How to Maintain Your Refinished Cabinets

You finally did it. You gave your tired old cabinets a facelift, and now your kitchen looks like it belongs on a home makeover show. But before you go full Master Chef in there, take a second to think about the next phase—maintenance. Let’s go through some tips to maintain your refinished cabinets and keep those beauties in tip-top shape.

How to Maintain Your Refinished Cabinets

The “No Gravy Left Behind” Policy

Your cabinets come into close contact with your cooking mess. That splash of marinara that leaped from the pot like a tomato volcano? Don’t let it linger. The longer food or grease hangs out on the surface, the more likely it’ll settle in like an unwanted houseguest.

Grab a soft cloth and a little warm water, wipe it away, and—problem solved. You don’t need fancy, abrasive cleaners or chemicals. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the finish. Handle the mess while it is still fresh and the stain hasn’t set in as a permanent mark.

Ditch the Cleaning Products

You don’t need 12 different sprays that all claim to be “miracle degreasers” when all your cabinets want is a gentle wipe-down. Go easy on anything with ammonia, bleach, or mystery chemicals that sound like they belong in a science lab.

Harsh cleaners can dull your finish faster than you can say “Oops.” Go for something mild. A damp cloth and mild dish soap often do the trick. Ensure you dry the cabinets after.

Your cabinets aren’t looking for excitement—they just want to age gracefully.

The Microfiber Towel Isn’t a Gimmick

You might have thought those soft, fluffy microfiber cloths were just for car people or neat freaks. But those little guys are magic for cabinets. Microfiber cloths are versatile; they:

• Lift dust
• Grab grease
• Don’t leave streaks like paper towels
• Don’t hold that weird sponge smell
• Are good on various surfaces

Keep one nearby, and you’ll find yourself doing little cleanups without even thinking about it.

Don’t Forget the Undersides

The bottoms of your upper cabinets are prime targets for steam, grease, and the occasional splatter. You probably don’t look underneath every day. That doesn’t mean it’s not quietly turning into a sticky science experiment down there.

Give that area a quick check. It’s weirdly satisfying to clean, and it keeps everything looking intentional. You’ll look like you’ve got your life together, at least in the kitchen.

Humidity is the Silent Finish Killer

Your cabinets can handle the thrills and spills of the kitchen, but they don’t love high humidity. Too much moisture in the air can cause the finish to bubble, peel, and gradually fade into a dull appearance.

Does your kitchen turn into a sauna every time you boil water? Try opening a window, running a fan, or at least opening a door. Give your cabinets some breathing room.

Don’t Use Your Cabinets Like Gym Equipment

You know that moment when you’re carrying a dish with one hand and trying to open the cabinet with the other by hooking your finger under the door? Or worse, using your foot when your hands are full? Your cabinets hate that.

Handles are there for a reason. Putting too much pressure on edges or corners can cause issues with door alignment. This can loosen hinges over time when opening and closing.

It only takes two seconds to put something down and open the cabinet door like a person with basic impulse control—so do it.

That Random Corner Cabinet? It Deserves Attention Too

You know this one—It’s awkward to reach the top shelves and on top of the cabinets. Maybe you’ve got your holiday mugs or a bag of marshmallows from last year up there. But dust doesn’t care. Check it, clean it, love it—because neglected corners tend to age like milk, not wine.

Give your entire cabinet setup equal TLC. With proper maintenance, you’ll notice how even the forgotten spots sparkle when someone sees them unexpectedly.

Maintain Your Refinished Cabinets: The Long Game is Where the Magic Happens

You don’t need a chore chart or a Google calendar reminder to keep your cabinets looking good. You simply need to be aware of a few things to ensure they stay in good condition.

• Wipe the cabinets when they are dirty
• Protect them from steam and direct sunlight that can cause the finish to fade
• Don’t use your drawers like handles when you’re rushing around
• Use mild cleaners
• Wipe with a dry cloth after cleaning, and don’t leave hanging wet towels on the doors

Treat your cabinets properly—they don’t ask for much, just a little consistency in cleaning. Keep showing up for them, and they’ll keep showing off for you.

Kitchens Redefined

At Kitchens Redefined, our mission is to provide you with a hassle-free experience, from the initial consultation through the finished project. We specialize in kitchen cabinet painting/refinishing, cabinet refacing/redooring, countertops, backsplash, cabinet hardware, and cabinet storage solutions. Our experienced staff work tirelessly to make sure your project receives the attention it deserves, and the quality craftsmanship required to meet and exceed your expectations.

Fill out our form to schedule a free in-home consultation for a kitchen cabinet makeover, or call us at (402) 505-3381 to schedule a consultation.