Cabinetry Care & Maintenance

The nature and beauty of all wood products can be best preserved through moments of care and simple maintenance

Wood Finishes

Dusting: Dust cabinets frquently with a soft lint-free cloth. You can dampen the cloth slightly with water or a spray-type dust remover.

Spills: Clean up spills, splatters, and water spots as they occur. Give special attention to areas near the sink and dishwater that come in contact with moisture. Use a clean cloth and mild soap if necessary. Wipe dry with a clean soft cloth.

Cleaning: There are a number of products available for your wood cleaning needs. We recommend Guardsman. Their products are available at many stores nationwide including Bed Bath & Beyond, Wal-Mart, and Ace Hardware. A more economical way to remove grease buildup from cabinets is to use Fantastik. Apply and remove quickly, then wash your cabinets with a mild soap. After washing, dry thoroughly and apply a silicone-free polish.

Polishing: We recommend that you wash and polish cabinets once or twice each year. Use a light coat of quality furniture polish.

Never use detergents, soap pads or steel wool on your cabinetry. These harsh abrasives will mar the wood finish. Additionally, we recommend that you avoid the use of paste wax and polishes that contain silicone; the wax buildup is difficult to remove and will leave a residue that attracts dust.

Laminates

Periodically clean the interior and exterior surfaces of doors using a damp, soft cloth. Tough stains may be cleaned using a soft cloth dampened with a "Formula 409" or "Simple Green" type cleanser.

Roller and Ball-Bearing Slide Systems

Periodically clean with a soft damp cloth. Ball-bearing slides are lubricated with grease from the manufacturer to ensure smooth quiet operation and long life. Avoid removal of this grease during cleaning.

Heat-Producing Appliances

We recommend that you do not mount heat-producing appliances (such as coffeemakers and toaster ovens) beneath cabinets. Excess heat and moisture from these appliances can damage cabinets.

Loads and Weight Limits

Properly installed cabinets can safely support an evenly distributed load of 15 pounds per square foot of shelf, tray and drawer space, up to a maximum of 50 pounds. Be sure that you load all cabinet bottoms, shelves and trays evenly.

Stopping Problems Before They Occur

• Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads or powdered cleaners. These materials may penetrate the cabinet finish allowing moisture to enter and cause deterioration.
• Do not use aerosol sprays containing silicones or paste waxes.
• Do not leave wet cloths on or near cabinets.
• Do not allow oven cleaners or other caustic cleaners to touch the cabinets.
• Follow instructions carefully for self-cleaning ovens and other kitchen appliances around cabinets.

Remedies For Common Kitchen Accidents

Most problems can be prevented by wiping up any spills as soon as they occur. Follow these first aid suggestions for common househould accidents. When removing a spot, begin at the outer edge and work toward the middle to prevent the spot from spreading.

Food Spots/Water Spots

Clean cabinets as neeeded with a mild detergent or with soap and water (use sparingly) and dry well using a lint-free cloth for both washing and drying. Use cleaners and polishes designed for wood cabinets and clean all surfaces as needed.

Greasy Spots

Rub grease, lipstick, crayon or oil with a damp cloth. Use cleaners and polishes designed for wood cabinets and clean all surfaces as needed.

Chewing Gum/Candle Wax

Apply a plastic bag filled with ice on top of the deposit until it is brittle enough to crumble off. Use cleaners and polishes designed for wood cabinets and clean all surfaces as needed.

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