It's no secret that the custom cabinetry you chose for your kitchen makeover ate up a good chunk of your renovation budget. Quality cabinetry is worth the investment but needs care to maintain its beauty for years to come.
Recently, Miralis released an updated maintenance guide for their custom cabinetry. Here are a few of their common-sense tips for caring for your investment.
Protect your cabinetry from extreme heat or moisture
Although quality cabinetry is designed to stand the wear-and-tear of daily life, there are some occasions when extra precaution should be taken. For example, when putting your oven on self-clean mode, it helps to open surrounding cabinet doors and drawers. To protect your cabinetry from excessive heat, bring your oven forward six inches (if possible). Excessive or constant heat coming from appliances such as an oven or dishwasher can damage the sides of the doors and cabinetry.Appliances such as kettles, coffeemakers, toasters or toasters ovens can also cause damage to cabinetry. Once these appliances are turned on, they should be pulled forward so the heat or steam they generate won't damage the underside of the cabinetry.
Steer away from hanging damp dish towels or wet rags on your cupboard doors. Over time, the direct moisture can cause the door's edge-banding to peel off, and may even warp or change the colour of the wood.
Use the right tools for the job
Miralis encourages their clients to treat their wood cabinets "like a quality piece of furniture," maintaining their beauty with products made specifically for varnished woods. Found at your local hardware store, these specialized products remove the grease from your cabinetry without causing any damage. 
For melamine, laminate, polyester, acrylic or lacquer finishes that are matte, wash using soapy water (a soft soap, not dishwashing soap), rinsing with clean water to avoid a soapy residue and drying immediately to avoid streaks. Glossy finishes can be cleaned with Windex or a vinegar-water mixture and wiped dry with a cloth. Caring for glossy finishes is similar to cleaning a mirror. Abrasive products such as Javex, Comet, Ajax or Vim should be avoided.
Make minor repairs as needed
Cabinetry manufacturers understand that as careful as you may be, damage can occur and affect the overall look of your custom cabinetry. While all major repairs should be carried out by a company that specializes in cabinetry, minor repairs often require a simple touch-up that can be performed by the homeowner. Ask your cabinetry manufacturer where you can find a stain touch-up kit, touch-up markers or wax stick suitable for your cabinetry.Cabinetry hinges take a beating over time and may need to be adjusted. In this easy-to-follow YouTube video, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre president Neil Samson explains how simple it is to adjust your cabinet door hinges using only a screwdriver.
