Note: new wood finishes require a period of 30 days to reach their maximum performance properties.
Cleaning Products to Avoid:
-- Abrasive cleaning products such as tub and sink cleansers
-- Scouring powder
-- Scouring pads or steel wool
-- Sponges or dish clothes-they may contain food particles and oil residue that could scratch
your cabinets
-- Solvent-based or petroleum-based products such as mineral spirits, nail-polish removers or paint
thinners
-- Ammonia or cleaning products that include ammonia
-- Bleach or cleaning products that include bleach
Cleaning:
A soft cotton cloth moisten with warm water is usually sufficient to clean your cabinets. If heavier cleaning is required, use the mildest cleaning solution that will successfully clean your cabinets. Avoid bearing down as this may cause burnishing. The most commonly used cleaning agents on the market today are water-base. They are formulated to contain degreasing agents as well as cleaning additives that bring beauty to the wood. Products such as Murphy's oil Soap or Johnson's Pledge household cleaner or equivalent are used frequently. After cleaning, wipe all surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. Dry immediately, using another soft, clean cloth.
Splatters and Spills
Clean spills and splatters immediately, prolonged exposure to spills, including food, water or other liquids, or to oil and grease splatters, can cause permanent discoloration or damage to your cabinet’s finish.
Regular Dusting
Always dust with a soft moistened cloth; dry dusting may scratch the surface. It is a good practice to follow the grain of the wood while dusting. Wiping across the grain could cause scratches to appear if the dust contains grit. Packaged dusting sheets are not required or recommended. Do not use pre-moistened dusting sheets, and do not use aerosol products made for dusting.
Waxing and Polishing:
A good line of protection against the enemies of wood finishes is a protective layer of wax. Depending on the wear and use a good rule to follow is to wax finishes every six months with a good quality furniture polish that contains lemon oil.
Scratches, Gouges and Nicks:
Touch-Up Kit is available to hide surface damage. Contact the place of business where you purchased your cabinetry to purchase the color-matched touch-up kit for your specific cabinets.
Avoid Moisture Damage
Avoid draping damp clothes or dishtowels over cabinet doors. This moisture can cause permanent damage — such peeling and discoloration — to the cabinet’s finish.
Avoid Heat Damage
Heat generated when using an oven’s self-cleaning feature is much greater than during normal cooking. If this heat escapes from the oven, it can damage your cabinets. While this is a rare circumstance, you can minimize the risk of cabinet damage by removing cabinet doors and drawers nearest the oven before using its self-cleaning feature.
Avoid Light Damage
Exposure to direct sunlight tends to darken the color of natural wood products. Sunlight can also fade painted wood surfaces, laminated surfaces and Thermo foil. You should consider draperies or blinds to shield your cabinets from direct sunlight.
These instructions are general industry cleaning procedures, and are offered with No expressed warranty implied.