Whether you have old or newly refinished cabinets, taking proper care of your cabinet should always be your priority. You can make your cabinet look nicer and last much longer simply by treating them correctly. At N-Hance of Chicago, we always instruct our customers how to care for their cabinets, and we’ve gathered our top 10 tips here!
1. Clean all food spills from wood surfaces immediately. Use a microfiber or other lint free cloth with water or a mild cleaner (N-Hance Cabinet Cleaner is recommended) and gently wipe up the spill. Do not use harsh detergents as it will damage your wood surfaces. Be sure to dry the area completely.
2. Dust your cabinets regularly in the direction of the wood grain with a clean, microfiber pad or lint-free cloth.
3. Always cover and protect nicks, gouges, and scratches so that the bare wood is not exposed and further damage doesn’t happen.
4. Use high-quality hardware. Not only are hinges and handles decorative and fashionable, but they also serve to protect the finish from finger oils, dirt, and scratches.
5. Never apply any cleaning polish over dirty wood surfaces. Before polishing, wipe away all dirt, dust, or spills.
6. Maintain regular temperature and humidity levels in your home. Correct environmental conditions will prolong the life and durability of your cabinets. Fluctuating or extreme temperature changes can affect the color of your cabinets and the finish.
7. Don’t let water or steam sit on the surface of your cabinets. Always wipe down wet cabinet surfaces as soon as you notice moisture because the steam from the dishwasher or shower can permeate through a finish, resulting in cracking, discoloration, and peeling.
8. Use a ventilating fan when cooking to reduce deposits on your wood surfaces.
9. Use window coverings to protect your wood surfaces from harmful UV rays. Exposing your wood surfaces to direct sunlight, bleaches and dries out wood surfaces.
10. Do not drape damp towels over cabinet doors and hardware. This traps moisture and will eventually penetrate the finish causing flaking and cracking.
We hope you will follow these 10 tips to extend the life and quality of your cabinets for many years to come! Call us today at 847-234-8700 for superior cabinet refinishing and cabinet door replacement in Arlington Height, IL or request a free estimate here!