While it is very true that replacing your kitchen doors is much cheaper than replacing your entire kitchen, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't take special care of the doors once they are installed. Each of our doors requires a few simple rules to be adhered to. By looking after kitchen doors you can ensure they last for many years and always look just like new.
Looking after timber veneer doors
It is always important to remember that timber or wood veneers are prone to peeling if they become overly wet or if they are in very humid conditions. For this reason you should avoid using very wet cloths on your doors. A simple spray with a very mild soap solution with a damp cloth is usually enough to get any dirty marks off. You should then buff it with a dry lint free cloth to remove any water marks. Work in the direction of the woodgrain to avoid scratches.
Always avoid abrasive cleaners or anything which contains alcohol or bleaches. You could ruin the surface and alter the colour of the wood. If you are in any doubt, test in a small area first.
Painted doors
It is clear that using solvents of any kind on a painted door is going to remove the paint. However, many cleaners will have a similar effect if they are used repeatedly. For this reason you should try to use a gentle cleaner sprayed onto the cloth rather than the door. This will dilute it further.
If the door has a woodgrain finish, you should work in the direction of the grain and take care to look for ingrained dirt or dust which has settled into the grooves. We provide vinyl doors which can be painted and therefore you should check the paint manufacturer for advice on looking after the finish.
High gloss doors
Your gloss doors will come with a protective film over the front. You should remove this only after they are installed as the curing process continues for around 72 hours after the film is removed. This means the doors will be liable to scratching and other marks. You should avoid cleaning the doors for at least a few days to prevent any marks appearing on the surface.
There are a number of products available which are designed for cleaning high gloss doors, but plain water is also good for regular cleans. Always use a lint free soft cloth and use a circular motion to achieve a high buff. Micro-fibre cloths are also perfect for achieving a high shine with very little effort.
High gloss doors do sometimes show fingerprints – but this is easily taken care of with a soft cloth. Once again – never use abrasive cleaners.
Looking after kitchen doors - in general
The most basic rule when it comes to looking after your replacement kitchen doors is to simply keep on top of the cleaning. You should wipe them as soon as you notice they are dirty and while the stain is fresh. A deep clean from time to time may be required, but little and often keeps the job easy. It will also prolong the life of your door – avoiding the need for scrubbing.
Don't forget that your doors will be affected by their environment. Doors close to ovens, dishwashers or below sinks may be likely to become affected by water, steam or heat. Cupboard guards may be useful in these cases or filler strips.
In the very unlikely even that your doors are damaged in some way, you can usually replace the single door easily (another reason to buy replacement doors) and if it is a manufacturer issue you will be able to return the door for a replacement or for it to be fixed.