Over time - the surface appearance of fine natural wood furniture and wood cabinets can be compromised by high humidity, moisture deposits, solvent or chemical residue, cooking oil splashes, dirt deposits combined with body oil at touch points, natural sunlight, scratches, and other influences that may cause the surface to change.

It's prudent to follow some simple steps to maintain the "new look" of fine wood cabinets. Keeping the wood surfaces dry, clean, and protected from sunlight, steam, or radiant heat, will help maintain the original surface look.

On a regular basis - use a soft cloth or duster to remove soil or dust buildup.

If steam or moisture condensation is visible in your kitchen or bath - more adequate ventilation and air exhaust is needed. Airborne moisture settles on the wood surfaces and could potentially be absorbed by the wood. If steam residue is present, be sure to wipe the wood surfaces dry - using a clean soft dry (non-abrasive) cloth, each time it occurs.

While cleaning-up the kitchen area after preparing food or washing dishes - always check the wood surfaces below the sink area, and below where food preparation or moisture splashing could occur. Wipe surfaces dry, whenever moisture is present (use a clean soft dry (non-abrasive) cloth).

Keep the touch points clean - hands can cause buildup of natural body oil, moisture, food residue, and soil. Wipe the wood gently, using a clean soft (non-abrasive) cloth that is moistened with a luke-warm water solution - mix in a small amount of mild (non-alkaline) liquid "dish-washing type soap". Then immediately wipe the cabinets thoroughly dry with a separate dry soft (non-abrasive) cloth - wiping gently in the direction of the wood grain. Do not soak or apply too much moisture to the wood surfaces. Breadboards should be wiped clean and not soaked - the wood will swell if it absorbs too much water and could ruin the breadboard.

For overall wiping of the wood surfaces to remove soil - use a clean soft (non-abrasive) cloth that is moistened with a luke-warm water solution - mix in a small amount of mild (non-alkaline) liquid "dish-washing type soap" and wipe the cabinets gently. Then, immediately wipe the cabinets thoroughly dry with a separate dry soft (non-abrasive) cloth - wiping gently in the direction of the wood grain. Do not soak or apply too much moisture to the wood surfaces.

For additional cleaning and treatment, consider using a commercial wood cleaning or treatment product that is specially formulated for cleaning and protecting "fine wood furniture". Avoid wax based products that tend to dry out the wood and cause wax build up on the surface. Wax may cover the soil, rather than removing it. Test all cleaners or solutions on a part of the cabinets that is not highly visible - like the back of a door. If the results are not satisfactory, try something else.

Protect your cabinets from direct sunlight - It has a variety of negative effects on all natural wood furniture and wood cabinets. UV rays can change the color of natural wood. Sunlight heat causes the humidity level in the wood to change - where the sunlight hits. Direct sunlight, combined with surface moisture residue is double trouble for fine wood products. Covering the windows is the most efficient way of stopping the sunlight from causing damage.

Other Notes about care and safety: Natural wood continues to absorb and exhaust moisture even after it's fabricated into furniture or cabinets. Wood continually balances to the humidity of its environment - managing to do so even through the molecular structure of paint or surface finish. Do not hang wet or moist towels over the cabinet doors for the purpose of drying the towels. It places moisture on the surface and can cause discoloration over time.

Our cabinets are engineered and manufactured for "reasonable storage uses". Do not overload cabinet drawers or shelves. Place heaviest item toward the sides of shelves - not in the middle. Never use the drawers or shelves for stepping on, hanging on, or climbing on.

Do not hang on the cabinet doors, or lean on them for support when helping yourself up from the floor area. They are not intended as a brace. The closing mechanism of the hinge is compromised if the hinge gets bent.

Moldings at the top and sides of cabinets are originally installed as a decoration. Since cabinets are squared and are installed plumb, the moldings attempt to hide variations of ceiling and wall surfaces around the cabinets. As time passes, the construction materials in the walls and ceilings may undergo natural shrinking, which may cause a gap to appear. This does not mean that the cabinets have moved or are loose. A cabinet is tight and secure if you cannot move it up or down or sideways. A gap does not represent a compromise to the structural integrity of the cabinets. The cabinet is not normally fastened to the ceiling. It's engineered to be screwed to the wall studs behind the cabinet. The stability and shear strength of these screws does not allow the cabinet to move under normal conditions.

If your cabinets get damaged, you can call regarding a repair estimate. Although color matching, material availability, and some replacement parts availability problems may exist, we can advise you regarding repair rates and materials.

Further information is available through the McConnell Customer Service toll free # 800-794-7895 ext. #173. You can also e-mail questions to: customerservice@mcconnellcabinets.com.

 Cleaning and Care Tips
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