How to Clean Cabinets

From regular dusting to cleaning splatters and spills, you can help maintain the beauty of your cabinets by following these recommendations. READY. SET. GO!

GUIDELINES FOR CLEANING CABINETS

A soft cotton cloth dampened with warm water is usually sufficient to clean your cabinets. If more thorough cleaning is required, please use a fresh solution of mild hand dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water.

After cleaning, wipe all surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. Dry immediately using another soft, clean cloth.

The following cleaning products are to be avoided as damage may occur:

Harsh detergents, strong soaps, abrasive cleaning products such as tub and sink cleansers, scouring powder, scouring pads, steel wool or self polishing waxes.

Sponges or dish cloths. They may contain particles that could scratch your cabinets, or they may contain food and oil residue or remnants of harsh cleaning solutions.

Solvent-based or petroleum-based products such as mineral spirits, nail-polish removers or paint thinners.

Ammonia or cleaning products that include ammonia.

Bleach or cleaning products that include bleach.

Silicone-based cleaning, waxing, or polishing products.

Use a clean, soft lint-free cotton cloth for regular dusting.

Packaged dusting sheets are not required or recommended. Do not use pre-moistened dusting sheets, and do not use aerosol products made for dusting.

Extra care is required when cleaning glass doors. Spray an ammonia-free glass cleaner on a clean, soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel. Do not spray cleaner directly on the glass. It could seep behind the window dividers and cause damage.

Avoid draping damp clothes or dishtowels over cabinet doors. This moisture can cause permanent damage — such as peeling and discoloration — to the cabinet’s finish.

The heat generated when using an oven’s self-cleaning feature is much greater than during normal cooking. If this heat escapes from the oven, it can damage your cabinets. While this is a rare circumstance, you can minimize the risk of cabinet damage by removing cabinet doors and drawers nearest the oven before using its self-cleaning feature.

Exposure to direct sunlight tends to darken the color of natural wood products. Sunlight can also fade painted wood surfaces, laminated surfaces and thermofoil surfaces. You should consider draperies or blinds to shield your cabinets from direct sunlight.