How To: Cabinet Cleaning & Care Guide

Cabinet Cleaning & Care Guide

Your new cabinets are built to last, and with the right care, they’ll stay beautiful for years to come. This guide will help you clean and maintain your cabinetry properly, whether you’ve chosen painted birch, stained maple, or sleek European slab laminate finishes.

1. Light Cleaning

For everyday upkeep:

Wipe cabinet surfaces with a soft, lint-free cotton cloth lightly dampened with water.
Dry immediately with a clean cloth to prevent moisture from sitting on the surface.
For fingerprints, grease, or small spills, use a mixture of mild soap and warm water (a drop or two of dish soap in a bowl of water works great).
Rinse the cloth, wipe again to remove residue, and dry thoroughly.

Do not use:

Harsh chemicals or ammonia-based cleaners
Abrasive pads, steel wool, or powdered cleansers
Colored dishcloths or sponges (these can transfer dye)
Wax or silicone-based polishes as they leave a film that attracts dust and can dull your finish over time

2. Cleaning By Material type

Painted or Stained Birch/Maple/MDF Cabinets
- Use only mild soap and water as strong cleaners can break down the finish or discolor painted surfaces.
- Avoid soaking cloths or letting water sit in grooves or seams, as this can cause swelling or peeling.
- For stubborn grime around handles, gently use a soft toothbrush or microfiber cloth dampened with mild soap.
- Periodically buff with a clean, dry cloth to restore shine.

Pro Tip: Avoid products labeled as “wood oil” or “furniture polish”, your cabinetry is sealed and doesn’t need conditioning oils.

Engineered Wood/PET Laminate
- Wipe with a soft, damp microfiber cloth and dry immediately.
- For fingerprints or oily spots, use a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner designed for laminate or glass surfaces.
- Avoid alcohol, bleach, or solvent-based cleaners, they can dull or damage the laminate layer.
- Do not use melamine sponges (“magic erasers”) or scouring pads, as they can cause micro-scratches.

For glossy finishes:

Use a clean microfiber towel and a streak-free glass cleaner applied to the cloth (never directly onto the cabinet).

For matte finishes:
Use warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Dry with a soft towel to maintain an even appearance.

For melamine wood grain finishes:

Use a damp cloth with mild soap and dry with soft towel.

Pro Tip: Follow the grain when wiping to prevent buildup in texture.

3. Protecting Against Moisture

Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of cabinet finishes, so be sure to always:

Clean spills or splasher promptly. Don’t let water, coffee, or cooking splashes sit on the surface.
Keep sink and dishwasher areas especially dry, and check around edges where water can pool.
Avoid draping damp towels over cabinet doors and leaving wet items inside cabinets.

Pro Tip: Blot spills instead of wiping across the cabinet to avoid spreading moisture.

If you live in a humid or coastal area (like much of Florida), maintaining a balanced indoor climate helps protect your cabinets year-round.

4. Temperature & Humidity Tips

Wood naturally expands in humid conditions and contracts in dry air. This is normal and not a defect.

To minimize these effects:

Maintain indoor humidity between 35–50% year-round.
Use air conditioning during summer and a humidifier in dry winter months.
Avoid exposing cabinets to direct heat sources, such as toasters, ovens, or coffee makers that vent steam upward.

Pro Tip: If you’re installing under-cabinet lighting, leave a small air gap to prevent heat buildup directly beneath your upper cabinets.

5. Extend The Life Of Your Beautiful Cabinets

Long-Term Care & Maintenance

Dust regularly with a soft microfiber cloth.
Wipe handles and knobs often, oils from hands can dull finishes over time.
Once or twice a year, remove contents from cabinets and gently clean inside panels and corners.
For drawers and hinges, occasionally wipe away dust or crumbs to ensure smooth operation.

To keep your finish looking its best:

Never use scouring pads, steel wool, or abrasive cleaners.
Don’t hang heavy objects (like towel racks or organizers) directly from cabinet doors.
Avoid impact from pots, pans, or utensils, even small dents can compromise the finish.
Keep appliance steam (like from coffee makers or rice cookers) directed away from cabinet surfaces.

If you ever notice minor hairline cracks or slight finish changes, especially on painted or natural wood surfaces, these are normal characteristics of real wood and environmental changes, not defects.

6. Quick Reference: Cabinet Care at a Glance

Painted or Stained Birch, Maple & MDF

Cleaning: Wipe with mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth.
Drying: Always dry immediately with a lint-free towel to prevent moisture damage.
Avoid: Abrasive pads, harsh degreasers, oil soaps, or wax-based cleaners.

Glossy PET Laminate (European Slab)

Cleaning: Use a streak-free glass or laminate cleaner applied to a microfiber cloth, never spray directly on the surface.
Drying: Buff dry with a clean microfiber towel to maintain shine.
Avoid: Alcohol-based products, rough cloths, or direct sprays that can leave streaks.

Matte PET Laminate (European Slab)

Cleaning: Wipe with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap using a soft cloth.
Drying: Wipe evenly and dry thoroughly to avoid streaking or uneven texture.
Avoid: Solvents, scouring pads, or ammonia-based cleaners.

Woodgrain Melamine (European Slab)

Cleaning: Wipe gently along the grain with a soft, damp cloth.
Drying: Dry in the same direction of the grain for best appearance.
Avoid: Excess water, harsh chemicals, or abrasive cleaning products.

Consistent gentle care goes a long way. Treat your cabinets as you would a fine piece of furniture by wiping spills quickly, keep surfaces dry, and cleaning regularly with soft cloths and mild cleaners. With proper care, your Gulf Coast Cabinetry kitchen will continue to shine for many years to come.