Easy guidelines to keep your kitchen doors & panels looking fantastic

Easy guidelines to keep your kitchen doors & panels looking fantastic

So you’ve splashed out on a new kitchen, but how to keep that crisp and clean when you’ll be busy cooking, eating and spending time in it? Here is some helpful guidelines that you can follow:

Melamine Doors and Panels

With these maintenance-free cabinet doors and panels, you won’t have to worry about the natural warping or fading overtime that comes with wooden doors.

• For daily cleaning routines, use only a mild soapy solution. Wipe down with a damp cloth and dry with a soft micro fibre anti-scratch cloth working in a circular motion and make sure there's no soapy residue left behind
• For stubborn stain that cannot be removed with soap and water alone, use a mixture of water and white vinegar to safely and naturally remove the stain.
• Dust with a soft cloth only
• Do not use wax-furniture polish – this will not clean the unit and leave marks
• Don’t use any cleaning products that contain hygienic aroma, acetone or glass cleaners – this can tarnish the cupboards over time
• Also do not use cleaning products with abrasive particles – this will scratch the cupboards

Veneer & Solid Wood Doors and Panels

Generally, veneer and solid wood cabinet doors and panels will have a varnish or lacquer finish which is designed to protect the natural wood from moisture, which can cause cracks and discolouration. This means that it’s actually fairly easy to keep wood kitchen doors looking good.

• For every day cleaning, use a micro fibre anti-scratch cloth when cleaning and use a very mild soapy solution. Wipe down with a damp cloth and dry with a soft micro fibre anti-scratch cloth working in a circular motion and make sure there's no soapy residue left behind
• Following the grain pattern of the wood use a  soft cloth for dusting
• To remove any fingerprints and marks, use a damp cloth to and dry with a soft cloth
• If you notice any spots of grease or food, clean them off as soon as possible – trying to remove marks after they’ve dried and hardened will only damage the surface
• Don’t use any cleaning products that contain abrasive particles, acetone, glass cleaners or hygienic aroma
• If your doors haven’t been varnish, you may need to keep a slightly closer eye on them and use cleaning products specifically made for wood
• You may be aware that colour of the wood might change over the years when exposed to light

High-gloss and Ultra-gloss Doors and Panels

Although these doors and panels are the ultimate in modern, minimalist design; finger marks, spots and spills really show up.

• Clean with a damp, soft cloth such as a micro-fibre anti-scratch cloth with a gentle detergent and wipe down with a damp cloth and dry with a soft micro fibre anti-scratch cloth working in a circular motion and make sure there's no soapy residue left behind
• If the soapy water leaves streaks on the doors, perhaps try using a glass cleaning spray – or even just some vinegar diluted in water
• As with any of the above mentioned finishes, do not use any abrasive cleaners, acetone or hygienic aroma

Painted / Duco Doors and Panels

High-gloss or semi-gloss painted or Duco finish are  more durable and easier to wipe clean than satin or matte finish, but take care not to use anything so harsh that you end up striping the paint or damaging the finish.

• A mild detergent is a great cleaner for this type of surface, but takes care not to use anything too abrasive - check product labels to see what surfaces they’re suitable for
• As with any of the above mentioned finishes, do not use any abrasive cleaners, acetone or hygienic aroma
• Wipe any excess down with a soft micro fibre anti-scratch cloth working in a circular motion and make sure there's no soapy residue left behind
• High-gloss or semi-gloss doors and panels will require regular wiping down, but staining should be less of an issue
• Remember, painted doors can always be resprayed if necessary