To maintain appearance, durability, and intended use
Twice a year
Cabinets
- Inspect the hardware. Adjust, tighten, or lubricate knobs, hinges, latches, rollers, and drawer glides.
- Wood cabinets should be cleaned and waxed just like fine furniture.
- Refresh varnished wood cabinets with a good-quality furniture polish once a month. Never use a paraffin-based spray wax.
- Painted cabinets may be cleaned with a mild, non-abrasive detergent on a damp sponge. Scratches can be filled with a matching touch-up crayon available at most hardware stores.
- Plastic-coated cabinets may be cleaned with a detergent solution.
Laminate Countertops
- Verify that any caulking joints are in good condition and well-adhered to both sides of the joint. Water can cause underlying wood material to swell when wetted. Clean joint and re-caulk with matching material as necessary.
- Avoid placing hot items such as pots, pans, and irons on countertop laminate. Heat can liquefy the underlying glue.
- Never cut on laminate countertops. Always use a cutting board.
- Clean with a mild, non-abrasive detergent on a damp sponge or wash rag. Don’t use scrubby pads.
- Avoid prolonged exposure of dishwasher steam to underside of countertop. High humidity and condensation may cause wood warping under laminate.
Ceramic Countertops
- Inspect grout and tile for cracks. Replace cracked tiles and re-grout as necessary.
- White grout can be refreshed by applying a diluted bleach solution with a stiff narrow brush.
