Cabinet Care
Our cabinetry is designed and crafted to stand up to rigorous daily use. No special or unique care is required. Simple common sense precautions and practices will keep it looking great for years to come.
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Basic Care Tips
- 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. Dry surfaces immediately with a soft cloth.
- Avoid using a dishcloth or sponge, which could contain remnants of grease or detergents. Do not use products with bleach, ammonia or abrasive additives.
- 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 clothes or dishtowels over cabinet doors – excessive moisture can cause permanent damage.
Common Care Topics
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Wood Darkening
Remember that all woods naturally darken with age. There is no prevention for this process and it should be accepted as part of the wood’s natural character. Woods subjected to prolonged direct sunlight will darken faster.
Dimensional Changes
Since wood is a naturally porous material, it will absorb and release moisture, causing unavoidable swelling and shrinking. This can cause dimensional changes, and in larger pieces, can result in minor warping. These dimensional changes are often related to changing seasons and may reverse themselves as seasons change again. There is no preventative for this process and it should be accepted as part of the wood’s natural character.
Horizontal Surfaces
If your cabinetry uses finished wood for horizontal surfaces, remember some commonplace precautions.
- Do not slide items across the surface, rather pick them up and set them down.
- Make sure plants are in pots that will not seep water onto the wood and take care that leaves do not touch the wood.
- Use coasters under glasses and hot pads under pots and pans.
- Never set synthetic materials like rubber or plastic directly on the wood. The synthetic chemicals can damage the finish. Likewise, inks from printed materials can transfer into the finish.
Drawers & Interiors
Drawer glides and hinges should need no periodic maintenance or lubrication. Our interiors and standard shelves have a durable Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL) surface that cleans up easily with soap and water. When cleaning interiors, be careful to avoid excess water that can make its way into the interior joinery.
Surface Damage
Touch up those inevitable nicks and scratches with Color Putty Brand “Oil Base” putty, available at Sherwin-Williams retail stores. To achieve the correct color, try mixing numerous colors together. After you apply the putty, follow up with wiping residue off with a damp rag.
Curing Time
We use the highest quality Sherwin- Williams SHER-WOOD® stains, sealers and topcoats, providing high performance and a long lasting, enduring finish. All SHER-WOOD® finishes require a period of curing to take place, approximately 30 days, so the film can achieve its full performance properties.
Dusting
Cabinets, like fine furniture, should be dusted or vacuumed periodically. Always dust with a damp cloth or a dusting cloth. Follow the grain of the wood when dusting. Wiping across the grain causes scratches to appear if the dust contains grit.
Cleaning
There are three basic types of furniture care products: silicones, waxes and polishes. While silicone cleaners offer a high degree of shine, the silicone seeps into even the highest quality finishes, creating a barrier that will not accept stain or finish. This makes it virtually impossible to refinish or touch up when it may be required. All SHER-WOOD® catalyzed finishes are durable and hard enough that in most cases they do not require any wax. Waxes should be avoided because their regular use may result in buildup of a wax film on the surface. This buildup can attract dirt, smoke and other pollutants in the air, resulting in smudges and streaks. Also, many waxes contain grit that may permanently damage the surface if used improperly. Mild soap and water are best choice.