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Cabinet Care

Our cabinetry requires minimal maintenance. Dust or clean periodically with a slightly damp cloth, following the wood grain. Avoid dish towels, sponges, scouring pads, and abrasive cleaners. Clean spills immediately and keep cabinets dry. Use mild dish soap and warm water, or baking soda and vinegar, but avoid bleach and ammonia. Do not wax or polish. Natural wood will darken with age and exposure to sunlight. Dimensional changes due to moisture are normal. Use coasters and hot pads on horizontal surfaces, and avoid placing heat-emitting appliances nearby. Drawer glides and hinges need no maintenance. Cabinets cure fully in 30 days; contact us for touch-up kits.

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Taking Care of Your Investment

Our cabinetry is designed and crafted to require minimal maintenance. They should be dusted or cleaned periodically, like any wood furniture.

 

CLEANING

  • Clean all spills or water immediately - wood cabinets should be kept dry.

  • Dust cabinets with a slightly damp cloth. Follow the grain of the wood when dusting as wiping across the grain can cause scratches.

  • Use only clean, soft cloths. Do not use dish towels or sponges as they can contain grease. Never use scouring pads, steel wool, or powdered cleaners.

  • Do not allow oven cleaners to come in contact with wood finishes.

  • Mild dishwashing detergents and warm water can be used for more thorough cleaning of cabinets. Baking soda and/or vinegar can be used as well. Do not use products containing bleach, ammonia, or abrasive additives.

  • Waxing or polishing is not recommended as this can create a film or wax build-up on your cabinetry and can result in surface damage, smudges, or streaks.

  • Always test all products on a small, non-visible spot of your cabinetry before use.

  • Always dry cabinets immediately after cleaning.

  • Avoid placing small kitchen appliances where heat is directed onto cabinet surfaces.

  • Avoid draping damp cloths or dish towels over cabinet doors. Excessive moisture can cause permanent damage.

 

DARKENING

Remember that all natural woods normally darken with age. Please note that this is part of the wood’s natural character and there is no prevention for this process. Woods subjected to prolonged direct sunlight will darken faster.

 

DIMENSIONAL CHANGES

Wood is a naturally porous material, so it absorbs and releases moisture, which causes unavoidable swelling or shrinking. This can cause dimensional changes and minor warping. These dimensional changes are often related to changing seasons and may reverse themselves as the seasons change again. This is also a natural process that is not preventable.

 

HORIZONTAL SURFACES

Do not slide items across the surface. Instead, 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 hot pots/pans. Never set synthetic materials like rubber or plastic directly on the wood, as these chemicals can transfer into the finish.

 

DRAWERS & INTERIORS

Drawer glides and hinges should not need any periodic maintenance or lubrication. Our cabinetry interiors and standard shelves have a durable urethane-coated surface that cleans up easily with mild soap and water. When cleaning interiors, be careful to avoid excess water that can make its way into the interior joinery.

 

CURING TIME

Our cabinetry uses the highest quality Sherwin Williams stains, sealers, and topcoats. All of these finishes require a period of curing to take place, approximately 30 days, so the film can achieve its full performance properties. *Does not include Ice White, Signature Pearl, and Gramercy White*

 

SURFACE DAMAGE

A touch-up/repair kit is available for purchase to hide or repair minor scratches, blemishes, or damages. Contact us to purchase a touch up/repair kit for your specific door style of cabinetry at info@fairfaxkitchencabinets.com

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