proper cleaning & care of aristocratic cabinets
Maintain the quality of your Aristocratic Cabinets by following these easy care and cleaning guidelines for many years of beauty and performance.
During the first 90 days the stained and painted cabinets will continue to cure and should only be washed lightly with water. Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads or powdered cleansers. Do not allow oven cleaner to touch any part of the cabinet.
Painted and Clear Coat Exteriors
Wipe surface with a soft cloth soaked in a solution of mild liquid dish soap. Wipe surface with a clean damp cloth. Wipe dry with a clean, soft, dry cloth. Use of cleaners, especially those containing ammonia, may damage the finish. Products containing wax, such as Pledge, will cause a build-up on the surface and should not be used. The use of silicone polishes can harm the cabinet’s finish. For wood, always wipe with the grain of the wood.
Aristocratic Cabinets’ stained cabinets are finished with a 0, 10, 20, or 40 gloss. If your cabinets are finished with a 0 or 10 gloss, it’s best to refrain from extreme buffing or polishing of the surface which may result in shiny spots over time.
Laminate and Thermofoil Exteriors
Aristocratic Cabinets’ exterior laminate and thermofoil doors are extremely durable and designed to give you years of beauty and trouble-free service. The decorative surface may be cleaned with warm water and mild soaps, such as those used for hands or dishes. Do not use cleaners containing abrasives, acids or alkalis, as they will damage the surface. Remove stubborn stains with a two-minute exposure to hypochlorite bleach, such as Clorox, followed by a clean water rinse.
VINYL AND MELAMINE INTERIORS
The interiors can be cleaned with most nonabrasive household cleaners. However, agents containing acetone 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.
Wood Veneer Interiors
Wipe down with a mild soap and water solution, then wipe dry with a clean, dry soft cloth. Spills should be cleaned immediately.
Drawer Interiors
Wipe down with a mild soap and water solution, then wipe dry with a clean, dry soft cloth. Spills should be cleaned immediately.
Care and Cleaning of Glass Door Inserts
If your kitchen contains cabinetry accented with glass doors, a few precautions are necessary. Apply a non-ammonia glass cleaner to a towel, not directly to the glass.
Cutting Board Care
Cutting boards are treated with two coats of Block Oil before leaving the factory. A 12 ounce bottle of Block Oil is shipped with the cutting board. We recommend applying three to five more coats before using. Simply wipe the oil on the board with a lint free cloth, waiting 15 minutes between coats. Polish with a soft cloth. This protection is water resistant, not waterproof. Standing water should be wiped up before storage to avoid warpage of the cutting board.
Avoid Excessive Moisture
Moisture is the worst enemy of any finish. Cabinetry near the sink and dishwashers, and also baseboards, are most susceptible. Immediately dry off any areas where water has spilled. Avoid draping dishtowels over doors or placing coffee makers where steam vents directly onto cabinet surfaces.