The Complete Guide to Kitchen Cabinet Maintenance

Kitchen cabinet maintenance is essential for keeping your cabinets both functional and stylish; they not only provide valuable storage but also enhance your kitchen’s overall design.  Like any other piece of home furniture, they need to be kept on top of and checked regularly so they are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Whether you have recently installed kitchen cabinets in your home or are looking to improve them, understanding proper maintenance, especially for doors, is essential. Our experts at G Johns & Sons have gathered a range of kitchen cabinet maintenance tips to help you keep your kitchen cabinets in top condition.

Kitchen Cabinet Maintenance Tips

When it comes to kitchen cabinet maintenance, it isn’t just a matter of giving them a quick wipe; it is essential to understand the ins and outs and ensure the unit provides maximum functionality at all times.  From providing a regular cleaning schedule to necessary repairs, here are some top tips for delivering top-quality cabinet maintenance:

Apply a Regular Cabinet Cleaning Routine

Keeping cabinets clean is an essential part of maintaining an organised and aesthetically pleasing home. Whatever the cabinet, whether in the kitchen or the bathrooms, is exposed to grease, dust, moisture, and everyday wear and tear. A regular cabinet cleaning routine and checklist not only keeps their visual appearance in check but also saves money in the long run by extending their lifespan through regular maintenance.

Here’s an example of a kitchen cabinet cleaning checklist:

1. Empty Cabinets:
   - Remove all cabinet contents so every area can be reached.
   - Declutter as you go, remove items that are not needed or expired.
2. Vacuum and Dust Inside the Cabinet:
   Use a vacuum, then go over the cabinet shelves with a soft microfiber cloth to remove dust, crumbs, and debris.
3. Wipe Interior Surfaces:
   -Wipe the inside of the cabinets with a mixture of warm water and a mild detergent that won’t damage the material.
   -Kitchen cabinets are prone to grease buildup from cooking; therefore, use a gentle degreaser to remove grease stains.

Note: When cleaning the inside of kitchen cabinets, avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the material and any other surface covers, such as laminate. 

Benefits of a Kitchen Cabinet Cleaning Routine

Having a regular cleaning routine for your kitchen cabinets offers a range of physical and health benefits. Here are some of the main advantages:

• Hygiene and Health: Cleaning kitchen cabinets will help prevent mould buildup and other problems, such as pests, especially in cabinets used for food storage.
• Extends Cabinet Life: Regular cleaning prevents grease, moisture, and other buildup that can affect cabinet and cupboard quality.
• Improves Appearance: Clean cabinets instantly add a fresh look to your kitchen, making your space more visually appealing.
• Saves Money: Replacing cabinets and cupboards can be an expensive investment; therefore, consistent care protects their functionality and aesthetic.

Note: You should schedule a kitchen cabinet deep clean every 3-6 months, and perform weekly wipe-downs of handles and high-contact surfaces.

Make Necessary Kitchen Cabinet Door Repairs

In addition to cleaning, it is essential to address changes in functionality as your kitchen cabinets age. One of the main components that will need to be checked and changed is the cabinet hinges, as they directly affect how smoothly your doors open and close.

There are several types of hinges used in kitchen cabinetry, each offering different benefits. These include:

• Blum-Style Kitchen Hinges: Modern, concealed hinges that provide a sleek look with soft-closing functionality, making them ideal for kitchens where quiet operation is desired.
• Small Butt Hinges: Traditional hinges that are visible when doors are closed. They are commonly used on lightweight kitchen cabinet doors or furniture with a classic design.
• Cabinet Door Flush Hinges: Hidden door hinges that sit neatly, allowing doors to close flush with the cabinet surface, creating a clean, seamless appearance.

Checking for wear, loose screws, or misalignment in these hinges ensures that the kitchen cabinet doors remain quiet and aligned, maintaining the kitchen's performance and appearance over time. 

Other signs that kitchen cabinets need repairing include:

• Cabinet Doors Sag: Uneven alignment can indicate loose hinges struggling to hold the door's weight.
• Squeaking Noises: Hinges that squeak when opening and closing require lubrication, but continuous squeaking indicates internal wear or corrosion and requires hinge replacement.
• Not Closing Properly: If the kitchen cabinet door struggles to stay closed and keeps bouncing open, it indicates that the hinge alignment is incorrect or that the soft-close hinges have lost their damping.

Regularly checking kitchen cabinet hinges helps extend their lifespan and ensure your door operates at peak performance. Replacing outdated hinges with modern Blum-style soft-close hinges can also improve your kitchen’s functionality and appearance.

Protect Cabinet Surfaces

Another method of maintaining kitchen cabinet quality is to protect the surface. There are multiple ways of keeping quality, whether it is glossing or repainting kitchen cabinets. Keeping the surface on top is essential, as it's what people see first, making it a crucial component in making kitchen cabinets visually pleasing.

However, protecting cabinet surfaces is different when it comes to material and finish:

Wood Cabinets:

1. Apply a beeswax furniture polish every 3-6 months, and use a soft cloth.
2. Avoid silicone-based sprays, as this can create buildup and also dull the wooden cabinet finish over time.
3. Make sure the room isn’t too humid to prevent any cracking or warping in the wood.
    

Painted Kitchen Cabinets:

1.  Use a clear acrylic topcoat (semi-gloss) if the painted kitchen cabinet is dulling or chippingAvoid wax, as it can cause yellowing on light-coloured painted cabinet surfaces.
2. Add felt bumpers behind cabinet doors and drawers to prevent paint chipping, smudging and scuffing.

Laminate Cabinets:

1. Wipe often with a microfiber cloth to avoid grease buildup.
2. Apply clear furniture wax or laminate sealant for extra protection against scratching.

Metal Cabinets:

1. Clean with a damp and soapy cloth.
2. Apply a thin coat of automotive wax every few months to prevent rust and fingerprints.
3. If the kitchen cabinets' surfaces are stainless steel, use a stainless steel cleaner and wipe with the grain.

For long-term surface protection, apply a waterborne clear coat for extra strength on wood and painted surfaces. Also, for older laminate, a thin coat of clear polycrylic solution can restore the kitchen cabinets' shine. If you have painted cabinets in your kitchen, repaint them every 5-7 years, especially in high-use kitchens.

Keep on Top of Your Kitchen Cabinet Doors with G Johns & Sons

At G Johns & Sons, we're not just experts but specialists in the door and ironmongery industry. With years of experience, we've honed our craft to perfection, allowing us to confidently offer strategies for various door problems, including how to keep your kitchen cabinet doors in top condition. Our solutions for kitchen cabinet maintenance aren't just fixes; they're meticulously crafted strategies to keep your cabinet doors' surfaces eye-catching and in good working order.

Say goodbye to noisy and sticky kitchen cabinets with our expert advice and solutions. Contact us for all your door ironmongery needs.

Looking for more inspiration? Find out how to choose the perfect cupboard handles to elevate your kitchen’s style.