Proper maintenance of your cabinetry is essential for ensuring a lifetime of use and satisfaction. Creating a wood-friendly environment is an integral part of this process, as internal environmental factors that contribute to human comfort also promote wood health. This involves maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels with minimal fluctuations, which not only enhances your comfort but also sustains the stability and longevity of your wood cabinetry.
Wood will expand and contract based on changes in humidity, with solid wood changing more across the grain than with it. As humidity increases, wood will expand and shrink as it decreases, leading to potential cracks at joints. Although cracking is a common occurrence, especially with light-colored paints, it is not a reason to replace the wood. Uneven humidity exposure can cause pieces to warp, bow or cup. These issues can often be resolved by returning the humidity level to a normal range and maintaining it over time. Extremely dry conditions can lead to splitting, cracking and shrinkage of wood parts. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to maintain a relative humidity level between 35% to 50% and avoid extreme conditions above 80% or below 20%. Too dry conditions can also be harmful to cabinetry, as they can cause solid wood components to crack. Panel doors can also be affected as the insert panels shrink and expose the unfinished edges. This is an indication of low humidity levels, which need to be remedied, but not a reason for replacement.
Fluctuations in temperature can result in similar issues to fluctuations in humidity and the two are frequently linked. Increases in temperature cause materials to expand while decreases in temperature cause them to contract or shrink. Abrupt temperature shifts result in more noticeable changes and have a greater tendency to cause cracking and splitting in solid wood, as well as warping, cupping and bowing in any wood components.
If wood cabinetry is repeatedly exposed to excessive moisture, such as splashing from a sink, or if it experiences a single long-term event like flooding, it will result in irreversible damage. Steam from cook tops, crock pots, and improperly sealed dishwasher doors can also cause problems. To minimize damage, it's important to wipe moisture from surfaces immediately. If the wood has absorbed excess moisture, it should be dried out immediately, using methods such as avoiding direct high heat, using fans and dehumidifiers, moisture-absorbing cloth, and compounds. Taking immediate action can reduce damage and the likelihood of mold and mildew.
Use dehumidifiers and/or air conditioners in summer to control excess humidity. Use a humidifier to keep the air from becoming too dry in winter. Maintain climate control during the off season of vacation homes to reduce the risk of damage. Prior to installation do not store cabinets in a garage, basement or other unheated or unconditioned space. Treat your cabinets like any fine piece of wood furniture and you will enjoy their beauty and natural look for many years. Remember, preventative maintenance is the best form of maintenance.
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Regular & Premium Quartz
How it’s made: Quartz countertops are man-made engineered stone countertops formed by combining 90% ground quartz (a natural hard mineral) with 8-10% resins, polymers, and pigments. This forms a very hard granite-like surface. The appearance depends on how the quartz is ground: coarsely ground quartz produces a flecked appearance, while finely ground quartz produces a smooth look.
Properties: Extremely hard and durable, glossy sheen; non-porous and stain-and-crack resistant; does not require sealing or resealing; wide range of colors; easy to clean with mild soap, water, and a soft cloth.
A coated surface may need professional repair. Unfortunately, large cracks, chips and breaks cannot be repaired, even by a professional.
- Use a recommended cleaner.
- Spread the cleaner on the counter and use a soft damp cloth (think: microfiber or chamois, not any type of scrubber) to wipe down the entire cultured marble/ artificial marble countertop.
- Most importantly, you should never use anything abrasive on a cultured marble/ artificial marble countertop- such as steel wool, colored scrubbers, or anything else to scrub out a stains. These can all damage countertops in a matter of seconds.
Gel Gloss Kitchen & Bath Polish and Cleaner Liquid or Aerosol Spray, Method Daily Granite, Stone Pro Marble Products, Mothers California Gold Polish. Hard water can stain countertops too. You should never leave water on your countertop in any form: water drops, water rings from the bottom of a glass, etc. Instead you should wipe up water on your countertop using a soft cloth. Technically, the dull finish that most people experience with cultured marble & marble countertops is call “etching”.
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