Tips for Protecting Your Floors

As with all wood products, avoid excessive moisture. The cabinetry is designed for use inside the home or other buildings and is not intended for outdoor applications. Once your cabinets have been installed, make sure to wipe down all exteriors with a damp cloth to remove dust, which is an essential part of cabinet cleaning. Complete a small area at a time and wipe dry. Wood cabinetry finishes can be cleaned and protected using any commercially available cleaning polish. We recommend an emulsion-type cleaner (such as Murphy’s Oil Soap) for effective countertop maintenance. These cleaners are formulated without wax, petroleum solvents, or silicones. The extended use of wax polishes can lead to a wax film buildup, while silicone polishes may harm the cabinet’s finish. Additionally, following proper floor care tips can help maintain the overall aesthetic of your space.

Avoid spray-type polishes containing petroleum solvents, as they are flammable and toxic if swallowed. For effective cabinet cleaning, use a damp cloth to address normal household spills. After wiping thoroughly, dry the surface with a lint-free cotton cloth to ensure proper countertop maintenance. For stubborn stains, it may be necessary to use a mild detergent mixed with warm water. Always dry the surface immediately to maintain its appearance. Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or powdered cleansers, and do not allow oven cleaner to touch any part of the cabinet. Additionally, for floor care tips, do not use a dish cloth to wipe your cabinet exterior, as it may contain remnants of grease or detergents.

It is important to promptly clean up spills and water marks as they occur, especially during cabinet cleaning tasks. Pay special attention to areas around the sink and dishwasher, as these spots require diligent countertop maintenance. Additionally, avoid draping damp or wet dish towels over the door of the sink base cabinet, as prolonged moisture exposure can lead to permanent water damage to the door. Following these floor care tips will help maintain the overall integrity of your kitchen.

Periodically, practice cabinet cleaning by using mild soap and warm water to clean door and drawer knobs or pulls. Afterward, thoroughly dry all hardware joints, surfaces, and the surrounding area with a clean, soft cloth. Buff the hardware with a clean, dry cloth. While lubrication of hinges is not necessary, you can still maintain them by cleaning or dusting with cotton-tipped swabs. For countertop maintenance, be cautious: many brass and silver polishes contain harsh chemicals that can damage the hardware’s surface. Therefore, these polishes and cleaners are NOT recommended.

Self-cleaning appliances generate intense heat during a cleaning cycle. Since the integrity of the appliance seal or gasket may be compromised during installation or with age, we recommend the removal of doors and/or drawers from cabinets adjacent to or directly above an appliance during a cleaning cycle. This cabinet cleaning precaution will help prevent possible damage to the finish or surface of these cabinets. Additionally, we offer a 'heat shield' that may be installed on the side panels of an oven cabinet to help deflect excessive heat from adjacent cabinets. For comprehensive care, don't forget to follow countertop maintenance and floor care tips to protect your kitchen's surfaces.

If your kitchen features cabinetry with glass doors, it's important to take a few precautions for effective cabinet cleaning. Apply glass cleaner to a towel instead of directly to the glass to avoid streaks. Be careful to prevent cleaner from coming into contact with lead, white-, gold-, or copper-clad mullions. For camed glass inserts, you can gently buff them with 0000 steel wool, as this method will not scratch the glass. However, avoid using steel wool on joints of gold-, copper-, or white-clad mullions, as this could damage the coating. Additionally, keep in mind that maintaining your countertops and following floor care tips will also contribute to the overall appearance of your kitchen.