Keep That Factory-Smooth Look: Caring for Painted Kitchen Cabinets

augerpainting
Sep 5
2 min read

Good for: Spray-finished cabinet doors, drawers, and built-ins

Newly painted cabinets can transform your kitchen—let’s keep them looking freshly finished.

The first 2–4 weeks: Be gentle

Go easy on cleaning. Lightly dust only; avoid wet wiping while coatings cure.
Mind the hardware. Close doors and drawers softly; use handles to avoid fingernail scuffs at edges.
Watch heat & steam. Use your range hood; avoid placing kettles or countertop steamers directly under upper cabinets.

Ongoing cleaning: Simple and safe

Weekly: Dry dust with a microfiber cloth; catch crumbs and splatters early.
Monthly (or as needed): Wipe with lukewarm water + a few drops of mild dish soap (pH-neutral if possible).
Technique: Dampen cloth, wring well, wipe in the direction of the grain/edge; follow with a clean damp cloth, then dry immediately.

Avoid on cabinets:

Abrasive pads or powders, bleach, ammonia, solvent-based cleaners, citrus or degreasers with strong solvents, and “magic erasers” (they can dull the sheen).

Grease & cooking splatter

Act quickly. Fresh splatter wipes away easier and prevents staining.
Stubborn spots: Apply a drop of mild soap to a damp cloth, hold for 10–15 seconds, then wipe—no hard scrubbing.

Protect high-wear areas

Inside edges & around pulls. These see the most contact; keep hands clean and consider soft-close hardware to reduce impact.
Drawer organizers & shelf liners. They prevent utensil rub-marks and paint burnish inside drawers and cabinets.
Appliance zones. Use your hood when frying; keep toasters and kettles slightly forward to vent steam away from doors.

Touch-ups

Keep a labeled touch-up jar. Note colour, sheen, brand, and date.
Feather the edges. Lightly dab, then feather outward with a fine brush; let dry and assess before adding a second light coat.
When in doubt: A single replacement door spray or a full bank re-spray keeps finish uniform on tricky colours/sheens.

Humidity matters (hello, Nanaimo!)

Coastal humidity can slow drying after cleanups. Always dry cabinets with a soft towel and run the fan when cooking or running the dishwasher.

Want that like-new finish for years? With gentle cleaning and a few smart habits, your cabinets will stay smooth, durable, and beautiful. If you need a professional touch-up or a full re-spray, Mach 1 Painting can help—fast, clean, and with minimal disruption.