Maintenance & Long-Term Care
Your newly updated kitchen requires specific care routines to maintain its fresh appearance. Painted cabinets, in particular, demand a gentler touch than factory-finished lacquers.
Caring for Painted Cabinets: Do not use harsh chemical cleaners, abrasive sponges, or magic erasers on your newly painted cabinets. These products easily strip the urethane enamel. Instead, mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bowl of warm water. Use a soft, damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe away grease and fingerprints. Dry the surface immediately with a second clean cloth. Keep a small jar of leftover touch-up paint in a cool, dry place to quickly address the inevitable chips and dings near the trash pull-out or sink base.
Grout and Tile Upkeep: If you installed a new tile backsplash to replace the old 4-inch granite lip, you must seal the grout. Wait 72 hours after grouting, then apply a penetrating grout sealer using a sponge applicator. Reapply this sealer every 12 to 18 months to prevent cooking splatters and grease from permanently staining the grout lines behind your stove.
Hardware Maintenance: Matte black hardware shows grease and flour dust readily. Wipe your pulls down weekly with a damp cloth. If you chose unlacquered brass, let it age naturally for a rustic look, or polish it twice a year with a specialized brass cleaner to maintain a brilliant, gold-like shine.
