Care and Maintenance of Your Cabinetry
Wipe Spills Promptly
Many substances become difficult to remove and may stain or cause other damage upon prolonged contact. If a spill occurs, wipe it promptly with a damp cloth or sponge and dry the surface immediately. Use a blotting action rather than a wiping action to remove the substance.
Avoid Excessive Moisture
This is one of the worst enemies of any finish. Cabinetry near the sink and dishwasher, and baseboards are most susceptible. Dry off any areas immediately where water has spilled. Avoid draping dish towels or other wet items over doors or placing coffee makers where steam vents directly onto cabinet surfaces.
Avoid Temperature And Humidity Extremes
Extremes in temperature and humidity can cause wood to expand and contract, swell or warp, and dry out– possibly damaging the finish of your cabinetry. It is important to control the temperature and humidity in your home all year long. You should allow minor warping to go through one heating cycle before considering replacement. See the Wood And Moisture Guide for more information.
Avoid Exposure To Harsh Cleaners
Harsh cleaners can damage the finish of your cabinetry. Avoid cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, citric acid (including orange and lemon oil) and organic solvents.
Avoid Exposure To Waxes
Most common self-polishing waxes can damage your finish.
Although not necessary, if desired, use a high quality cream furniture polish found at high-end furniture or paint stores.
Guard Against Scratching And Abrasion
Clean with a soft, damp cloth when necessary. Avoid using scouring pads and abrasive cleansers as they may dull fine finishes.
Guard Against Plastic And Rubber
Use felt or clothe under plastic or rubber objects as their ingredients may react with wood counter tops.
Wipe Spills Promptly
Many substances become difficult to remove and may stain or cause other damage upon prolonged contact. If a spill occurs, wipe it promptly with a damp cloth or sponge and dry the surface immediately. Use a blotting action rather than a wiping action to remove the substance.
Avoid Excessive Moisture
This is one of the worst enemies of any finish. Cabinetry near the sink and dishwasher, and baseboards are most susceptible. Dry off any areas immediately where water has spilled. Avoid draping dish towels or other wet items over doors or placing coffee makers where steam vents directly onto cabinet surfaces.
Avoid Temperature And Humidity Extremes
Extremes in temperature and humidity can cause wood to expand and contract, swell or warp, and dry out– possibly damaging the finish of your cabinetry. It is important to control the temperature and humidity in your home all year long. You should allow minor warping to go through one heating cycle before considering replacement. See the Wood And Moisture Guide for more information.
Avoid Exposure To Harsh Cleaners
Harsh cleaners can damage the finish of your cabinetry. Avoid cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, citric acid (including orange and lemon oil) and organic solvents.
Avoid Exposure To Waxes
Most common self-polishing waxes can damage your finish.
Although not necessary, if desired, use a high quality cream furniture polish found at high-end furniture or paint stores.
Guard Against Scratching And Abrasion
Clean with a soft, damp cloth when necessary. Avoid using scouring pads and abrasive cleansers as they may dull fine finishes.
Guard Against Plastic And Rubber
Use felt or clothe under plastic or rubber objects as their ingredients may react with wood counter tops.
WHAT TO AVOID
Avoid Aggressive Acids
Avoid products containing aggressive acids or abrasives as they may cause damage to laminate finishes (Lime-A-Way, Soft Scrub, Tilex, etc.).
Avoid Chips And Scratches
Avoid abrasive cleansers and cleaning tools. Some “stiff” paper towels may leave tiny scratches that dull the surface. Always use a soft cloth when cleaning laminate surfaces. Never use a laminate counter top as a cutting surface. Use a chopping block when cutting to avoid chipping and scratching. Fine scratches may be covered with a light spray furniture polish.
Tips For Laminate Products
With proper care, our laminate products will last a lifetime. Generally, a damp sponge is all you need for every day maintenance of laminate surfaces. Use a soft cloth to wash surface with warm water and a mild dish washing detergent. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Use an all-purpose cleaner or bathroom cleanser to remove spots and stains.
Stubborn Spots and Stains
Mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Use a soft bristle brush to gently rub the spot in a circular motion. The paste will be slightly abrasive, so work carefully, pressing very lightly. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Repeat the process as long as you’re making progress. If the stain remains, use undiluted household bleach; the label should read 5% solution of sodium hypochlorite. Take special care to protect your eyes, skin and clothing. Apply the bleach using a wet sponge or paper towel, place it on the stain and let sit for no longer than one and a half minutes. Rinse repeatedly with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
How Humidity and Temperature Affect Your Cabinetry
With proper care, Crystal cabinetry will provide a lifetime of use and satisfaction. Proper care includes providing a wood friendly environment. Many of the internal environmental issues that affect human comfort also contribute to a wood healthy environment. Specifically, controlled temperature and humidity with minimal changes from day to day and season to season will ensure your comfort and they will ensure the stability and life of your wood cabinetry.
Moisture
Repeated short term exposure to excessive moisture such as splashing of surfaces from a sink or even a single longer term event such as flooding WILL result in irreversible damage to wood cabinetry. Steam, as from cook tops, crock pots and improperly sealed dishwasher doors, can cause problems as well. Moisture should be wiped from surfaces immediately to minimize damage. If wood has a chance to absorb excess moisture, efforts should be made to dry out the wood including substrates immediately. Avoid direct high heat and instead use fans and dehumidifiers and moisture absorbing cloth and compounds. Immediate attention reduces the amount of damage and also reduces the likelihood of mold and mildew.
Humidity
Wood expands as humidity increases and shrinks as humidity decreases. Unfinished (exposed) wood will exhibit the most dramatic changes Even finished wood will change with long term changes in humidity. Finishes and other coatings such as laminate or foil temper humidity swings by slowing the transfer of moisture. They do not stop it entirely. Solid wood will dimensionally change more across grain than with grain. Plywood, particleboard and fiberboard are more dimensionally stable. Particleboard and fiberboard, exposed to water directly, will expand in thickness quickly and dramatically. As wood expands (swells) and contracts with changes in humidity, the finish at joints will crack. This cracking is universal but is much more evident on light colored paint than on stains or dark paints. Regardless, this is the nature of product made from wood and not a reason for replacement. Where humidity exposure is uneven, pieces may warp, cup or bow. Most often, if humidity level is returned to a normal level and maintained for a period of time, these issues will disappear.
Temperature
Temperature variation can cause some of the same problems as humidity variation and the two are often interrelated. Temperature increases cause materials to expand. Temperature decreases cause materials to contract or shrink. Sudden temperature changes cause more dramatic material changes. More likely to lead to cracking, and splitting in solid wood. More likely to lead to warping, cupping and bowing in any wood components.
Avoid Aggressive Acids
Avoid products containing aggressive acids or abrasives as they may cause damage to laminate finishes (Lime-A-Way, Soft Scrub, Tilex, etc.).
Avoid Chips And Scratches
Avoid abrasive cleansers and cleaning tools. Some “stiff” paper towels may leave tiny scratches that dull the surface. Always use a soft cloth when cleaning laminate surfaces. Never use a laminate counter top as a cutting surface. Use a chopping block when cutting to avoid chipping and scratching. Fine scratches may be covered with a light spray furniture polish.
Tips For Laminate Products
With proper care, our laminate products will last a lifetime. Generally, a damp sponge is all you need for every day maintenance of laminate surfaces. Use a soft cloth to wash surface with warm water and a mild dish washing detergent. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Use an all-purpose cleaner or bathroom cleanser to remove spots and stains.
Stubborn Spots and Stains
Mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Use a soft bristle brush to gently rub the spot in a circular motion. The paste will be slightly abrasive, so work carefully, pressing very lightly. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Repeat the process as long as you’re making progress. If the stain remains, use undiluted household bleach; the label should read 5% solution of sodium hypochlorite. Take special care to protect your eyes, skin and clothing. Apply the bleach using a wet sponge or paper towel, place it on the stain and let sit for no longer than one and a half minutes. Rinse repeatedly with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
How Humidity and Temperature Affect Your Cabinetry
With proper care, Crystal cabinetry will provide a lifetime of use and satisfaction. Proper care includes providing a wood friendly environment. Many of the internal environmental issues that affect human comfort also contribute to a wood healthy environment. Specifically, controlled temperature and humidity with minimal changes from day to day and season to season will ensure your comfort and they will ensure the stability and life of your wood cabinetry.
Moisture
Repeated short term exposure to excessive moisture such as splashing of surfaces from a sink or even a single longer term event such as flooding WILL result in irreversible damage to wood cabinetry. Steam, as from cook tops, crock pots and improperly sealed dishwasher doors, can cause problems as well. Moisture should be wiped from surfaces immediately to minimize damage. If wood has a chance to absorb excess moisture, efforts should be made to dry out the wood including substrates immediately. Avoid direct high heat and instead use fans and dehumidifiers and moisture absorbing cloth and compounds. Immediate attention reduces the amount of damage and also reduces the likelihood of mold and mildew.
Humidity
Wood expands as humidity increases and shrinks as humidity decreases. Unfinished (exposed) wood will exhibit the most dramatic changes Even finished wood will change with long term changes in humidity. Finishes and other coatings such as laminate or foil temper humidity swings by slowing the transfer of moisture. They do not stop it entirely. Solid wood will dimensionally change more across grain than with grain. Plywood, particleboard and fiberboard are more dimensionally stable. Particleboard and fiberboard, exposed to water directly, will expand in thickness quickly and dramatically. As wood expands (swells) and contracts with changes in humidity, the finish at joints will crack. This cracking is universal but is much more evident on light colored paint than on stains or dark paints. Regardless, this is the nature of product made from wood and not a reason for replacement. Where humidity exposure is uneven, pieces may warp, cup or bow. Most often, if humidity level is returned to a normal level and maintained for a period of time, these issues will disappear.
Temperature
Temperature variation can cause some of the same problems as humidity variation and the two are often interrelated. Temperature increases cause materials to expand. Temperature decreases cause materials to contract or shrink. Sudden temperature changes cause more dramatic material changes. More likely to lead to cracking, and splitting in solid wood. More likely to lead to warping, cupping and bowing in any wood components.
Medallion Cabinetry Care and Maintenance
Clean
Remove oil, grease or general soil using a clean cloth dampened with a fresh solution of mild soap and water. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth, then dry thoroughly. It is important to wipe spills immediately. Avoid using harsh detergents, strong soap, abrasive cleaners or self-polishing waxes.
Shine
If your kitchen cabinetry includes doors with glass inserts, please follow these cleaning guidelines. Spray an ammonia-free glass cleaner on a clean, soft lint-free cloth or paper towel. Avoid spraying cleaner directly on the glass as overspray may cause damage to the wood finish.
Sparkle
Periodically use mild soap and warm water to clean door and drawer hardware. After cleaning, dry and buff hardware with a clean, soft cloth. Do not use brass and silver polishes. These polishes contain harsh chemicals that can damage the hardware’s surface.
Remove oil, grease or general soil using a clean cloth dampened with a fresh solution of mild soap and water. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth, then dry thoroughly. It is important to wipe spills immediately. Avoid using harsh detergents, strong soap, abrasive cleaners or self-polishing waxes.
Shine
If your kitchen cabinetry includes doors with glass inserts, please follow these cleaning guidelines. Spray an ammonia-free glass cleaner on a clean, soft lint-free cloth or paper towel. Avoid spraying cleaner directly on the glass as overspray may cause damage to the wood finish.
Sparkle
Periodically use mild soap and warm water to clean door and drawer hardware. After cleaning, dry and buff hardware with a clean, soft cloth. Do not use brass and silver polishes. These polishes contain harsh chemicals that can damage the hardware’s surface.
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Crystal Cabinetry Care and Maintenance
A Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Your Crystal Cabinets
With proper care, Crystal cabinetry will provide a lifetime of use and satisfaction. Proper care involves attentive cleaning, polishing and careful avoidance of damaging household cleaners. The beauty of wood is in the variation in graining and hue. Because wood is a natural product, it has inherent variation. This variation includes many natural characteristics as a result of tree growth patterns, as well as differences in wood color and grain due to variations in forest growing conditions. We apply and then hand wipe our stains to bring out the natural character and sheen of the wood.
Upon Installation
Wipe the cabinets clean with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately with another clean, soft cloth. Always wipe in the direction of the wood grain.
Basic Cleaning
Routine cleaning with the appropriate materials will help prevent long-term damage to your finish. Wipe with a dampened cloth and promptly wipe dry. Use a clean cloth dampened with a solution of mild dish washing liquid and water to remove oil, grease, food residue or daily spills. Do not use your dishcloth to clean the cabinets as it may contain remnants of detergents and grease that can have a harmful effect on the finish. Avoid using cleaners that contain the following: bleach, ammonia, citrus products, mineral oil, organic solvents; harsh detergents, strong soaps, abrasive cleansers; or self-polishing waxes (particularly products that contain silicone). We do not recommend using paste wax because of the “build up” and “yellowing” effects over time.
With proper care, Crystal cabinetry will provide a lifetime of use and satisfaction. Proper care involves attentive cleaning, polishing and careful avoidance of damaging household cleaners. The beauty of wood is in the variation in graining and hue. Because wood is a natural product, it has inherent variation. This variation includes many natural characteristics as a result of tree growth patterns, as well as differences in wood color and grain due to variations in forest growing conditions. We apply and then hand wipe our stains to bring out the natural character and sheen of the wood.
Upon Installation
Wipe the cabinets clean with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately with another clean, soft cloth. Always wipe in the direction of the wood grain.
Basic Cleaning
Routine cleaning with the appropriate materials will help prevent long-term damage to your finish. Wipe with a dampened cloth and promptly wipe dry. Use a clean cloth dampened with a solution of mild dish washing liquid and water to remove oil, grease, food residue or daily spills. Do not use your dishcloth to clean the cabinets as it may contain remnants of detergents and grease that can have a harmful effect on the finish. Avoid using cleaners that contain the following: bleach, ammonia, citrus products, mineral oil, organic solvents; harsh detergents, strong soaps, abrasive cleansers; or self-polishing waxes (particularly products that contain silicone). We do not recommend using paste wax because of the “build up” and “yellowing” effects over time.
Wolf Cabinets Care and Maintenance
Like all investments in your home, your cabinetry will require proper maintenance to keep looking its best. Please be sure to regularly clean and care for your cabinetry using the guidelines below. Wipe up spills, splatters and water spots as they occur – keep the cabinets dry. Clean as needed with a soft, lint-free cloth. Use a mild detergent or soap and warm water. Use a fresh cloth when wiping down cabinets. Even when thoroughly rinsed, cleaning cloths may still have remnants of bleach, detergents, grease or other materials which can be harmful to the finish of your cabinetry. Avoid using a dishcloth or sponge, which may have remnants of detergents and grease on them. Dry surfaces immediately with a soft cloth. Never use bleach, ammonia or any cleaning agents that contain any abrasives. Never use scouring pads, steel wool or powdered cleaners. Do not allow oven cleaners to come in contact with wood finishes. Avoid placing small kitchen appliances where heat is directed onto cabinet surfaces. Avoid draping damp cloths or dishtowels over cabinet doors – excessive moisture can cause permanent damage. The finish on your cabinetry does not require waxing or the application of wood oils to maintain the wood. However, if you desire a glossy or shiny appearance, you may apply furniture polish or lemon oil that is recommended for furniture use. Before applying polish to your cabinets, be sure they are thoroughly cleaned and dry. Be sure not to use any cleaning compounds that may contain alkaline agents, which can negatively impact furniture surfaces. If not thoroughly wiped clean, these polishes and oils can either create a hazy look or act as an attractant to dust and dirt. Painting in the same room as your cabinetry? We recommend Scotch brand painter’s tape style 600 or 610 when preparing to paint around your Wolf Classic cabinetry.
Plain and Fancy Cabinets Care and Maintenace
Your Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry has been built with the finest materials and craftsmanship to give you the long-lasting beauty you want from your cabinetry. We create a durable surface that should be treated like fine furniture.
Basic Cleaning Tips:
Wipe up spills as soon as possible. Dust cabinetry frequently with a soft, lint-free cloth. Wipe cabinetry with a clean, damp cloth and a solution of mild, non-alkaline soap (like dish washing liquid) and warm water. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth, rubbing gently, following the direction of the grain. To clean interiors, a damp cloth with mild soap is all that is needed, wipe dry. When cleaning glass in door and mullion, do not spray glass cleaner directly on the glass. Ammonia may harm the finish on the cabinetry and hardware over the years. The best method is to spray cleaner on a towel, clean the glass and be sure to dry any wood areas. Repair any scratches or nicks with the touch up kit that is provided with every cabinet order.
But Use Caution:
Harsh cleaners on finishes and hardware can break down protective coatings. Avoid hard rubbing or scrubbing as well as the use of abrasive pads and cleaners. Avoid leaving wet or damp items, such as towels or flowerpots, in contact with any wood surfaces. Avoid cleaners and polishes containing silicone, as they are not recommended for our finishes. Avoid excess heat, which may break down or discolor your finish. With proper care your cabinetry will bring you years of pleasure!
Basic Cleaning Tips:
Wipe up spills as soon as possible. Dust cabinetry frequently with a soft, lint-free cloth. Wipe cabinetry with a clean, damp cloth and a solution of mild, non-alkaline soap (like dish washing liquid) and warm water. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth, rubbing gently, following the direction of the grain. To clean interiors, a damp cloth with mild soap is all that is needed, wipe dry. When cleaning glass in door and mullion, do not spray glass cleaner directly on the glass. Ammonia may harm the finish on the cabinetry and hardware over the years. The best method is to spray cleaner on a towel, clean the glass and be sure to dry any wood areas. Repair any scratches or nicks with the touch up kit that is provided with every cabinet order.
But Use Caution:
Harsh cleaners on finishes and hardware can break down protective coatings. Avoid hard rubbing or scrubbing as well as the use of abrasive pads and cleaners. Avoid leaving wet or damp items, such as towels or flowerpots, in contact with any wood surfaces. Avoid cleaners and polishes containing silicone, as they are not recommended for our finishes. Avoid excess heat, which may break down or discolor your finish. With proper care your cabinetry will bring you years of pleasure!
