Wood Cabinet Surfaces
As with all wood products, avoid excessive moisture. Our 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. We recommend an emulsion-type cleaner (such as Murphy’s Oil Soap). These are formulated without wax, petroleum solvents or silicone. 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. 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.
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.
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, Gallery by Elevations 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. Gallery by Elevations cabinetry 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.
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. 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.