Whether you are on a tight budget or ready for a total kitchen overhaul, cabinet refacing and refinishing offer an affordable way to upgrade your space. Both options add significant value and create a warm, rejuvenating setting for cooking, eating and spending time with family and friends.
Wood cabinets are designed and crafted to hold up against daily use. However, they need care to last a long time. Contact San Jose Cabinet Refinishing for more details.
1. Wipe Down Daily
Cabinets accumulate grime without much notice until it’s time to do a deep clean. That’s why daily wiping down is key. It’s easy and quick, and it keeps surfaces looking fresh and sanitary.
A gentle soap and water solution or wood-friendly cleaner formulated for cabinets should suffice for most materials. Harsh chemical cleaners can strip finishes, so avoid them when possible. Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with your cleaning solution and wipe down all surfaces, including cabinet hardware. Rinse and dry thoroughly afterward.
Wipes also remove dust and dirt before it can settle on painted surfaces, creating a sticky film that dulls sheen over time. This is especially important on base cabinets that hold appliances, cleaning supplies, and heavy pots. Wiping down nooks and crannies is helpful, too, since dirt may hide under appliances or in corners.
Be mindful of where your cabinets are positioned in relation to windows, as direct sunlight can fade the appearance of some materials over time. Use curtains, blinds, or UV-protective films to reduce the amount of sunlight that hits your cabinets.
A few other tips: Be careful with abrasive pads and scrubbers, which can scratch and dull the surface of your cabinets. Avoid silicone-based polishes, as these can create a waxy residue that interferes with future touch-ups. Also, if your cabinets are painted, avoid using a Magic Eraser, which can cause micro-scratches on the finish and remove sheen. Lastly, use felt pads on the bottoms of kitchen stools to minimize scratching against the cabinets. These strategies not only prevent long-term cosmetic damage, but also protect your investment. By practicing these habits, you can keep your refinished cabinets in Mesa, AZ, as beautiful as the day they were installed.
2. Deep Clean Monthly
Cabinets are a common target for daily grime and moisture that can lead to mold, mildew, or even rot if left unchecked. A deep clean on a regular basis can keep your cabinets looking new and help prevent future damage to wood or paint finishes.
Choose a gentle cleaner for your cabinets that is safe for the material type. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage surfaces, especially on painted finishes. Wood-based cleaners formulated specifically for cabinet materials or a natural wood polish can often work well. Avoid excessive water to avoid warping or swelling, as the varying material types of cabinets require different cleaning approaches to preserve their integrity and longevity.
For scuff marks and stains, use a soft cloth with a solution of mild dish soap and water to gently scrub the surface. For stubborn stains, a paste made from baking soda can be effective at removing dirt and grease. For a deeper clean, remove hardware like knobs and handles to clean thoroughly in the cracks and crevices. Wipe down the interior surfaces, and don’t forget to wipe the backs of your cabinets as well.
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight as it can fade and yellow cabinet finishes. Consider using window treatments, curtains, or UV-protective film to minimize the amount of time your cabinets are exposed to direct sunlight. Additionally, it is a good idea to schedule routine professional inspections of your cabinets, so that any minor wear and tear can be addressed promptly. This will help protect your investment and extend the lifespan of your cabinets. A professional can also offer expert guidance on care and touch-ups. This will extend the life of your cabinets and ensure that your kitchen or bathroom looks polished and refreshed on a regular basis.
3. Wipe Down Frequently
One of the most important things you can do for your refinished cabinets is to wipe them down on a regular basis. This will keep dust from building up, and will help to prevent stains from developing over time.
You should also be sure to clean up any food spills as soon as they happen. Many foods can damage wood finishes, and catching and cleaning these spills early on will prevent them from becoming permanent.
It is important to use a gentle cleaner when wiping down your cabinets, as harsh cleaners can wear down the finish over time. We recommend using warm water and mild dish soap or a vinegar and water solution for tougher stains and grime. Using a microfiber cloth or sponge is best, as abrasive materials can scratch the surfaces of your cabinetry.
Keeping your cabinet doors and drawers closed and off of the floor is another way to extend the life of your new, protective finish. This will prevent the slamming of cabinets and drawers from damaging the finish, and it will also protect your cabinet hardware.
If you have glass panels on your cabinets, it is important to wipe them down frequently as well. Using a streak-free glass cleaner will help to keep the glass clear and bright. You should also be sure to regularly wipe down both sides of the glass, as it can get dirtier faster than the cabinets themselves.
It is important to keep leftover paint from your original refinishing project for touch-ups as needed. You should apply these touch-ups as quickly as possible to avoid further damage to the surface of your cabinets. If you do not have any leftover paint, you can try to match the color of your cabinets with a new stain, such as Gel Stain. This stain does not penetrate the surface of the wood like traditional paint, and instead sits on top of the existing finish. It is important to research this technique carefully, however, as the wrong application of Gel Stain can look blotchy and unappealing.
4. Clean Hardware
Cabinets are a focal point of kitchens and bathrooms, a key aspect of the overall aesthetic in both areas. Whether they are newly installed custom cabinetry or a beloved set of cabinets that have been part of your home for years, regular maintenance and deep cleaning can help them to look polished and fresh.
Developing a routine cleaning schedule can be critical for preventing the buildup of dirt and grime that can cause damage over time. Wipe down cabinets and surfaces frequently with a lint-free cloth that has been dampened with a mild cleaner, such as soap and water or vinegar. Avoid draping damp cloths or towels over cabinet doors to avoid excessive moisture, as this can lead to permanent damage.
Another important preventative measure is to be careful when opening and closing cabinets to avoid slamming them, which can misalign the hinges and hardware and leave marks on wood surfaces. It is also wise to clean up food spills immediately and to wipe down the cabinet hardware regularly to remove crumbs, dust, and dirt from the knobs and handles.
Finally, avoiding long-term exposure to direct sunlight can help protect your cabinets from sun damage that can cause fading and discoloration over time. If you do find that your cabinets are showing signs of wear and tear, a professional cabinet refinishing service can be an affordable and effective solution to restore the original luster.
Maintaining a consistent cleaning regimen is the best way to keep your refinished cabinets looking their best. By using gentle cleaning products and avoiding harsh or abrasive cleaners that can wear down cabinet surfaces, you can extend the lifespan of your cabinets and preserve their beauty for many years to come.
5. Keep Cabinets Dry
When exposed to constant moisture, wood can swell and cause damage to refaced cabinets. Moisture can also lead to mold growth and water stains on cabinetry. There are many things you can do to protect your Vanway cabinets from excess humidity.
Wipe down cabinets frequently with a clean cloth or microfiber towel to prevent dust build-up. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, which may scratch the surface of your cabinets. Use a mild detergent and warm water to wipe down surfaces, and dry thoroughly. Clean any spills immediately to prevent permanent staining of the wood or finish.
Avoid placing appliances that steam directly under cabinets, and try to maximize airflow in your kitchen. Installing ceiling fans and running bathroom exhaust vents can help to circulate the air and reduce humidity levels. It is also a good idea to regularly inspect your plumbing for leaks, as these can create excess moisture in the air.
A dehumidifier is an excellent tool to use in your kitchen, especially if you live in a humid climate or often cook with steam. Dehumidifiers can regulate the level of humidity in your home and keep it comfortable, which will reduce the risk of warping and other issues.
Proper care of your cabinets will ensure that they look great and last longer. With regular cleaning and a monthly deep clean, your refaced cabinets will look new for years to come. If you notice any issues, such as squeaky hinges, contact your refinisher as soon as possible to prevent further damage. With a little effort, you can enjoy your beautiful Vanway cabinets for decades to come! For more information on caring for your refaced cabinets, contact the expert team at Rasmussen Custom Cabinetry.