Although you receive a life-time warranty with any Wood-Mode/Brookhaven order, it’s important to know how to take care of your cabinetry.  Through the years, wood will react to environmental changes.  Excessive exposure to sunlight can gradually mellow the wood and wood finishes.  Also, the chemicals from our skin can break down the finish over time around knobs and handles.

Below, I’ve outlined instructions that can help minimize finish wear.  DO NOT use abrasive cleansers or pads!  They will scratch cabinet surfaces quicker than anything else.  On laminate cabinetry, scratches may be irreparable!

Stained Finishes

Use a soft cloth and a mild soapy water solution to remove dirt & grease.  Rinse immediately with a clean cloth and dry with a clean soft cloth, using light pressure.  Avoid vigorous rubbing, as this tends to raise glossy spots, marring the original finish.  Never use strong soaps, detergents or liquid wax cleaners with dirt cutting agents on wood finishes.  I suggest a mild mixture of two cups of water and two teaspoons of liquid dish detergent in a spray bottle.  Dawn is very mild.  You can get it at the grocery store.

Opaque Painted and Matte Finishes

NEVER use waxes on opaque or matte finishes!  Simply wipe clean using a soft cloth with a mild soapy water solution.  Rinse immediately after with a clean damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth.

Plastic Laminate Cabinets

Clean with a mild soapy water solution, rinse and wipe dry using a soft cloth.  If necessary, remove stubborn stains with a grease-cutting agent.  Clean afterward with a mild soapy water solution, rinse and wipe dry.

Metallic Laminates or Insert Panels

Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, powders, sandpaper or steel wool.  These will permanently damage the surface and appearance!  Acids, solvents, alkaline or ammonia-based cleaners or other liquids (other than mild soap and water) may etch, oxidize or otherwise damage the surface and appearance.

To Remove Fingerprints, Oil or Sugar-Based Stains

Use a mild (diluted) liquid dish detergent and a soft damp cotton cloth.  Clean in the direction of the metal grain, pattern or texture; avoid harsh rubbing.  Rinse and remove any residual moisture with a clean, dry cotton cloth.

Hinges

Lubricate hinges annually for extended life and optimum performance with white lithium spray grease.  If hinges loosen over time tighten screws to restore hinges to their original operating condition.  Remove the hinge cap on frameless cabinets to access the hinge screws.

Please note that this is a basic guide to protect your cabinets.  For further details, contact Columbia CabinetWorks or Wood-Mode for advice.

-Laura