Upon Installation
Wipe the cabinets clean with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately with another clean, soft cloth. Always wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Relative humidity levels of 40% to 50% inside the home are required to prevent permanent damage, low moisture may cause doors and joints to shrink and open. Keeping home temperature 17-24° inside the home can protect the cabinet from damage.
Day-to-Day care
- Keep cabinet surfaces dry
- Use a soft, lint-free cotton cloth dampened with a mild detergent or soap and warm water. Avoid using a dishcloth or sponge – Harsh detergent residues may harm finishes.
- For best results, use a “blotting” action rather than a wiping motion when cleaning.
Wipe Spills promptly
Many substances become difficult to remove and may stain or cause other damage upon prolonged contact.
- Food spills and grease will come off more easily if they are removed promptly.
- Wipe up spills and water spots immediately with a lint-free cotton cloth so moisture is not
absorbed into the cabinetry.
- Do not leave printed materials (newspapers, magazines, etc.) on the cabinet surface. The printing ink can bleed into the cabinet finish.
Avoid Excessive Moisture and Heat
- Avoid draping wet or damp dish towels over doors of the base cabinets.
- Do not attach towel racks to the interior of cabinet doors.
- Use trays under potted plants to catch excess water.
- Avoid placing small kitchen appliances where the heat or steam is directed onto cabinet
surfaces.
- Always protect wood surfaces by using hot pads under hot items.
Avoid Abrasives
- Never use scouring pads, steel wool, wire brushes or powdered cleaners.
- Do not allow oven cleaner to touch any part of the cabinet.
- Avoid sliding objects across the cabinet surface.
- Be careful with knives and other sharp objects that can damage the cabinet surface.
- When in doubt of a cleaner’s suitability, don’t use it. Harsh cleaners and detergents may scratch and penetrate the surface, allowing food or moisture to enter and cause deterioration of the finish. Never leave a cloth moistened with cleaners on a cabinet surface for any length of time.
Care and Cleaning of Glass Door Inserts
- Use a household glass cleaner with a soft, clean cloth.
- Apply the glass cleaner directly to a cloth rather than the glass or mirror.
- Avoid excess glass cleaner running into cabinet joints.
- Ammonia should never be used full strength
The following products and ingredients can damage cabinets so avoid using them or any product that contains them:
- Petroleum-based products
- Solvents
- Bleach
- Strong detergents and soaps
- Nail polish remover
- Paint thinners
- Plastic brushes
- Steel wool
- Scoring pad
- Ammonia