DIY maintenance tips for kitchen cabinets

Is your kitchen in need of some TLC? Here are some super easy DIY maintenance tips for kitchen cabinets to keep them looking brand-new for years to come.

With the constant exposure to heat, dirt, and grease, kitchen cabinets can get damaged and stained. Over time they may lose their shine and appeal. In order to avoid this mess, a regular maintenance routine for your cabinets will keep them looking brand-new.

There is a wide range of kitchen cabinet materials out there: wood, metal, thermofoil and laminate. As such, some tips are best suited for specific materials.

• Kitchen cabinets need regular cleaning from the outside with a mild solution of detergent (or liquid soap) and warm water, to get rid of dirt, grease or stains.
• Before drying, rinse surfaces thoroughly with a clean cloth.

This is an easy method of kitchen cabinet maintenance that is suitable for all listed materials.

When cabinets are not cleaned for ages, the grease or dirt build-up may be too much for a mild solution to remove. This mostly happens with wood. In this case:

• Use commercial-strength cleaners designed for kitchen cabinets to break down stubborn stains.
• Important: Always test the cleaner on a hidden spot to ensure it is not too harsh. Otherwise you may damage the cabinet's surface.

Remove all items from inside the cabinets. Then, wash the interior with a solution of detergent (or liquid soap) and warm water, with the help of a clean cloth. Rinse with another clean cloth, and wipe them dry. You can also use a vacuum cleaner before washing if the cabinets have lots of residue and dirt.

• After cleaning, line the shelves inside with paper, vinyl or a rubber sheet to allow for easier cleaning and to prevent scratches. Paper is cheap but not washable, while vinyl and rubber are both washable—and offer different levels of cushioning.

• When cleaning, avoid using sponges or dishtowels. The moisture in them can cause permanent damage to the cabinet’s finish, like peeling or discolouration.
• Having blinds or draperies on your kitchen windows will protect your cabinet's wood from direct sunlight, which can darken the colour over time.

Nicks and scratches frequently occur on cabinet doors, no matter how much we try to avoid them.

Although they are hard to remove, try a home remedy by melting a crayon that matches your cabinetry color, then rubbing it into the mark. You can also ask a local cabinet manufacturer for markers or touch-up pens made for such purposes.

Kitchen cabinet maintenance becomes inexpensive and less time consuming when regular care is provided. Follow these impossibly easy DIY maintenance tips, and you'll preserve their lustre and value for years to come.