Your New Cabinets from Tile Center
We’re thrilled you chose Tile Center for your cabinetry. Our cabinets are built to hold up through the demands of daily life, but a few smart habits will go a long way in keeping them looking and functioning like new. A little routine attention now means years of lasting beauty ahead.
General Cabinet Care Tips
Natural Aging
Wood is a living material, and one of its most appealing qualities is the way it develops character over time. Gradual darkening is a natural part of that process. Areas that receive direct sunlight will tend to deepen in tone more quickly than shaded areas. Planning your window treatments and lighting with this in mind can help keep the overall appearance balanced.
Dimensional Changes
Because wood responds to its environment, shifts in humidity and temperature can cause it to expand, contract, or shift slightly across seasons. Keeping your home within a temperature range of 60°F to 80°F and a humidity range of 30% to 55% will help minimize these effects. Conditions outside this range risk cracked joints, warped panels, or stress on door and drawer components.
How to Care for Different Cabinet Materials
Stained & Painted Cabinets
- Wipe surfaces using a soft, lint-free cloth with a mild soap and warm water solution.
- Follow up immediately with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture from the surface.
- Clean up spills, grease splatters, and water marks as soon as they occur to prevent staining or finish damage.
- Do not use dishcloths or kitchen sponges that may carry grease residue or strong detergents.
- Bleach, ammonia, and abrasive cleaning products should never come into contact with cabinet surfaces.
- Keep steel wool, scouring pads, and powdered cleansers away from all cabinet finishes.
- Position small appliances so that any heat venting does not blow directly onto nearby cabinet surfaces.
- Never hang wet towels or damp clothing over cabinet doors, as prolonged moisture exposure can cause irreversible damage.
Laminate Cabinets (Matte & High-Gloss)
- Peel off any protective film within 6 months of installation to prevent adhesive from bonding to the surface.
- Allow 24 hours after film removal before introducing any cleaning products to the surface.
- Clean using a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with a mild soap solution at no more than 1% concentration.
- Always apply cleaners to the cloth first. Never spray product directly onto the laminate surface.
- Dry the surface thoroughly right after cleaning to protect against water infiltration or swelling.
- Solvents, alcohol, and ammonia-based products can permanently alter the laminate finish and should be avoided entirely.
High-Gloss Acrylic Cabinets
- Keep acrylic panels away from prolonged direct sunlight and never store them in outdoor conditions.
- Clean with a damp microfiber cloth or chamois using a gentle soap and water solution only.
- Always dampen the cloth before wiping. Dry-wiping acrylic can introduce fine scratches that dull the surface over time.
- Acetone, paper towels, abrasive cloths, and strong chemical cleaners are all off-limits for acrylic finishes.
Accessory Kits & Hardware
- Wash plastic or wire cabinet inserts with mild soap and water as needed.
- Keep abrasive sponges, solvents, and harsh cleaning agents away from all hardware components.
- Clean drawer pulls and door handles with nothing stronger than a mild soap and water solution.
Things That Can Damage Your Cabinets
- Humidity Extremes: Excessive moisture causes wood to swell and warp, while overly dry conditions lead to shrinking and cracking. Keep indoor humidity within the recommended range year-round.
- Moisture Exposure: Wipe up any liquid immediately, and give extra attention to areas around the sink, dishwasher, and countertop edges where water tends to collect.
- Wet Towels & Mops: Do not drape damp towels over cabinet doors. When mopping floors, wring out the mop thoroughly beforehand to keep water away from the base and toe kick of your cabinetry.
- Hot Appliances: Avoid positioning appliances that produce or vent heat directly beneath upper cabinets, as sustained heat exposure can damage finishes and joints.
- Drawer Misuse & Overloading: Keep drawer loads at or below 75 lbs and distribute weight as evenly as possible. Never stand or apply downward pressure on an open drawer.
Well-maintained cabinets are an investment that pays off every single day. If you have questions about caring for your specific cabinet style or finish, our team at Tile Center is happy to help. Stop by our showroom in Gaithersburg or contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.