New cabinets are a wonderful addition to any kitchen or bathroom. They dramatically enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room and allow for a well-organized space. If you want to keep them looking great, the secret to caring for new cabinets is proper maintenance. Read on for how to care for new cabinets.
How to Take Care of New Cabinets
Whether bathroom or kitchen cabinets, using the tips below will keep them looking shinier and newer for a longer time:
Line Your Cabinet Drawers and Shelves
The easiest way to keep your cabinet interiors clean and protected is by lining them. Standard shelf liner options include:
- Parchment paper: It is easy to install and remove. It’s also affordable, making it perfect for under-the-sink cabinets since they catch dirt and grime easily and require constant lining replacement.
- Cork liners: These shelf liners provide perfect cushioning for fragile items. They’re also mold- and mildew-resistant. This makes cork liners ideal for new cabinet care in high humidity areas such as the bathroom.
- Natural cedar liners: They are ideal for cabinets susceptible to bugs and insects, such as spice cabinets, because they boast the repellent properties of natural cedar.
- Vinyl board cover liners: These shelf liners feature a tough, rubbery surface and are perfect for cabinets where you store cutlery or other easily shifted items.
- Adhesive liners: Although they are affordable and offer perfect lining, remember that adhesive cover liners are difficult to remove.
Clean Your Cabinets Regularly
The proper lining helps keep your cabinet interiors clean. However, that is not enough — you’ll need to clean the exteriors too, and every once in a while, conduct a deep clean for an efficient cabinet care routine. When cleaning cabinet exteriors:
- Avoid Harsh Chemical Cleaners: Cabinets, especially new ones, feature a fine-quality surface that’s relatively easy to damage. Avoid abrasive cleaning detergents or sponges, as they’ll strip away the finish. For painted ones use a mild cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth. For stained wood cabinetry, use a gentle wood cleaner and a soft sponge. Alternatively, you could make a natural cleaner using water, vinegar, and a dash of olive oil.
- Dry after Cleaning: Air drying cabinets can form bubbles in the paint or finishing. Use a soft, dry cloth to dry them instead.
- Use a toothbrush on tight spots: An easy way to clean hard-to-reach grooves is by using a toothbrush.
- Mind the material: Some cabinetry feature glass finishes, while others are laminated. Consider your cabinetry material to identify ideal cleaning materials and techniques.
Close Cabinet Doors
Keeping your cabinet doors and drawers closed helps to keep the interior cleaner for longer. This means less deep cleaning for you. Also, avoid slamming cabinet doors, as this will loosen the hinges and leave permanent dings and damages.
Keep Moisture at Bay
Repeated exposure to excessive moisture, even if for a short while, causes permanent damage to wood cabinetry. That said, properly caring for new cabinets also includes protecting them from moisture. Avoid hanging wet or damp kitchen towels on your cabinetry. Always wipe moisture resulting from steam or splashes immediately.
Enjoy Cleaner, Well-Maintained Cabinetry
Cabinets are quite a significant investment. The least you could do is keep them clean and well-maintained. With the tips above, caring for new cabinets should be fairly straightforward.
Are you thinking of installing new cabinets? If yes, talk to Friel Lumber today. We help design kitchens, built-ins, and more. We carry quality cabinetry with a variety of finishes and styles.
