Cabinet Care & Maintenance

Walker Woodworking cabinetry is crafted with high-quality materials and a durable factory-applied finish. Proper care, cleaning, and environmental control will help preserve the appearance and performance of your cabinetry for many years.

Routine Cleaning

For regular cleaning:

  • Use only a soft cloth lightly dampened with clean water.
  • Wipe gently in the direction of the wood grain when applicable.
  • Dry the surface immediately with a clean, soft cloth.
  • Clean spills, splashes, grease, and food residue as soon as possible.

The cloth should be damp, not wet. Water should never be allowed to remain on cabinet surfaces, joints, edges, or around hardware.

Do Not Use Cleaning Products

Do not use soap, detergent, furniture polish, wax, oil, disinfectant, glass cleaner, or household cleaning products on Walker Woodworking cabinetry.

Also avoid:

  • Abrasive cleaners or powders
  • Scouring pads, scrub brushes, or rough sponges
  • Bleach, ammonia, alcohol, acetone, or solvents
  • Citrus- or vinegar-based cleaners
  • Silicone-based polishes
  • Steam-cleaning equipment
  • Cleaning products marketed as safe for wood unless specifically approved by Walker Woodworking

Cleaning products may soften, dull, discolor, streak, or otherwise damage the factory-applied finish. Damage caused by improper cleaning methods or products may not be covered under warranty.

Moisture & Heat Protection

Cabinetry should be protected from prolonged exposure to water, moisture, steam, and excessive heat.

  • Wipe water and spills immediately, especially near sinks, dishwashers, refrigerators, and plumbing fixtures.
  • Do not hang wet towels over cabinet doors or drawer fronts.
  • Do not allow damp cloths, sponges, or cleaning supplies to rest against cabinetry.
  • Use ventilation while cooking and operating appliances that produce steam.
  • Avoid directing kettles, coffee makers, pressure cookers, or other steam-producing appliances toward cabinet surfaces.
  • Promptly investigate and repair plumbing or appliance leaks.

Environmental Conditions

Wood naturally responds to changes in temperature and humidity by expanding and contracting. To minimize movement and maintain consistent door and drawer reveals, the home should remain climate-controlled throughout the year.

Cabinetry should not be delivered, stored, or installed until:

  • The building is fully enclosed.
  • Wet construction processes are complete.
  • The HVAC system is operating.
  • Interior temperature and humidity are reasonably stable.

Seasonal changes may be more noticeable with inset cabinetry because of its close and consistent reveals.

Everyday Use

  • Open doors and drawers using the provided hardware whenever possible.
  • Use care with long fingernails and rings. (the most frequent damage we see around drawer hardware)
  • Avoid placing excessive weight on doors, drawers, shelves, or pull-out accessories.
  • Do not sit, stand, climb, or lean heavily on cabinetry.
  • Use care when operating appliances located near cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
  • Avoid striking cabinetry with cookware, tools, vacuum cleaners, or other hard objects.
  • Contact your dealer if doors, drawers, hinges, or hardware require adjustment.

Natural Aging

Wood and finishes may change in appearance over time due to natural aging, sunlight, environmental exposure, and normal use. These changes may include lightening, darkening, or subtle differences in color between exposed and covered areas.

These characteristics are normal and are part of the natural beauty of genuine wood cabinetry.

Care Questions

Before using any cleaning method or product not described in this guide, contact your Walker Woodworking dealer or Walker Woodworking directly. 704-434-0823