Hi, friends!
I hope you are having a great week! Today, I want to share some helpful and practical tips for keeping your kitchen cabinets fresh and in good condition for the long haul. Whether you have a new kitchen or an older kitchen, making sure your cabinets stay clean and free from damage will keep them lasting for years and will help them hold value. Really if you think about it, just like anything else we do, if we put time and energy into keeping the things in our home tidy and fresh, it is like making an investment into our homes!
Let me emphasize that the recommendations I have laid out for you are true for most cabinet surfaces, but FOR SURE they are tried and true for the kitchen makeovers we have done over the years, including our own. That said, let’s dive into it!
Here are some of our past kitchen projects that feature the cabinets and surfaces that I am talking about today. Plus, you will some photos of my own kitchen where I definitely employ these measures to maintain beautiful cabinets!
SOME OF FUNCYCLED’S FAVORITE KITCHEN PROJECTS
MY OWN KITCHEN
BASIC CARE
- Make sure you wipe them down daily with a mild spray cleanser. I recommend Mrs. Meyers all purpose cleaner.
- For best results, I suggest spraying onto a soft microfiber cloth and then wiping down the cabinets rather than spraying directly onto the cabinets. This multipack of cloths is so helpful for all of my cleaning needs.
- Definitely be sure to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges.
- If you need to quickly wipe an immediate spill, your best bet is to grab a paper towel and quickly wipe it up. You can go back later to address any residue. I like Bounty or Viva. They really are the some of the softest and most absorbent options.
DEEPER CLEANING
- For grimier project or to help cut down on grease build up, mix warm water with a mild detergent such as dawn dish soap.
- You can use a microfiber cloth or a non abrasive sponge. I like these biodegradable and colorful sponges.
- After cleaning with the detergent, you should rinse with just warm water and wipe dry with another microfiber cloth.
- To avoid buildup, schedule a deeper clean every 3 to 4 months.
TOUCHING UP PAINT
- For minor scratches, very gently wipe just around the edge of the scratch with a dry cloth to remove any loose paint pieces. I recommend using a basic washcloth for this.
- Make sure all loose pieces have been removed by wiping again with a lightly dampened cloth and letting dry for 5 – 10 minutes to ensure no moisture.
- Be sure to mix your paint thoroughly before applying any to the surface of the cabinets.
- Gently apply a small amount of matching paint. (If your project was completed by FunCycled, you should have received extra paint.) Use a small angled wedge foam paint brush for application.
- Let paint dry for 60 minutes. Apply another light coat as needed and let dry for another 60 minutes.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
- Use clear cabinet door bumpers, applied to the inside top and bottom corners of the edge of your cabinet door opposite of the hinges.
- Make sure you store leftover paint in a well sealed, container. I like these that are clear and you can write on them. Each container also includes a stainless steal mixer.
- Avoid letting spills or high amounts of moisture sit on the surface of your cabinets for long periods of time.
- Avoid situations where your cabinets will have direct contact with heat.
- Use protective shelf liners to prolong the life of inside surfaces as well. I like this option because it is non adhesive but it stays in place so it is less prone to moving around.
LARGER REPAIRS AND PROJECTS
Over time, wear and tear will happen. It comes with the beauty and blessing of living in our spaces! For projects that require a larger scope (large scratches or well worn areas), FunCycled offers touch up services for our former cabinet clients.
I hope you will begin to employ some of these tips for your kitchen. Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture.
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We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you, again, for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do.
Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)
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