At Sunrise Cabinetry Sales, we know that new cabinets are an investment in your home’s beauty and functionality. That’s why we partner with manufacturers who craft high-quality cabinetry, built to bring you joy for years to come. To ensure your Sunrise cabinets retain their stunning appearance, proper cabinet care and cleaning are essential. We’ve put together this guide to help you keep your cabinetry looking its best, from installation day to everyday living.
Before Installation: Acclimation is Key
Before your beautiful new Sunrise cabinets are installed, it’s crucial to allow them to acclimate to their new environment. Store them in a space with 40% to 50% relative humidity. If the storage area (like a garage or basement) has significantly different humidity or temperature than the installation room, give your cabinets 1-2 days to adjust. Humidity levels outside the 20%-70% range can cause problems.
Post-Installation: A Clean Start
Once your Sunrise cabinets are installed, you’ll likely find some dust and debris. Carefully wipe down all exterior and interior surfaces with a damp, lint-free cloth, being mindful not to scratch the finish. Work in small sections, rinsing your cloth frequently and thoroughly. Immediately dry each cleaned area with a second cloth.
Daily Care: Simple Habits for Lasting Beauty
Timely cabinet care and cleaning is the secret to preserving your cabinet’s finish.
- Wipe spills immediately: Don’t let food, water, or other liquids sit on your cabinets, as prolonged exposure can lead to permanent discoloration or damage.
- Gentle cleaning: For oil, grease, or general soil, use a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild cleaner like Ivory® soap diluted with warm water. Avoid using your dishcloth, as it may contain detergent or grease remnants.
- Regular dusting: Dust your cabinets frequently with a slightly dampened, lint-free cloth. Skip packaged dusting sheets, pre-moistened sheets, or aerosol dusting products.
Long-Term Care: Deeper Cleaning for Continued Brilliance
One to two times a year, or more frequently with heavy use, give your cabinet exteriors a thorough cleaning. As with daily care, work in small areas, use a damp, lint-free cloth, rinse often, and dry immediately.
- Stain Finish: For stained cabinets, use a mild wood cleaner such as original Murphy® Oil Soap diluted with warm water.
- Paint Finish: For painted cabinets, stick to a mild cleaner like Ivory® Soap diluted with warm water.
Important Precautions: What to AVOID!
To protect your Sunrise cabinet’s heat-cured factory finish, never use the following products or items:
- Cleaning Agents: Avoid powdered cleansers, or spray, liquid, or paste polishes containing silicone, petroleum solvents, citrus cleaners, or wax.
- Abrasives: Do not use scouring pads, melamine foam (like Magic Eraser® sponges), or steel wool. These harsh abrasives and chemicals can harm the finish and cause discoloration.
- Waxing: Waxing is not recommended as it can build up, causing a hazy, streaky, or yellowed appearance that is difficult to remove and attracts dust.
Environmental Factors: Understanding How Your Home Affects Your Cabinets
Various environmental factors can affect your cabinetry’s finish over time.
- Moisture: Keep cabinets dry and ensure your kitchen and bath areas are well-ventilated. Avoid hanging wet dish towels over cabinet doors. Excessive humidity in poorly vented areas is harmful to both the cabinetry and its finish.
- Smoke: Prolonged exposure to cooking or tobacco smoke, especially in non-vented or poorly vented kitchens, can discolor your cabinet finish, with painted finishes being particularly susceptible.
- Light: Ultraviolet (UV) light from sunlight can affect the appearance of your cabinets. While UV inhibitors are applied during the finishing process to protect the finish, color changes can still occur depending on the finish, wood species, and exposure level.
- Climate: Any wood product, including cabinetry, is susceptible to humidity damage in non-climate-controlled buildings. Maintain a consistent indoor climate year-round in both primary and vacation homes.
Our cabinets are built to last and are KCMA certified, meaning they meet rigorous performance and construction standards. This includes testing the finish for durability against temperature and humidity fluctuations.
By following these simple cabinet care and cleaning guidelines, you can ensure your beautiful Sunrise cabinets remain a stunning focal point in your home for many years to come!
