Thermofoil-style cabinetry first appeared in the late 1970s, and thanks to its affordability and variety of styles thermofoil cabinetry quickly became a preferred choice among homeowners. However, what really made thermofoil cabinets so popular is their ease of maintenance and durability. If properly maintained, thermofoil cabinet doors and cabinets can last for years and look as appealing as the day they were installed. In this blog, we will provide some tips on how to care for thermofoil cabinets and cabinet doors to ensure they remain in pristine condition.
Cleaning Thermofoil Cabinets and Cabinet Doors
Thermofoil is known as a thin layer of PVC glued to the surface of an MDF panel. It is popular for the uniformity and simplicity of its finish. Uniformity is also what makes thermofoil cabinet doors and cabinets easy to clean. Here are a few tips on how to clean thermofoil cabinets and cabinet doors:
- Use a standard all-purpose scrub-free cleaner or a simple water and soap mixture to clean your thermofoil cabinets and cabinet doors.
- Avoid using cleaning solutions which contain harsh chemicals such as lacquer, thinners, bleaches, solvents or abrasives. Stay away from cleaners with toluene or acetone.
- Avoid spraying the cleaning solution onto the surface of thermofoil cabinets and cabinet doors directly. Instead, spray it onto a paper towel or a clean cloth and wipe down the cabinets and doors. Ensure the paper towel/cloth is damp but not dripping wet. This way, you won’t have to deal with excessive residue from the cleaning solution.
- If there’s residue left from the cleaning solution, give the cabinets a final wipe-down with a damp cloth or paper towel.
- Using a soft scrub-free cloth to clean your thermofoil cabinets and cabinet doors is important as you don’t want to damage the surface. If you have to clean grease stains, use a degreasing agent or an acetone-free nail polish remover.
The Door Maker has also put together a video on how to clean thermofoil cabinet doors, check it out here.
How Often Should I Clean Thermofoil Cabinets and Cabinet Doors?
There’s no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on how often you use your kitchen to cook meals. Ideally, you should dust your kitchen cabinets and cabinet doors once a week to avoid dust and dirt accumulating and further building up in the corners of the cabinet doors, especially if you have shaker-style cabinets.
Remember that the more often you clean your cabinets and cabinet doors, the longer they will last.
General care
Aside from cleaning, there are some general care tips you should follow to ensure your thermofoil kitchen cabinets and cabinet doors last longer. They are as follows:
- Never try to wax thermofoil cabinets and cabinet doors.
- Pay close attention to areas near the sink and dishwasher and wipe down any excess moisture as quickly as possible.
- Use blinds or curtains to protect thermofoil cabinets from direct and prolonged sunlight exposure, as UV rays can cause thermofoil film to fade.
- If you have mullion cabinet doors with glass inserts, be sure to wipe down the glass with an ammonia-free cleaning solution to keep the glass clear and shiny.
Conclusion
As you can see, maintaining thermofoil cabinets and cabinet doors is not difficult. By following these simple tips, you will be able to keep your kitchen cabinets as good as new and won’t have to think about replacing them for years.
For more information on thermofoil cabinet door maintenance, please reach out to us at The Door Maker. A leader in the manufacturing of custom cabinet doors in Canada, we will be happy to answer all your questions and help you find the right cabinet doors style and color for your kitchen.
