Tips to Maintain Your Cabinets
There is something about having clean cabinets in Michigan that can set your hearts aflutter. Not only can it make your home look bright and crisp in aesthetic, but it can also bring you a sense of calmness. Different cabinet surfaces will require different cleaning techniques. Whether you have cabinets that are stained, painted, or laminated, they all require special attention.
Taking the time to maintain your cabinets in Michigan can increase its overall lifespan and it can greatly add more value to your home. In order to do this, below are a few simple tips and cleaning practices to keep them looking their best.
• Avoid direct sunlight: If your cabinets or laminated surfaces are under direct sunlight, it can have a damaging effect on your them, especially if they are made from natural wood. Painted wood cabinets, laminated, or thermofoil surfaces are the most susceptible to fading or turning yellow from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. To prevent this, you may install blinds, curtains, or even tinted glass windows. This way, you will be protecting your cabinetry and worktops from the strong beams of light.
• Avoid excessive moisture: One of the worst enemies of any cabinet finish is moisture. Cabinetry is more susceptible if they are near the sink, dishwasher, or baseboard. If they are wet, it is important to dry off any areas immediately where the water has spilled. If your cabinets are in the kitchen or bathroom, avoid draping used towels or other wet items over the doors.
• Use dishwashing soap for the exterior: If you tend to clean your cabinets on a regular basis, then you probably will not accumulate as much grease. A simple and quick solution would be to use dishwashing soap and warm water to get the job done. Simply wet your rag in warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing soap. Then, scrub your rag in a circular motion and be sure to rinse your rag afterward to avoid spreading grease around.
• Use vinegar and baking soda for heavy grease: If dishwashing soap does not do the trick, then you can use vinegar or baking soda to keep your cabinets looking fresh and bright. You can create a cleaning solution by using one cup of vinegar, one tablespoon of baking soda, and two cups of warm water. Just dip a rag in the solution, wring out the excess liquid, and wipe your cabinet down. Doing this at least once a month is highly recommended.
• Open your cabinet doors: Every other day, it is good to leave your cabinet doors open for an hour or so to let everything dry out and breathe. This can also be a good time to throw away any expired items you have inside.
• Empty your cabinets: Remove all your items from the cabinets and set them aside in a temporary area. You may also remove the cabinet lining. Once this is done, it can be easier to clean once everything is entirely removed from the frame. If there are any crumbs or solid debris, you can consider using a vacuum.
• Always turn on your exhaust fan: For you kitchen cabinetry, it is only normal for grease particles to cause staining. To stop the grease from accumulating on your cabinets, it is best to switch on the exhaust fan or range hood as soon as you begin cooking.
• Add cabinet lining: While this is optional, it can be very helpful. The lining can protect your cabinets from any water damage and prevent any of your items such as glassware from being chipped when you put it away.
• Nooks and Crannies: If you encounter any nooks and crannies on your cabinets, then you will need extra time and care to remove the dirt in its tight places. In order to do this, you can use a microfiber cloth and wrap it around a table knife to really get into those flat areas that need cleaning. Be careful not to penetrate the cloth too hard, otherwise, it may create even deeper damages.
Maintaining your cabinets in Michigan will not only increase its useful life, but it will also look as good as new so you can enhance your enjoyment of the space for several years to come. By using the guide above, you are sure to avoid any potential damage.
