Sacramento Cabinet Refacing look beautiful and add value to a home, but they need regular maintenance to last. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage or stain solid wood cabinet doors and be sure to use a dehumidifier in humid areas.

The easiest way to clean refaced cabinets is to soak a sponge in hot water and wipe down the surface. If stains remain, a baking soda paste may help.

Hot Water

Cabinet refacing is an excellent way to refresh the appearance of your kitchen without the cost and disruption of a complete remodel. However, refaced cabinets still need regular cleaning and care to keep them looking new. It is important to avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive sponges, or scrubbers, which can damage the finish and wood. Instead, regularly wipe down your cabinets using a damp cloth with warm water. You can also use a mild detergent or dish soap to remove grease buildup on your cabinets. For stubborn stains, try rubbing them with a toothbrush to remove caked on dirt or grime.

Many commercial cleaners are highly toxic and damaging to refaced cabinets. These cleaners wear down the finish and texture of refaced cabinets, leaving them dull, scratchy, or discolored. If you must use a commercial cleaner, test it on a small area of your cabinet door to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration. Homemade cleaning solutions are usually less harmful to refaced cabinet doors than commercial cleaners. Vinegar, for instance, acts as a natural disinfectant and helps cut grease and repel bacteria. You can mix vinegar with hot water to create an effective and inexpensive homemade cabinet cleaner that is safe for your refaced cabinets.

It is also important to minimize the amount of moisture that builds up on your refaced cabinets. This can lead to warping, swelling, and cracking. Wipe up spills and splatters promptly, and use a vent fan when cooking to prevent excess moisture from building up in your kitchen. Also, be careful not to slam your cabinet doors or drawers open and closed; doing so can damage hinges and joints.

If you do notice any scratches or dents on your refaced cabinets, touch them up with matching cabinet paint or stain as soon as possible to protect your investment. Additionally, scheduling routine professional maintenance inspections can help identify any potential problems and allow for timely repairs. If you have any questions about cabinet refacing or need assistance with maintaining and cleaning your kitchen, contact the team at Desirable Kitchens & Refacing today.

Dish Soap

While commercial grade furniture paint used in the cabinet refacing process can offer some resistance to water, food, and grease stains, this protection is not absolute. Therefore, it is still a good idea to establish a cleaning routine that incorporates mild detergent into your weekly or monthly schedule to prevent stains from building up. Using a soft cloth or sponge, dampen it with warm water and then wipe the surface to remove any dirt or residue that is collecting on it. Remember to dry the cabinets thoroughly after you clean them to avoid water spots or damage to your paint job.

For stubborn grease stains, some homeowners suggest diluting white vinegar to cut through the sticky build-up. However, this solution is acidic and may be damaging to laminate surfaces. If you decide to use vinegar, start by heavily dilution it and apply it with a soft cloth or sponge. Always follow the directions on the bottle and be sure to rinse and dry the cabinets as needed.

Dish soap is another common household cleaning product that can be effective on refaced cabinet doors. A bucket of warm water with a few drops of soap and a washcloth or sponge is all you need for this simple but powerful technique. Just be careful not to leave any cleaning product on the cabinets for too long, as it can cause etching or dulling to the surface.

All-purpose kitchen cleaners are also a great option for maintaining and cleaning your refaced cabinet doors. These products typically have a lower pH than vinegar, which means that they will not be as damaging to your laminate surfaces. These cleaners are available as pre-mixed spray bottles or in concentrated form that will need to be mixed with water to be applied. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the label for proper application and to thoroughly rinse the cabinets with warm water afterwards to ensure that all residue is removed.

If you do find that your laminate cabinets are becoming noticeably dull, it may be time to consider a more aggressive cleaning method. Using harsh, heavy-duty chemical cleaners can cause permanent damage to laminate or wood surfaces and should be avoided at all costs.

Commercial Cleaners

Although a bit more expensive than vinegar and dish soap, commercial cleaning products are a safe and effective way to remove tough stains from your cabinets without damaging the finish. When a deep clean is necessary, use a soft cloth or sponge soaked in the cleaner of your choice and gently wipe down the surfaces. Be sure to follow the product’s instructions, as some may require diluting the cleaner with water or allowing it to soak on the surface before wiping. Using a toothbrush or sponge for hard-to-reach areas can be helpful as well. Avoid abrasive materials, such as steel wool pads, on laminate or solid wood cabinet doors, as they can scratch the surface of your cabinets.

Keeping your cabinets in good shape is important for long-term durability and appearance. Regular cleanings with mild detergent will help keep grease, dust, and grime from building up, extending the life of your cabinets. Other preventative measures include reducing stress on cabinet materials by installing soft-close hinges and drawer glides to eliminate slamming and abrasion. Adding a lubricant such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray to the hinges will also reduce friction and help eliminate squeaking.

Laminate kitchen cabinets are generally easier to clean than wood cabinets, however they can still be easily stained and discolored by grease and food deposits. Using a lint-free cloth or duster to dust regularly will remove any built-up debris and keep your cabinet surfaces looking fresh. Using a damp sponge to wipe down cabinetry on a daily basis will also help eliminate dirt and grime build-up.

Moisture and excessive abrasion are the most common causes of wear to your cabinetry. Be sure to wipe up any spills promptly and minimize moisture by ensuring your kitchen is properly ventilated. Avoid slamming cabinet doors and drawers as this can cause them to warp or damage the hardware. Also, be careful when moving heavy objects in and out of your cabinetry to prevent them from slamming against the door or drawer faces. If slamming is unavoidable, install hinge bumpers to reduce the impact and avoid scratches or dents.

Wood Wax

Cabinet refacing is one of the best ways to update your kitchen, but that beautiful new look won’t last without routine cleaning. Many types of cleaners should be avoided, because they can damage the surfaces of your cabinets, but there are some safe and effective options available. Consistent cleaning can also help prevent problems like mold and mildew.

The safest option for cleaning your refaced cabinets is hot water and a cloth or sponge. This method removes any grease or other gunk from the surface of your cabinets, and it won’t damage solid wood or laminate finishes. Dish soap may also work well to clean stubborn stains, as it contains surfactants that break down and dissolve grease.

Vinegar is another safe, natural cleaning solution for refaced cabinets. It acts as a natural disinfectant and cuts through grease to repel harmful bacteria. You can use it alone or mix it with hot water to create a gentle, all-purpose cleaner that won’t damage your cabinets’ finish.

Regardless of the type of cleaner you choose, it’s important to use a soft, lint-free cloth or sponge when wiping your cabinets. Avoid using abrasive sponges or scrubbers, as they can scratch the surfaces of your cabinetry and cause lasting damage. It’s also important to wipe down your cabinets often. Aside from keeping them looking their best, regular cleaning can help extend their lifespan and keep them functioning properly.

Once you’ve finished the initial cleaning, you can also use a furniture polish to restore the shine of your cabinets and protect them from moisture damage. Be sure to apply the polish with a soft, microfiber cloth, as too much pressure can dull the finish. You can even try a homemade polish recipe, such as vinegar and salt, for tough-to-remove stains or caked-on grime.

In addition to avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive materials, it’s essential not to allow moisture to build up on the surfaces of your cabinets. Moisture can cause warping, cracking, and discoloration of your cabinetry. It’s also a good idea to open windows regularly and allow in fresh air, as this will reduce excess humidity. You can also add window treatments to your kitchen to block out sunlight, which can fade cabinetry and paint over time.