Proper cabinet installation, followed by some routine cabinet cleaning and maintenance, will extend the life of your cabinetry and help you get the most out of your remodeling investment. Follow our tips on how to keep your kitchen and bath cabinets looking and working like new for years to come. Download our owner's guides for more detailed instructions.

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HOW TO CLEAN WOOD CABINETS AND MAKE THEM SHINE

1. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove dust. Then, wipe down all exteriors with a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials or rough cloths that may scratch the surface. Complete a small area at a time and wipe dry.
2. Stained cabinetry finishes may be cleaned and protected by using any commercially available cleaning polish. We recommend emulsion-type kitchen cabinet cleaners (such as Murphy^® Original Oil Soap) that are formulated without wax, petroleum solvents or silicones to help your cabinets shine. Masterpiece brand polish is also available from your local Masterpiece dealer.
3. Cleaning painted cabinets requires a mild cleaning solution such as soapy water to avoid damaging the paint.
4. After cleaning, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the cabinets and remove any remaining moisture or buildup of cleaning polish.

Should you discover any minor damage during cleaning, read up on how to touch up scuffs and nicks on your cabinets.

CABINET CLEANERS TO AVOID

Strong cleaners and wipes can damage the protective top coat on your Masterpiece cabinets.

1. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners such as bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and powdered cleansers or scouring pads, as these can scratch, dull, or damage the finish of the cabinets.
2. Avoid spray-type polishes containing petroleum solvents, as they are flammable and toxic if swallowed. Plus, the extended use of wax polishes can result in a wax film buildup, while the use of silicone polishes can harm the cabinets’ finish. Do not allow oven cleaner to touch any part of the cabinet. Additionally, avoid using excessively hot water, which can also damage the finish.

NOTE: Do not use a dish cloth to wipe your cabinet exterior, since it may contain remnants of grease or detergents.

EVERYDAY CARE

It is important to wipe up spills and water marks as they occur. Give special attention to areas around the sink and dishwasher. Avoid draping damp or wet dish towels over the door of the sink base cabinet. Over time, this moisture can cause permanent water damage to the door. A convenient, out-of-the-way sliding towel rack can be purchased from your local Masterpiece dealer.

In addition, be careful not to overload your cabinets. Loads on cabinet floors and shelves should not exceed 15 pounds per square foot.

HOW TO CLEAN CABINET HARDWARE

Cabinet knobs and pulls are hot spots for grunge and grime in your kitchen and bath. Cleaning cabinet hardware is important to maintain a clean and beautiful space.

• Use a mild soap and warm water to clean door/drawer knobs or pulls. Scrub the hardware with a soft-bristled brush or sponge to remove any dirt, grime or stains. Rinse with clean water.
• Thoroughly dry all hardware joints and surfaces, and the surrounding area with a clean, soft cloth.
• Buff hardware with a clean, dry cloth. Lubrication of hinges is not necessary; however, hinges can be cleaned or dusted using cotton-tipped swabs.

CAUTION: Many brass and silver polishes contain harsh chemicals that can damage the hardware’s surface. These polishes and cleaners are NOT recommended.

CLEANING MELAMINE AND THERMOFOIL SURFACES

Masterpiece’s exterior and interior melamine and thermofoil panels are extremely durable and designed to give you years of beauty and trouble-free service. They can be cleaned with most nonabrasive household cleaners. However, agents containing acetone, acetate or ethyl alcohol should not be used. Harsh solvents and/or abrasives such as turpentine may break down bonds on edgebanding and should also be avoided. Ammonia cleaners should be diluted. Certain waxes may lead to discoloration and are not recommended. If a damp cloth does not sufficiently clean an area, a non-detergent, non-abrasive household cleaner (such as Murphy^® Original Oil Soap) is recommended. For stubborn stains, use mineral spirits (such as Nature-Sol).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Apply solvents to a clean cloth and never directly to the cabinet surface. Never leave a cloth moistened with solvents on a cabinet surface for any length of time.

AVOID EXCESSIVE HEAT

Self-cleaning appliances generate intense heat during a cleaning cycle. Since the integrity of the appliance seal or gasket may be compromised during installation or with age, Masterpiece recommends the removal of doors and/or drawers from cabinets adjacent to or directly above an appliance during a cleaning cycle. This will help prevent possible damage to the finish or surface of these cabinets. Masterpiece also offers a “heat shield” that may be installed on the side panels of an oven cabinet to help deflect excessive heat from adjacent cabinets. To order this part, see your local Masterpiece dealer.

CARE AND CLEANING OF GLASS DOOR INSERTS

If your kitchen contains cabinetry accented with glass doors, a few precautions are necessary. Apply glass cleaner to a towel, not directly to the glass. Avoid cleaner contact with lead, white-, gold- or copper-clad mullions. Camed glass inserts may be gently buffed with 0000 steel wool, as this will not scratch glass. Avoid steel wool buffing of joints on gold-, copper- or white-clad mullions, as this will remove the coating. A gold touch-up pen is available from your local Masterpiece dealer. White mullions can be protected by coating with carnauba wax, available at local hardware or automotive stores.

CAUTION: Cloths used to clean camed glass inserts should be laundered separately. Do not mix with clothing.

HOW TO CLEAN A MIRROR

To clean a mirror without streaks, begin by applying cleaner to a cloth, not directly to the mirror. Do not allow excess cleaner to run or drip into the base trim. Make sure to buff the mirror dry with a dry microfiber cloth or a clean, dry towel to avoid leaving any moisture behind. Avoid cleaners that contain sodium hydrochloride, phosphoric acid or sulfur (found in products to prevent mildew and fungus). Hair spray and other hair care products often contain chemicals that are caustic to silver and may cause damage to the mirror back. Do not use abrasives.

TALK TO US

If you have any questions about how to clean or care for your Masterpiece, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Call our toll-free consumer line at 1-888-562-7744, or use our convenient contact form to email us directly.