How to Care for Your Custom Cabinets the Right Way
Custom cabinets are an investment — in quality, style, and craftsmanship. Whether they’re in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or mudroom, taking proper care of them ensures they’ll look beautiful and function smoothly for years to come (not to mention, save you money too).
In this post, we’re sharing practical cabinet maintenance tips, including how to clean cabinets safely and how to protect wood cabinets from wear and tear. Answers straight from the experts!
How to Clean Cabinets Without Damaging Them
The first rule of cabinet care? Less is more. Harsh chemicals and abrasive pads can strip finishes and dull the look of your cabinets over time.
Here’s how to clean cabinets the safe way:
Dust first with a soft microfiber cloth or dry duster.
Wipe down with warm water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap.
Use a soft sponge or cloth — never steel wool or scrubbers.
Dry immediately with a clean, dry cloth to avoid water spots or streaks.
Avoid: ammonia, bleach, vinegar, or all-purpose cleaners with harsh chemicals — especially on stained or painted wood cabinets.
Cabinet Maintenance Tips to Keep in Mind
Consistent care helps extend the life of your cabinetry and keeps everything working properly.
Here are a few cabinet maintenance tips:
Tighten hardware (knobs, pulls, and hinges) every few months.
Check for alignment on doors and drawers — slight shifts can be adjusted easily.
Avoid slamming — use soft-close features or add bumpers to reduce wear.
Keep cabinets dry — wipe up water or spills immediately, especially around sinks and dishwashers.
How to Protect Wood Cabinets
Wood is a natural, porous material. Beautiful, but vulnerable to moisture, heat, and buildup over time. If you have painted or stained wood cabinetry, these steps help preserve both the finish and the material:
Ways to protect wood cabinets:
Use gentle, non-wax polishes designed for wood surfaces every few months.
Avoid direct sunlight exposure where possible to prevent fading.
Add liners to high-moisture areas like under-sink cabinets.
Install venting in kitchens and bathrooms to reduce humidity and prevent warping.
Tip: If you notice discoloration or dullness, it may be time for a professional refresh or refinish — especially on high-touch areas.
Bonus Tip: Seasonal Cabinet Check-Up
Every spring and fall, take 15 minutes to inspect:
Door hinges and drawer glides
Finish wear near high-use zones
Any signs of moisture damage or cracking
A quick look now can save major repairs later.
Need Help Replacing Your Cabinets? Need a service done on your CW Cabinets?
We specialize in crafting custom cabinetry that’s built to last, and we’re always happy to advise our clients on how to care for their investment. Whether you need new cabinetry or just some advice on how to protect wood cabinets in your home, we’re here to help. Need more tips? Check out our client guide.
If you’re an existing client and in need of a service, please read through our warranty. However, we always recommend reaching out with any issue regardless. We’ll see what we can do!
Contact us for a custom consultation or visit our showroom to see what’s possible.