How to Clean Kraftmaid Kitchen Cabinets

To learn about installation or how to extend the life of your KraftMaid Cabinetry, please download the:

Care & Cleaning Guides

We now have two versions of our Care and Cleaning Guide. Which one you need depends on when you received your cabinets.

Our Most Recent Guide

If you received your cabinets AFTER March 1, 2014,
please use this guide.

Our Previous Guide

If you received your cabinets PRIOR to March 1, 2014,
please use this guide.

Wood Cabinet Surfaces

As with all wood products, avoid excessive moisture. KraftMaid cabinetry is designed for use inside the home or other buildings and is not intended for outdoor applications. Once your cabinets have been installed, wipe down all exteriors with a damp cloth to remove dust. Complete a small area at a time and wipe dry. Wood cabinetry finishes may be cleaned and protected by using any commercially available cleaning polish. KraftMaid recommends an emulsion-type cleaner (such as Murphy's Oil Soap). These are formulated without wax, petroleum solvents or silicones. The extended use of wax polishes can result in a wax film buildup, while the use of silicone polishes can harm the cabinet's finish.

Cleaning Agents

Avoid spray-type polishes containing petroleum solvents, as they are flammable and toxic if swallowed. KraftMaid brand polish is available from your local KraftMaid retailer. Use a damp cloth when cleaning normal household spills. After wiping thoroughly, dry the surface with a lint-free cotton cloth. For stubborn stains, it may be necessary to use a mild detergent with warm water. Always dry the surface immediately. Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads or powdered cleansers. Do not allow oven cleaner to touch any part of the cabinet.

NOTE: Do not use a dish cloth to wipe your cabinet exterior, since it may contain remnants of grease or detergents.

Everyday Care

It is important to wipe up spills and water marks as they occur. Give special attention to areas around the sink and dishwasher. Avoid draping damp or wet dish towels over the door of the sink base cabinet. Over time, this moisture can cause permanent water damage to the door. A convenient, out-of-the-way sliding towel rack can be purchased from your local KraftMaid retailer.

Care and Cleaning of Hardware

Periodically, use mild soap and warm water to clean door/drawer knobs or pulls. Thoroughly dry all hardware joints and surfaces and the surrounding area with a clean, soft cloth. Buff hardware with a clean, dry cloth. Lubrication of hinges is not necessary; however, hinges can be cleaned or dusted using cotton-tipped swabs.

CAUTION: Many brass and silver polishes contain harsh chemicals that can damage the hardware's surface. These polishes and cleaners are NOT recommended.

Melamine and Thermofoil Surfaces

KraftMaid's exterior and interior melamine and thermofoil panels are extremely durable and designed to give you years of beauty and trouble-free service. They can be cleaned with most nonabrasive household cleaners. However, agents containing acetone, acetate or ethyl alcohol should not be used. Harsh solvents and/or abrasives such as turpentine may break down bonds on edgebanding and should also be avoided. Ammonia cleaners should be diluted. Certain waxes may lead to discoloration and are not recommended.

If a damp cloth does not sufficiently clean an area, a non-detergent, nonabrasive household cleaner (such as Murphy's Oil Soap) is recommended. For stubborn stains, use mineral spirits (such as Nature Sol).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Apply solvents to a clean cloth and never directly to the cabinet surface. Never leave a cloth moistened with solvents on a cabinet surface for any length of time.

Avoid Excessive Heat

Self-cleaning appliances generate intense heat during a cleaning cycle. Since the integrity of the appliance seal or gasket may be compromised during installation or with age, KraftMaid recommends the removal of doors and/or drawers from cabinets adjacent to or directly above an appliance during a cleaning cycle. This will help prevent possible damage to the finish or surface of these cabinets. KraftMaid also offers a "heat shield" that may be installed on the side panels of an oven cabinet to help deflect excessive heat from adjacent cabinets. To order this part, see your local KraftMaid retailer.

Care and Cleaning of Glass Door Inserts

If your kitchen contains cabinetry accented with glass doors, a few precautions are necessary. Apply glass cleaner to a towel, not directly to the glass. Avoid cleaner contact with lead, white-, gold- or copper-clad mullions. Camed glass inserts may be gently buffed with 0000 steel wool, as this will not scratch glass. Avoid steel wool buffing of joints on gold-, copper- or white-clad mullions, as this will remove the coating. A gold touch-up pen is available from your local KraftMaid retailer. White mullions can be protected by coating with carnauba wax, available at local hardware or automotive stores.

CAUTION: Cloths used to clean camed glass inserts should be laundered separately. Do not mix with clothing.

Care and Cleaning of Mirrors

Cleaner should always be applied to a cloth, not directly to the mirror, and should not be allowed to run or drip into the base trim. Avoid cleaners that contain sodium hydrochloride, phosphoric acid or sulfur (found in products to prevent mildew and fungus). Hair spray and other hair care products often contain chemicals that are caustic to silver and may cause damage to the mirror back. Do not use abrasives.

How to Clean Kraftmaid Kitchen Cabinets

Source: https://www.kraftmaid.com/support/care-clean/

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