Durfee Custom Cabinets, Inc.

Care and maintenance is easy. After installation, approximately every few years thereafter, you should clean your cabinets with a mild, non-abrasive soap and water solution applied with a damp (not wet) soft cloth. Be sure to dry thouroughly after wiping down with a damp cloth with a soft and dry lint free towel. This should only be done if it is absolutely necessary. Of course, wipe up any spills as they occur and take care to wipe up and any water around those areas of the kitchen susceptible to moisture (sink,oven,range,dishwasher,etc.) as it collects.

Like fine furniture, wood cabinets should be dusted and or polished periodically with a very soft non-abrasive lint free cloth. Using polish should be done sparingly, if at all, because polishes will build up over time and may affect the beauty of your finish. If you do polish your cabinets, be sure to use a high quality cream or oil furniture polish that does not contain wax or silicone.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Even the best cabinetry finishes are not designed for repeated exposure to soap and water and periodic dusting is always the better alternative.

Do not hang damp towels over doors or from handles or knobs.

Cabinets should be dried off with a soft cloth after cleaning.

Avoid using a dishcloth or sponge - it could contain remnants of grease or detergents.

Wipe up food or water spills as they occur.

To help remove grease buildup, a vinegar/water solution is recommended. This solution will not leave a residue.

Abrasive cleaners, such as ajax, comet, soft scrub etc., should not be used.

Do not use products with bleach or ammonia.

Pledge or other wax products are not recommended as they may yellow over time.  

"Treat your custom cabinets as you would treat the finest wood furniture in your home and they will give you a life time of pleasure." 

Note: The cabinetry you have selected has its own personality and character, as well as a richness and depth in its color and grain. You will be more likely to notice the variations in the grain and color of your cabinetry if you have selected a natural or light finish. If you chose a darker finish choice, those variations will probably be less apparent.

MORE HELPFUL HINTS:

Periodically check to make sure that you are not placing too heavy a load on shelves and drawer bottoms. This is especially important with sliding trays, slide out drawers, lazy susans, and any place where heavy or unbalanced loads can shorten the life expectancy of the moving or mechanical parts.

Minor door alignment can be corrected by adjusting the hinges. Generally, when you open the cabinet door, you will find the side-to-side adjustment slot on the door part of the hinge and the up and down adjustment on the frame portion of the hinge.

Do not mount heat-producing appliances (such as coffeemakers and toaster ovens) beneath cabinets. Excess heat and moisture from these appliances can damage cabinets.

When cleaning glass windows near cabinets or in cabinet doors, always spray the ammonia free glass cleaning products on a soft cotton cloth and then apply to glass to clean it.

Keep in mind that the natural sunlight will tend to darken and change the color of any natural wood products and can also fade painted surfaces. Consider blinds or curtains when the sun shines directly in on the cabinets

If you need more information about caring for your cabinets, please contact us and we'll be glad to answer any questions that you may have.

CLEANING FORMICA-LAMINATE

 Follow these five steps for effective laminate countertop cleaning:

1. For simple cleaning, use a nylon-bristled hand or vegetable brush, along with a mild liquid detergent-and-water solution or household cleaner.
2. For tough stains, use full-strength Fantastik® All Purpose Cleaner, Formula 409®, Pine-Sol® (original formulation) or other mild household cleaner.* Apply the cleanser and allow it to draw out the stain.
3. Clean the soiled area using a rotating motion.
4. Blot with a clean, damp, non-abrasive cotton cloth.
5. Rinse and dry the surface.

When it comes to cleaning laminate, less is more. Never use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool, sandpaper, etc. These can damage the surface finish and make it susceptible to staining.

*We recommend testing the cleaner on a small, discreet area first; Formica Corporation cannot be held responsible if a cleaner changes its formulation and it harms the laminate. For more information, please refer to our Use and Care Warranty.