Cabinet Care & Cleaning (Designer Hand-Off)

Keep the finish looking luxe long after install. This quick guide covers painted & stained wood, TFL/HPL laminates, and thermofoil/3DL—using methods that protect sheen, color, and film integrity. Share it with clients at turnover and pair it with your punch-list packet.

Daily / Weekly Basics

• Dust: Soft microfiber only.

• Clean: pH-neutral cleaner or a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water. Wipe → rinse with a damp water-only cloth → dry immediately.

• Spills/Splashes: Blot promptly (coffee, wine, citrus, oils, cleaners). Standing moisture at seams and toe-kicks is the enemy.

Avoid ammonia/bleach, abrasive powders, scouring pads, melamine “magic eraser” sponges, furniture polishes with silicone, and solvent/oil cleaners. These can dull or soften the finish and leave residues that attract dirt.

Finish-Specific Notes

Painted & 2K Polyurethane / Conversion Varnish

• Great chemical/abrasion resistance, but still clean gently.

• Degrease with the soap-and-water method; for fingerprints, add a single drop of dish soap to a damp microfiber.

• Do not use wax, silicone polish, or abrasive pads—these cause sheen change and streaking.

Wood Veneer (Stained/Clear)

• Same cleaning as above; dry immediately to protect edges and seams.

• Maintain indoor RH ~35–55% to limit seasonal movement.

• Limit direct UV when possible; use shades to reduce long-term color shift.

TFL/HPL (Thermally Fused & High-Pressure Laminates)

• Highly stain/scratch resistant—ideal for interiors and flats.

• Soap-and-water is sufficient. For stubborn marks, a light wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol on microfiber, then rinse and dry.

• Specify/maintain PUR edgebanding for best moisture defense; don’t flood edges with water.

Thermofoil / 3DL

• Seamless, easy-clean; protect from concentrated heat.

• Install/keep heat shields at ovens/dishwashers; run ventilation.

• Wipe condensation right away.

Hardware & Hinges

• Tighten loose screws gently.

• Door/drawer alignment is normal; use built-in micro-adjusts (QR video in your closeout packet).

• Don’t spray lubricant into soft-close mechanisms.

Quick Do / Don’t

Do: microfiber, pH-neutral cleaner, rinse, dry, manage humidity, use trivets/coasters near heat & water.
Don’t: abrasives, ammonia/bleach, solvent polishes, soaked cloths left on doors, steam mops on toe-kicks.

Designer Hand-Off (what to give clients)

• One-page Care & Cleaning Card (print + QR).

• Mini hinge/drawer adjust video (30–60 sec).

• A labeled touch-up pen/sample for the exact finish.