How to Maintain Your Kitchen
Choosing cabinetry for your home is an investment in functional beauty that will result in years of enjoyment. To protect your investment, we offer the following advice;
DOORS
Dust using a lint-free soft cloth, always in the direction of the grain
Regular cleaning with a clean, damp cloth & dried immediately with clean dry cloth
Avoid use of detergents, abrasives or self-polishing waxes on cabinet surfaces
Remove stubborn stains by use of mild detergent or soap and very little water.
Avoid excess moisture, dry off any water immediately using lint-free cloth
Avoid application of steam from kettles, coffee makers & kitchen appliances
Avoid standing on, leaning against shelves, drawers or open doors
Maintain a comfortable & constant level of temperature & humidity to ensure long life of cabinets. All fine wood products are best maintained at temps of 20-23 degrees Celsius & 45% relative humidity.
Exposure to strong light sources will affect the colors of the finishes
CABINET INTERIORS
Regular cleaning with a clean, damp cloth & dried immediately with clean dry cloth
Avoid exceeding 15 pds per square foot on cabinet drawers and shelves. Cabinets are tested and certified to a specific shelf load.
Water or other liquids allowed to sit on the surface for prolonged periods of time may cause staining or bubbling.
LAMINATE COUNTERTOPS
Regular cleaning with a clean, damp cloth & dried immediately with clean dry cloth
Avoid concentration of water or wet towels at countertop joints and seams
Excessive water standing in seams may cause glue failure and delamination
CAULKING GAPS BETWEEN COUNTERTOPS & WALLS
During the heating months, particularly in the first year following construction, the home experiences a great deal of shrinking as the construction materials dry out and settle. This is a natural occurrence and should be expected by the homeowner. Conversely, as the weather warms, the gaps close up again. A quick and easy remedy to fix this situation is to remove the existing caulking material and apply a new bead.
WOOD GRAIN & COLOR MATCHING
The natural grain and color tones of wood should not be expected to be as uniform as what is available in high pressure laminates and other man-made materials. Different grains and cuts of wood accept the same finish in varying ways. Nature dictates the color, grain patterns and character markings. Colors will vary from shades of white, red, black and green. Natural mineral marks may be visible as well and these can vary from even, regular to wild. With the application of light stains, the mineral marks become even more magnified.
