How to Care for Your Kitchen Cabinets

A kitchen set is constantly exposed to mechanical and chemical influences, as well as fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Yet, high-quality kitchens can serve reliably for decades while retaining their near-original appearance. However, to ensure such durability, good materials alone are not enough. It's essential to know how to properly care for your kitchen: which products to use on different surfaces, how to maintain them between cleanings, and what gentle use of kitchen furniture truly means. In this article, we’ll share several tips on caring for various kitchen elements and surfaces.

Caring for Kitchen Fronts

Regardless of the material, glossy cabinet fronts without milling are the easiest to maintain. They don’t absorb stains and are easy to clean from dust or fingerprints. Matte surfaces require slightly more effort to clean, but they are not inherently more difficult to care for.

Chipboard (Particle Board)

Modern chipboard used in high-quality kitchens is moisture-resistant and can withstand occasional exposure to steam or water without warping. However, proper care depends on the specific surface finish:

• Melamine – Sensitive to high temperatures. Avoid placing a frequently boiling kettle or open flame nearby. Clean with mild soap or silicone-based products that remove dirt without streaking.
• Plastic – Should be protected from direct sunlight, as it fades quickly. Avoid abrasives and acid-based cleaners. Light dirt can be wiped away with paper towels, sponges, or soft cloths. Stubborn stains can be treated with standard cleaners overnight. Use organic cleaners for grease. Always dry the surface afterward.
• Veneer – Less prone to water damage than solid wood but still dislikes excess moisture. Dust with a well-wrung cloth and use wood-specific cleaners during deep cleaning.

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)

MDF is generally resistant to moisture and steam and doesn’t require special care.

• Acrylic & Enamel – Clean with soapy water or specialty cleaners free from abrasives. Use a clean, white, soft cloth dampened with a 1% soap solution to remove fine scratches.
• Veneered MDF – Clean similarly to veneered chipboard. Remove water droplets immediately with a soft cloth. Dry vacuuming using a soft brush attachment is also recommended.

Solid Wood

This material is the most demanding. Avoid getting it too wet. Dust should be removed with a dry cloth. Clean using wood-specific products, and periodically treat the surface with protective polishes for wooden furniture.

Caring for Countertops and Backsplashes

These kitchen components endure the heaviest use as part of the work zone. Countertops are wiped down multiple times daily, and backsplashes often need cleaning more frequently than general kitchen cleanings.

• Laminated Chipboard – Can tolerate splashes if wiped promptly, especially along seams. However, it's prone to scratches from knives or abrasive cleaners. Use a soft, dry cloth or suede with polish-based cleaners.
• Artificial Stone – Highly durable, but do not leave spilled liquids for long or expose to extreme heat. Clean with a damp cloth and a neutral-pH detergent. For tough stains, use non-abrasive cleaners. Use mild abrasives like to restore gloss.
• Tempered Glass – Use a microfiber cloth and degreaser. Glass doesn’t absorb stains and is easy to clean. Glass cleaners are also suitable.

Caring for Cabinets

Regardless of material, cabinets should be wiped regularly inside and out with a damp cloth and, if needed, a degreasing cleaner. Always let the surfaces dry before refilling the cabinets to avoid long-term moisture damage. For painted fronts, use finishing cleaner and matching polishing cloths.

Caring for Hardware and Mechanisms

Hinges support heavy doors, and drawer slides carry weighty contents. It’s normal for them to shift slightly over time. Even top-quality hardware needs occasional lubrication and adjustment. Tighten any loose components as needed.

Caring for Appliances

Kitchen appliances get dirty and require appropriate cleaning products tailored to their materials. Cleaners suitable for oven glass, for example, may damage stainless steel cooktops. Always check that the cleaner matches the appliance and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Sink Care

Sink maintenance is essential for overall kitchen hygiene.

• Artificial Stone Sinks – Should be cleaned regularly and treated with protective products to maintain longevity.
• Stainless Steel Sinks – Avoid aggressive chemicals, as they can cause darkening and reduce durability.

In both cases, do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh sponges, which can cause scratches — especially visible on metal and problematic for stone surfaces. Also, maintain the faucet by cleaning it regularly and descaling the aerator where particles can accumulate.

General Kitchen Care Tips

• Direct sunlight can cause fading and premature material deterioration due to heat.
• Extreme temperatures affect both materials and mechanisms — always use heat-resistant pads for hot dishes.
• Despite the moisture resistance of modern kitchen materials, do not test their limits — wipe up spills immediately.
• Distribute the weight in cabinets and drawers evenly to avoid overloading and damaging the hardware.

When you purchase a kitchen from Interium Cabinets, you’ll receive detailed care instructions for your kitchen furniture and appliances. Our designer-managers will help you select the most practical materials and offer helpful maintenance advice.