is a safe and effective cleaner for many surfaces. To create a cleaning solution, mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and warm water. Vinegar contains about five percent acetic acid, which can help break down dirt, oils, films, stains, and bacteria. However, since vinegar is acidic, it may damage some surfaces. It's best to test the solution on an inconspicuous area first. Avoid using vinegar on Melamine, UV Lacquer, Acrylic, and Laminate surfaces.

We also recommend using dish soap with warm water to clean your cabinets. Dish soap is effective in breaking down solids and removing bacteria. It also has a pleasant odor and is gentle on the skin. However, avoid using dishwasher liquid. Dish soap with warm water is one of the safest and most effective cleaning products for cabinets.

How to Clean your Cabinets with Distilled White Vinegar and Warm Water:

Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water in a bowl.
Test on an inconspicuous corner before cleaning.
Dip a cloth in the solution and wring it out so it is damp but not dripping.
Wipe the surface back and forth with the cloth, following the wood grain if applicable.
For stubborn messes, repeat the process.
Use a fresh cloth soaked in clean warm water to wipe down the areas you just washed.
Immediately dry all surfaces with a clean dry cloth to prevent streaking.
Allow to air dry if necessary.

How to Clean your Cabinets with Dish Soap and Warm Water.

Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
Test the solution on an inconspicuous corner before cleaning the whole area.
Use a cloth to wipe over the greasy surface back and forth until the soil is removed. Follow the wood grain if applicable.
Dip the cloth in the soapy mixture and squeeze it until suds form. Wring the cloth out so it is wet/damp but not dripping. Avoid using excess water.
Repeat the process if needed.
For stubborn messes, apply a squirt of dish soap directly to the cloth under warm running water, then gently rub the greasy surface.
Use a bowl of clean warm water to soak a fresh clean cloth, wring it out so it is wet/damp but not dripping, and wipe down the cabinets to remove any remaining residue. Avoid using excess water.
Immediately dry all surfaces with a clean dry cloth to prevent streaking.
Allow the cabinets to air dry.

WARNING

Never use cleaning products containing silicones, waxes, polishes, abrasives, acids, strong alkaline, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or bleach. These products can cause irreversible damage to cabinet surfaces.

Silicone cleaners are common and provide a high shine but can create a barrier that prevents the acceptance of stain or finish, making refinishing or touch-ups impossible.
Wax-based cleaners are not needed and can result in a build-up of wax film on the surface, attracting pollutants and causing streaks and smudges on the finish.
Wood polishes contain detergents, emulsifiers, and mineral oil to clean and leave a barrier for dirt and moisture but are still not recommended.
There are various cabinet and wood furniture cleaning and care products available, but we do not recommend those containing silicones, waxes, or polishes. Use them at your own risk.
Always perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area before using a new cleaner or cloth to ensure it does not cause any damage.

Cabinet Care Dos:

Immediately wipe up spills, spatters, and splatters and dry the surface completely, especially in areas near the sink, stove, dishwasher, on joints, and around any cut outs.
Routinely clean to prevent long-term damage from water, food, smoke, grease, and oil buildup.
Wipe up colored food spatters immediately to prevent staining some finishes.
Keep the finish dry.
Clean with a white lint-free cloth.
Use a mild detergent or soap with warm water (not dishwasher liquid).
Follow up with clean water after cleaning with any type of cleaning solution.
Dry surfaces immediately with a clean, white lint-free cloth or microfiber towel.
Gently wipe when cleaning with a damp or dry cloth.
Use pulls or knobs to open and close cabinet doors and drawers to prevent long-term damage and gloss areas forming around the pulls and knobs.

Cabinet Care Don'ts:

Do not soak surfaces when cleaning.
Do not use colored cloths or microfiber towels.
Do not wipe cabinets with a dishcloth or sponge that can contain harsh soaps or grease.
Do not excessively scrub or rub one location as it can polish the finish, especially with low sheen finishes.
Do not use products with bleach, ammonia, silicone, waxes, polishes or abrasive additives.
Do not use multipurpose cleaner of any kind.
Do not spray any liquid on the door.
Do not let water or other liquids sit on finished surfaces for prolonged periods of time.
Do not use abrasive cleaning pads, sponges, magic erasers, steel wool, or fingernails, etc.
Do not allow oven cleaners to contact the finish.
Do not place kitchen appliances where heat is directed onto finished surfaces.
Avoid steam from kettles or other sources directed at the underside of cabinets or bottom edge of doors.
Do not drape damp clothes over cabinet doors.
Do not use steam cleaning machines.
Do not apply any mechanical force to the glaze on the product (if applicable).

Frequent use of cabinet knobs and handles can cause wear and tear. The oils from human skin, food, lotions, and detergents can break down the finish and leave stains over time. This is normal wear and tear and is not considered a defect. Avoid wiping these areas on a flat finish to prevent further polishing. Instead, clean regularly with mild dish soap and warm water to maintain the finish.

Thermofoil and Melamine Care