Your kitchen counters and flooring get a lot of attention every day, but your kitchen cabinets are usually neglected during the routine cleaning and maintenance process. This is despite the fact that they attract a significant amount of dirt, grease, splatter, and residue from your cooking efforts.
If not cleaned regularly and properly, these carefully crafted and beautiful cabinets may quickly lose their dazzling looks and become an eyesore. Besides, unclean kitchen cabinets may also create health risks for your family.
Simply put, kitchen cabinets are among the most neglected things in your kitchen. As they are not cleaned and maintained as regularly as other areas, they can easily attract bacteria and grime. This can quickly turn into a major health hazard for your loved ones.
Scrubbing and cleaning kitchen cabinets can be a monumental task. That could also be a reason why you do not go at the cabinets with the same verve and energy as you do with the other areas of the kitchen during cleaning sessions.
However, maintaining your new or remodelled kitchen cabinets will not only increase their life but also induce a greater sense of hygiene. Importantly, it will provide you with the sense of peace that your cooking space is optimally hygienic.
How Often to Clean Kitchen Cabinets
The thumb rule is that you must clean the exterior of your kitchen cabinets Bahamas every week, or at least every alternate week if you are stressed for time. The interiors of the cabinet need a deep clean every three months. You might shudder at the thought of emptying the entire cabinet, but with a smart approach, you can get this done more quickly than you imagine. Approaching the task one cabinet at a time is the way to do it without stressing yourself.
Keep a list of what you have cleaned to avoid over-cleaning of some areas and complete neglect of some others.
Regular Cabinet Care
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- It is important to clean spills and drips immediately to prevent stain formation on your cabinet finish. Prolonged exposure to oil, water, food particles, and other liquids can result in severe or even permanent damage and/or discoloration.
- Do not hang wet towels over cabinet doors. Constant exposure to moisture may mar the finish and cause irreversible damage.
- Use a microfiber cloth to dust cabinets regularly.
- Never use a dishcloth to clean or dry cabinet exteriors since it may contain remnants of detergents and grease.
Detailed Cabinet Care
Clean exteriors using a damp cloth. Work on a small area at a time. Allow the area to dry thoroughly and wipe with a soft cloth to remove any traces of dampness. Modern kitchen cabinets have several fixed and a few movable components.
High-quality hardware and good workmanship will ensure smooth operation for many years. But some periodic adjustments may be needed, such as tightening hinge screws and adjusting the runners. These parts experience more significant wear and tear and hence need closer attention.
Don’t Let Wood Retain Moisture
Moisture is one of the worst enemies of wooden cabinets. Those near the sink and the dishwasher are more prone to damage. Make sure areas near such cabinets are dry by wiping away moisture regularly.
Ensure Temperature and Humidity Control
Extreme temperature and humidity can cause expansion and contraction of wood. They may swell and cause damage to the finish of your cabinetry. Find a way of regulating temperature and humidity in your kitchen at all times. You can go for a vent/exhaust to remove hot air during the cooking process. This will ensure the longevity of your cabinet and keep it in a good shape for years altogether.
Avoid Using Harsh Cleaning Materials
Harsh cleaning materials can damage the finish of your kitchen cabinets. Strictly avoid using cleaners that contain bleach, ammonia, and organic solvents.
Use Soft Cloth to Prevent Scratches
Never clean your custom kitchen cabinets with scouring pads or abrasive cleaners even if you are tempted to do so as they can help remove stubborn stains with less effort. Use a soft, damp cloth with a bit of mild detergent or stain remover to remove dirt and grime without leaving any marks or scratches behind.
Keep Door Hinges Grime-Free
Hinges can likely attract dirt and grime as they have holes and gaps where dirt can settle quickly without being visible to your eyes. Check hinges and other movable components regularly and remove any accumulated dirt and grime to ensure their smooth functioning.
Take Special Care of Laminates
Laminates give your designer kitchen cabinets that superior finish and classy look. You must clean them carefully and handle them with caution to prevent any damage. Most laminates need basic cleaning once in a while to get back to their original sheen. A soft cloth and some warm water with a mild dishwashing detergent are all you need. Spots and stains can be removed with your regular bathroom cleanser.
For stubborn spots and stains on the laminates of cabinets, it is advisable to use baking soda and water paste. Apply the mixture with a soft bristle brush gently because the mixture might be abrasive. This will help remove the stains and spots on the laminate quickly and easily.
Conclusion
The kitchen is the place where all the action takes place in a home. Kitchen cabinets serve as a reliable source for all your tools and tackles, pots and pans, containers and jars, cups and glasses, and other essentials. That’s why it becomes essential to take care of your kitchen and kitchen cabinets. When they are kept clean and well-maintained, your job of serving your family’s needs becomes easy and enjoyable.
If you follow the tips given above, you will be able to extend the life of your modular kitchen cabinets and get the best value for your investment. You can incorporate your own ideas and try a few innovative ways of keeping your kitchen space spic and span. Do share your thoughts with us here so that they can reach the others too.
Specialty Kitchen & Bath is a premier kitchen and bathroom company operating in Grand Bahama, Bahamas and can help you with the installation of modern & designer Kitchen Cabinets. Contact us for more information today!
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