Cabinet paint is washable, but it can fade and damage over time if not properly maintained. A few simple steps can go a long way toward protecting your investment and extending the life of your new cabinets. Keep a small container of cabinet paint handy for touch-ups as needed. Avoid slamming doors or harsh handling, and keep in mind that textured surfaces will show dents more readily than smoother finishes.
Avoid Excessive Moisture
San Jose Cabinet Refinishing is a fantastic way to give your kitchen or bathroom a beautiful new look without the time and expense of a complete renovation. However, in order for your newly refaced cabinets to maintain their beauty and functionality, you need to care for them properly. This will ensure that your beautiful new cabinets last for many years to come.
Moisture is one of the main issues that can damage your cabinets, so you need to be careful when it comes to protecting them from water damage. Wipe up spills as soon as they occur, and make sure that your cabinets are dry before you put anything on them, including food. This will help prevent moisture damage and wood rot.
It is also a good idea to use a lint-free cloth when cleaning your cabinets, as a washcloth or sponge could contain residues that may damage the finish. Be sure to wipe your cabinets down on a regular basis, and don’t forget to clean your cupboard hardware, too!
Squeaky hinges are often caused by friction between metal components, so a little bit of lubrication can go a long way. Try rubbing a small amount of WD-40 or a silicone-based lubricant onto the surfaces that touch each other, such as the hinges and cabinet knobs.
Using caution when opening and closing cabinets will also help prevent slamming, which can cause dents and scratches in the cabinet paint. Be sure to keep a small bottle of cabinet paint handy, so that you can quickly fix any minor blemishes. You can also invest in soft-close hinges or drawer glides to reduce the stress placed on cabinet doors and drawers, which will prolong their lifespan.
Wipe Down Cabinets Regularly
Cabinets need a regular clean to remove dust, dirt, and fingerprints that accumulate over time. It is also important to regularly inspect cabinet hardware, such as hinges and handles, for signs of wear or loosening. Tightening any loose screws or bolts helps prevent them from leaking and damaging the finish of the cabinets over time.
The best cleaning products for your refaced kitchen cabinets are mild soaps and water. Bleach, ammonia, and abrasive cleaners can damage the finish on your cabinets and leave them dull and faded. Instead, opt for a mild solution of dish soap and warm water, or a non-abrasive household cleaner like Murphy Oil Soap or Orange Cleaner. Always test your chosen product on a small, concealed area of your cabinetry to ensure it won’t harm the finish.
If your refaced kitchen cabinets are made of wood, use a non-abrasive scrub brush and a mild detergent or soap to scrub away stubborn grease and food residue. You can then wipe down your wooden cabinets with a clean damp cloth and then a dry one to buff them.
Laminate cabinets are a bit easier to maintain, as they typically can be cleaned with materials you already have in your home. A non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner with a gentle scrub brush and some hot water will do the trick. If you want your laminate cabinets to shine, you can apply a light coating of olive oil with a soft cloth and rub over the cabinet surfaces.
Spills and stains should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid the build-up of food particles and other debris. To keep dust off of your cabinets, wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces with a duster or soft cloth dipped in warm water or a mild soap.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Cabinet refacing is an excellent way to refresh your Roseville home without the cost and inconvenience of a total renovation. However, refinished cabinets require proper care to keep them looking new and functional. Regular cleaning, proper storage techniques, and avoidance of excessive moisture and harsh chemicals are essential to the longevity of your cabinets.
Abrasive cleansers and harsh chemicals strip the protective coating on wood and leave it vulnerable to moisture damage. Over time, this can lead to discoloration, fading, or dulling of your cabinet finish. Instead, clean your cabinets with a soft cloth or sponge and a mild soap and water solution to avoid abrasions and stains.
If you notice any signs of thinning or chipping, contact your cabinet refinisher to schedule a maintenance inspection. They can sand down the affected area, repair minor swelling, and apply a fresh seal coat to prevent further moisture damage.
Protecting your cabinet surfaces from heat or physical damage is also important for long-term preservation. Using coasters, placemats, or cutting boards keeps hot pots and pans from directly touching cabinet surfaces and avoids scratches and dents. It’s also a good idea to move heat and steam producing appliances away from your cabinets when possible to minimize moisture buildup.
Scratches and dents may occur from everyday use, but they can easily be repaired with wood filler or putty. Avoid slamming cabinet doors or drawers, and be mindful when opening or closing them to avoid damaging hinges and pull handles. Also, it’s a good idea to store heavy items on the bottom of shelves and not hang them from knobs to prevent damage. Lastly, it’s best to avoid wood wax and polish, as they tend to build up on the surface and attract dust and dirt.
Be Careful with Hardware
Cabinet hardware like handles and knobs can also be damaged by excessive moisture or harsh cleaning chemicals. Wipe down these surfaces often and avoid putting them directly in contact with hot pans, or placing heavy items on them. Using protective pads or placemats helps prevent heat and moisture damage to wood, while cabinet door bumpers reduce the stress on drawers and doors and protect them from slamming against one another.
Regular professional inspections help identify any potential issues before they can become major problems and save you time and money down the road. Your cabinet refinishing expert can offer tips for maintenance and repair and recommend any necessary touch-ups to keep your cabinets looking their best.
In addition to these steps, minimizing wear and tear is key to maintaining the integrity of your Roseville cabinetry for a long period of time. Use soft-close hinges and drawer glides to reduce the stress on the hinges and extend their lifespan, and consider installing cabinet liners to protect interior surfaces from spills and scratches.
Maintaining your refaced kitchen or bathroom is an ongoing process, and taking these simple steps will help you get the most out of your investment. If you have questions about how to care for your new cabinets, or would like to schedule a maintenance inspection, the professionals at Cabinet Cures of the Triangle are here to help! Serving clients in Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Apex, and surrounding Triangle communities, we specialize in custom cabinet refinishing that transforms spaces while adding value to your home. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can benefit you! Then, we can help you set up an appointment to discuss your options.
Avoid Wax and Polish
Cabinet refacing is a transformative process, and it’s important to take steps to ensure your new cabinets last for as long as possible. Taking these preventative measures can help you get the most out of your investment, and keep your Roseville home’s kitchen looking beautiful for years to come.
The first step is to clean your cabinets regularly with a soft cloth and a mild soap and water solution. This will remove dirt and debris, as well as any spills or stains that may have occurred over time. Avoid harsh chemicals, as these can damage the surface and cause discoloration.
It’s also important to be careful with your cabinet hardware. Using harsh cleaners or abrasive sponges can damage the finish of your hardware, causing it to crack or chip. It’s best to use a soft cloth and a gentle cleaning solution, and be sure to label any removed hardware so that you can easily reinstall it when needed.
Excessive moisture is the bane of painted cabinets, so it’s important to keep humidity levels low in your home. Using a vent hood while cooking and running the bathroom fan on a regular basis will help to keep moisture in check. You can also use cabinet liners to protect shelves and drawers from stains, scratches, and moisture.
Additionally, you should avoid slamming cabinet doors or hanging heavy items from them. This can put a lot of stress on the hinges and pulls, which can shorten their lifespan. Investing in soft-close hinges and drawer glides can reduce this stress, and help to extend the life of your cabinets. This simple step is an affordable and easy way to protect your cabinets for the long haul.