Maintaining Your New Kitchen

Grease and grime buildup can damage cabinets and destroy the look and feel of a new kitchen. To remove buildup wipe down cabinets using a soft cloth dampened with warm water and do so at least once every two weeks or more often depending on the amount of activity that takes place in the kitchen. If water alone does not clean cabinets completely, mix a little mild dishwasher soap with the water. Wipe down wood cabinets in the direction of the grain. Use a soft cloth to remove any residual moisture that may be left on the cabinets.

If routine cleaning does not remove stains or built up grime, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Place the paste on a sponge and scrub the stain until it disappears. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth. A mix of vinegar and water is another option for removing sticky grime or film from kitchen cabinets.

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

We typically provide a touch up kit to our clients so they can maintain the beauty of their kitchen. If you have recently updated your kitchen and did not receive a touch up kit, ask the showroom to obtain one on your behalf.

Resist the temptation to place wet dishtowels or damp cloths over cabinet doors because the water and residue on the towels can damage a cabinet’s finish and result in peeling or color changes.

Always use your exhaust fan while cooking to minimize the amount of grease and grime flying onto cabinetry. Be sure to clean spills immediately; letting food, water, liquids or grease accumulate on your cabinets could damage the finish.

Direct exposure to sunlight can have a damaging effect on your cabinets especially those made from natural wood. Painted wood cabinets and laminated or thermofoil surfaces also are susceptible to fading from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Use window coverings to help reduce or eliminate damage caused by exposure to direct sunlight.

Many of our clients use their oven’s self-cleaning feature. Because of the intense heat generated during oven self-cleaning, there is a small chance that if the heat escapes it could damage cabinets. If that does occur, remove cabinet doors and drawers closest to the oven before the next cleaning to avoid further damage.

These basic maintenance tips help our clients enjoy their new kitchens for many years. Do you have a kitchen maintenance question? Give us a call at 215-657-6110 or visit our showroom at 2124 Moreland Road, Abington, PA, 19001.