At Medalco, we’ve worked with thousands of clients across residential and commercial spaces to deliver cabinetry that doesn’t just look beautiful—it stays that way for years.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective, realistic, and easy-to-follow maintenance tips to keep your wooden cabinets looking brand new. Think of this as a friendly manual backed by years of hands-on experience.
Why Cabinet Maintenance Matters
We get it life gets busy. But your cabinets take the brunt of daily activity: cooking, humidity, spills, fingerprints, and even UV exposure. Without regular upkeep, the beautiful wood surfaces can lose their finish, warp, or become stained. The good news? With a few simple habits, you can protect your investment.
1. Clean Gently but Regularly
The most basic (and most effective) thing you can do is clean your cabinets weekly or biweekly. You don’t need harsh chemicals—in fact, they can harm the finish.
Use:
- A soft microfiber cloth
- Mild dish soap diluted in warm water
- A dry cloth to remove any leftover moisture
Medalco Tip: Always wipe in the direction of the wood grain. It protects the finish and avoids micro-scratches.
Avoid:
- Soaking the wood with too much water
- Abrasive sponges
- Ammonia-based cleaners
2. Protect Against Moisture
Water is wood’s sneaky enemy. While many cabinets come with moisture-resistant coatings, constant exposure to steam or dripping can still do damage.
What to Do:
- Use a fan or open a window when cooking
- Wipe down wet surfaces immediately
- Place liners in sink base cabinets
Medalco Installation Benefit: We install precision-sealed cabinet joints using CNC-cut panels that minimize warping and swelling. Still, day-to-day care makes the biggest difference.
3. Watch the Heat
Heat from nearby appliances (like ovens, dishwashers, or even toasters) can discolor or dry out your cabinet finish.
Suggestions:
- Never let heat vents blow directly onto cabinet faces
- Use heat shields for adjacent cabinetry
- Pull small appliances forward before using
4. Keep Handles and Hinges Tight
Loose handles and sagging doors don’t just look sloppy—they lead to long-term wear on the cabinet’s face and interior.
Maintenance Plan:
- Check handles every few months
- Tighten loose screws with a screwdriver
- Lubricate soft-close hinges once a year with silicone spray
Medalco Hardware: We only use premium hinges and pulls with soft-close features, so your cabinets operate smoothly and last longer.
5. Refinish or Re-oil When Needed
Just like wood furniture, cabinets benefit from the occasional refresh. Over time, light finishes can fade or wear down.
Depending on Finish:
- Stained Wood: Use a wood polish or furniture oil once or twice a year.
- Painted Wood: Touch up scratches with matching paint.
- Varnished Wood: Consult Medalco about reapplying a protective coat.
Pro Insight: Don’t sand or strip unless you’re fully refinishing. For delicate or high-end cabinetry, always ask a pro.
6. Declutter and Rotate Contents
Yes, how you use your cabinets matters too.
Why:
- Overloading shelves can warp or break them.
- Uneven weight can cause hinges to strain.
- Sticky items (like oils or syrups) can leak and stain interiors.
Smart Tip:
- Use liners in pantry cabinets
- Store heavier items on lower shelves
- Rotate items seasonally to even out weight distribution
Medalco Custom Interior Options: Our cabinetry includes customizable inserts, pull-out trays, and dividers designed to protect your wood and maximize storage.
7. Watch for Sunlight Damage
Wood reacts to UV light over time. Direct sunlight can bleach or discolor cabinet surfaces.
Preventative Moves:
- Consider choosing finishes with UV-resistant properties (something we offer at Medalco)
- Use blinds or UV-filtering window films
- Rotate decorative items to even out exposure
8. Annual Deep Cleaning
Every year, schedule a full cabinet inspection and cleaning.
Checklist:
- Remove everything
- Wipe interiors with mild cleaner
- Check for signs of wear or mold
- Re-oil or polish as needed
Optional: Hire professionals like Medalco for a cabinet refresh service—especially helpful for high-end or commercial installations.
Whether you need one custom vanity or an entire kitchen suite, Medalco is here to guide, build, and support.
Final Thought: A Little Care Goes a Long Way
You don’t need an elaborate schedule or fancy products—just consistency. With a few easy habits, you can keep your wood cabinets glowing for decades.
Have questions? Want to upgrade your current cabinetry with better materials or design? Need maintenance help?
Contact Medalco for a design or care consultation.
