Caring for your handmade cabinetry – for good looks that last
Cabinetry is one of the hardest working aspects of your new kitchen – or any other room in your home where handmade cabinetry has been built around your needs.
Whether it’s a painted shaker style, a sleek high-gloss finish or a contemporary laminated surface, the right care will ensure your cabinetry retains its appearance and functionality for years to come.
Here, we share our guide on how to care for the external surface of your handmade cabinetry, as well as its internal components, to keep it looking beautiful – and working perfectly – for life.
Painted finish
Painted cabinetry always looks classic and timeless – and the design possibilities are endless. With thoughtful care, you can keep it looking spotless.
Daily maintenance couldn’t be simpler: wipe surfaces with a soft, damp cloth and a mild, non-abrasive detergent to remove every day minor splashes. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach-based cleaners or scouring pads, as these can damage the paint finish.
Areas around handles and edges can be more prone to marks where oils from hands can build up over time. Regular gentle cleaning prevents discolouration. For stubborn marks, a diluted solution of washing-up liquid is usually sufficient.
High gloss acrylic
Fresh and contemporary, high gloss acrylic cabinetry gives a striking, reflective finish.
To ensure that it retains its flawless appearance, a microfibre cloth is ideal for quickly removing any finger marks or smudges as the soft texture gently lifts dirt whilst polishing the gloss surface.
Avoid abrasive cleaners or rough cloths, as these can dull the shine or cause fine scratches. For best results, clean with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent, then buff dry to restore the gloss.
High performance moisture-resistant MDF
High performance MDF such as Finsa Hidrofugo Plus is designed with moisture resistance in mind, making it particularly suitable for high-humidity environments such as kitchens and bathrooms. It has been designed to prevent swelling and deterioration when cabinetry is exposed to steam.
Its superior smoothness reduces paint absorption, which means that it is an ideal surface for high-quality painting or lacquering.
To maintain its immaculate appearance, wipe away excess moisture promptly, especially around joints and edges. Whilst this material is highly moisture-resistant, prolonged standing water should still be avoided. A soft cloth and mild cleaner will keep the surface in excellent condition.
Laminated chipboard and MDF
Laminated chipboard and MDF are popular choices for cabinetry design due to their exceptional durability. The laminate layer offers huge potential for creative design with the abundance of contemporary textures and colour tones available.
The laminate layer is also highly practical. A damp cloth and mild detergent are ideal for everyday cleaning. It’s best to avoid soaking the surface, particularly at joins, to prevent any risk of water ingress.
Decorative panels
Decorative panels can be used to elevate cabinetry design and, importantly, add a unique and personal twist to your aesthetic.
Many modern panels have antibacterial properties, making them a hygienic choice for spaces exposed to moisture and frequent use, such as bathrooms.
Maintenance of decorative panels is straightforward: regular wiping with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner is typically all that’s required.
Natural wood
Natural wood finishes bring a charm and beauty all of their own, but they require a more specific approach to care and maintenance to keep them looking their best.
Read our detailed guide on caring for wooden surfaces.
Handles and hardware
Handles are probably the most frequently touched parts of cabinetry and can accumulate grease, fingerprints and residue. Regular cleaning using a soft cloth and mild detergent is all that’s needed.
For metal finishes, avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners that may tarnish or scratch the surface. Dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water marks.
Metals such as brass, copper and nickel develop a beautiful, natural patina that gives them the character that comes from being part of your home.
Hinges and drawer mechanisms
While often overlooked, hinges and drawer runners play a crucial role in how your cabinetry performs over time.
To keep them functioning smoothly:
- Gently brush away dust and debris periodically
- Avoid overloading drawers beyond their recommended capacity
- If necessary, lightly lubricate moving parts
Soft-close mechanisms generally require little maintenance but can benefit from occasional inspection to ensure alignment and smooth operation.
Our Lifetime guarantee
To give you complete peace of mind, our cabinetry is backed by a lifetime guarantee covering all structural elements that we handmake and install.
This includes carcasses, frames, doors, drawers, shelves, panels and joints, along with the replacement of faulty hinges and drawer runners where necessary.
We also know that natural settlement can occur following installation, which is why we schedule a follow-up visit within four to six weeks to make any required adjustments.
Should further refinements be needed, we’ll continue to support your cabinetry for up to six months post-installation, ensuring everything performs exactly as it should.
For beautiful, handmade cabinetry that truly lasts as lifetime, please visit our welcoming showroom, or call us on 01959 53 22 33 to book your design appointment.
