Kitchen cabinets are constantly exposed to dirt, grease, cooking fumes and fingerprints. Grease from cooking or cooking sprays, condensation from temperature changes or from steam, dirt particles in the air, and bacteria from hands and food can stain and eventually damage your beautiful cabinet exteriors.

We’ve put together a list of cleaning and maintenance tips that will keep your cabinets looking beautiful for years to come.

• Dust your cabinets frequently using a soft dusting cloth

• For wood cabinets, use a cabinet cleaner at least once a week, such as Murphy’s Oil Soap.

• For Painted / MDF cabinets, use a mild solution of soap and water.

• Avoid spraying any type of cleaner directly on materials that are to be cleaned, instead spray the solution on a soft microfiber cloth and then wipe your cabinets down.

• Dry the cabinets immediately after cleaning with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Failure to dry your cabinets may result in finish damage and possibly damage the underlying wood.

• Don’t forget to clean drawer pulls and door handles.

• If you have wood cabinets, polish them approximately once a month with an aerosol clean and polish product, apply indirectly with a polishing cloth. Look for brands that have natural and organic oils with cleaning emulsifiers. The oils nourish and revitalize the finish, while the emulsifiers dissolve dirt, dulling films, and sticky fingerprints. Polish preserves the natural sheen intended by the manufacturer and can be used on finishes ranging from a low to a high gloss. Do not spray the polish directly onto the cabinetry.

• For cabinets that have glass doors and mirrors, use a glass cleaner applied directly to a cleaning towel. Never spray directly on glass area since drips and overspray may reach and harm the wood surfaces of the door and/or surrounding cabinets.

• Avoid glass cleaners that contain sodium hydrochloride, phosphoric acid or sulfur.

• Under no circumstances should harsh chemicals be used such as solvents, alcohol, ammonia, etc.

• Clean spills and splatters immediately; prolonged exposure to spills food or liquids, may discolor your cabinet finish

• Never use a dishcloth to wipe your cabinets, since it may contain remnants of grease and detergents.

• Never use abrasive sponges, abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, harsh detergents, ammonia solutions, glass cleaner, water, or powdered cleaners on wood surfaces.

• Touch up markers can be used for any light touch ups.

• Use your cooktop or oven hood fan when cooking, which will draw steam and grease away from your cabinets.

Treat your cabinetry the same way you would treat a piece of fine furniture. The cabinets are constructed with the same grade wood, and they require the same care to keep them looking beautiful.