If you’ve recently completed a kitchen or bath renovation involving remodeling your cabinets, you know firsthand how much time, effort, and resources went into the project. Now, it’s up to you to protect that investment by ensuring proper cabinet care and maintenance. In fact, there are many steps you can take to make your newly remodeled cabinets last longer. Here, Piscitello Home Center, which serves the Lehigh Valley area and Western New Jersey, discusses how to properly clean, care for, and upkeep your renovated cabinets.

Post-Remodel Cabinet Care

If you love your newly remodeled kitchen or bathroom, you want that look to last as long as possible. As soon as the remodel is complete, follow these steps to help you accomplish that goal:

• Wipe down your cabinets clean with a soft, damp cloth, and dry them immediately. When wiping your cabinets, it’s important to go with the direction of the wood grain for optimal results.
• Apply a thin coat of polish that does not contain silicone or wax, ensuring to follow the manufacturer’s directions or guidance from Piscitello Home Center. Applying a high-quality polish will help to keep your cabinets protected from minor scratches, stains, and excessive moisture.

Routine Cleaning and Maintenance

Over time, grease, dust, and other build-up can hamper the look of newly renovated cabinets. Aim to regularly clean your cabinets to safely and easily remove build-up. To do so, use a soft cloth dampened with warm water to wipe down the exterior of your cabinets every two weeks. You may want to increase the frequency of these cleanings if your kitchen is especially busy. If tougher cabinet grime is an issue, mix a bit of dish soap with your warm water to pack a little more power.

As you may already be able to tell, cleaning your cabinets can be a delicate practice. To avoid damaging your unit, take care not to use materials such as steel wool, plastic brushes, or scouring pads, and avoid cleaners with harsh ingredients like petroleum and bleach.

Extra Steps to Long-Lasting Cabinets

Beyond routine cleaning and maintenance, there are a few extra steps you can take to easily ensure a long life for your cabinets. These include:

Control Your Home’s Temperature

Avoiding major fluctuations in temperature can help control the moisture content in your home and preserve the integrity of your cabinets. This is because high temperatures and humidity can cause wood to expand and contract, which may subsequently cause swelling or warping in your cabinetry.

Avoid Light Damage

Continuous, direct sunlight can damage your cabinets, especially those made from natural wood. Use curtains or blinds to reduce their exposure to direct sunlight.

Repair Superficial Damage

In highly active homes, kitchens and bathrooms see a lot of action, so nicks and scratches are bound to happen. Consult with our professionals on the best way to safely treat your unique cabinetry.

Get the Most from Your Cabinet Remodel

A newly remodeled kitchen or bathroom is an important investment, and these cabinet care and maintenance tips from Piscitello Home Center help to ensure that investment lasts for years to come. To learn more about how we can support the longevity of your remodeled cabinets or help you plan a remodel, contact us today.