With proper care, cabinets built by San Diego Cabinets will provide a lifetime of use and satisfaction. Proper care involves attentive cleaning, polishing, and careful avoidance of damaging household cleaners.

Tips for Wood Products

The beauty of wood is in the variation in graining and hue. Because wood is a natural product, it has inherent variation. This variation includes many natural characteristics as a result of tree growth patterns, as well as differences in wood color and grain due to variations in forest growing conditions. We apply and then hand wipe our stains to bring out the natural character and sheen of the wood.

Upon Installation

Wipe the cabinets clean with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately with another clean, soft cloth. Always wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Apply a thin coat of high quality polish. Choose a polish that does not contain silicone or wax, and follow the manufacturer's directions for application. A high-quality polish will aid in protection from minor scratching, staining and excessive moisture.

Basic Cleaning

Routine cleaning with the appropriate materials will help prevent long-term damage to your finish. Wipe with a dampened cloth and promptly wipe dry. Use a clean cloth dampened with a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and water to remove oil, grease, food residue or daily spills. Do not use your dishcloth to clean the cabinets as it may contain remnants of detergents and grease that can have a harmful effect on the finish. Avoid using cleaners that contain the following: bleach, ammonia, citrus products, mineral oil, organic solvents; harsh detergents, strong soaps, abrasive cleansers; or self-polishing waxes, particularly products that contain silicone. We do not recommend using paste wax because of the “build up” and “yellowing” effects over time. We do recommend the use of a high-quality cream furniture polish.

Wipe Spills Promptly

Many substances become difficult to remove and may stain or cause other damage upon prolonged contact. If a spill occurs, wipe it promptly with a damp cloth or sponge and dry the surface immediately. Use a blotting action rather than a wiping action to remove the substance.

Avoid Excessive Moisture

This is one of the worst enemies of any finish. Cabinetry near the sink, dishwasher, and baseboards are most susceptible. Dry off any areas immediately where water has spilled. Avoid draping dishtowels or other wet items over doors or placing coffee makers where steam vents directly onto cabinet surfaces.

Avoid Temperature and Humidity Extremes

Extremes in temperature and humidity can cause wood to expand and contract, swell, warp, and dry out possibly damaging the finish of your cabinetry. It is important to control the temperature and humidity in your home all year long. You should allow minor cabinet warping to go through one heating cycle before considering replacement.

Avoid Exposure to Harsh Cleaners

Harsh cleaners can damage the finish of your cabinetry. Avoid cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, citric acid, including orange and lemon oil, and organic solvents.

Avoid Exposure to Waxes

Most common self-polishing waxes can damage your finish. Take care to use only high-quality cream furniture polishes available from high-end furniture or paint stores. Guard against scratching and abrasion.
clean with a soft, damp cloth when necessary. Avoid using scouring pads and abrasive cleansers as they may dull fine finishes.

Guard Against Plastic and Rubber

Use felt or cloth under plastic or rubber objects as their ingredients may react with wood counter tops.

Tips for Laminate Products

With proper care, laminate products will last a lifetime. Generally, a damp sponge is all you need for every day maintenance of laminate surfaces.

Basic Cleaning

Use a soft cloth to wash surface with warm water and a mild dishwashing detergent. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Use an all-purpose cleaner or bathroom cleanser to remove spots and stains.

Stubborn Spots and Stains

Mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Use a soft bristle brush to gently rub the spot in a circular motion. The paste will be slightly abrasive, so work carefully, pressing very lightly. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Repeat the process as long as you're making progress. If the stain remains, use undiluted household bleach; the label should read 5% solution of sodium hypo chlorite. Take special care to protect your eyes, skin and clothing. Apply the bleach using a wet sponge or paper towel, place it on the stain and let sit for no longer than one and a half minutes. Rinse repeatedly with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

Avoid Aggressive Acids

Avoid products containing aggressive acids or abrasives as they may cause damage to laminate finishes (Lime-A-Way, Soft Scrub, Tilex, etc.

Avoid Chips and Scratches

Avoid the use of abrasive cleansers and cleaning tools. Some “stiff” paper towels may leave tiny scratches that dull the surface. Always use a soft cloth when cleaning laminate surfaces. Never use a laminate counter top as a cutting surface. Use a chopping block when cutting to avoid chipping and scratching. Fine scratches may be covered with a light spray furniture polish.

Wood Maple Chopping Block

Our top quality Butcher Block is intended to be used as a true cutting surface. Clean it like you would any cutting surface, taking care not to allow water to remain on the surface for any prolonged length of time.

Periodically Reseal the Surface

Occasionally use mineral or vegetable oil to reseal and help preserve your butcher block. Reseal only the area on which you frequently cut. Upon years of heavy use, it may become necessary to refinish the block. Sand off the finish and reseal using either a mineral or vegetable oil, or with “Good Stuff” Urethane Gel clear protective finish.