How to Maintain Refinished Cabinets: Cleaning & Care Tips

When you’ve invested in cabinet refinishing, the last thing you want is to watch that fresh, flawless finish fade under everyday wear and tear. Whether it’s spills, steam, or sticky fingers, life in the kitchen and bathroom can take a toll. At Creative Cabinets & Fine Finishes, we help homeowners throughout metro-Atlanta not only refinish their cabinets to look like new—but also keep them looking stunning for years to come. Here’s how to protect your investment with proper cabinet refinishing maintenance.

Why Maintenance Matters After Cabinet Refinishing

Your cabinets are more than storage—they’re the visual backbone of your kitchen or bath. After a professional cabinet refinishing project, routine maintenance becomes essential to preserve the beauty and integrity of your new look. Without regular care, moisture, heat, and grime can dull the finish or cause long-term damage. The good news? Keeping your cabinets in great condition doesn’t require complicated routines or specialty products—just consistency and a few smart habits.

Daily & Weekly Cleaning: Keep It Simple and Effective

If you’re wondering how to clean refinished cabinets, the key is to start small and stay consistent. Use a soft microfiber cloth and a mild soap-and-water solution to wipe away grease, food splatters, and dust. Avoid abrasive cleaners or anything containing ammonia or bleach, as these can wear down the finish over time.

At Creative Cabinets, we recommend wiping spills or splashes as soon as they happen. From tomato sauce in the kitchen to makeup residue in the bathroom, prompt cleaning prevents staining and keeps surfaces smooth and clean.

Pro Tip: Always follow up with a dry cloth after cleaning to remove any lingering moisture.

Avoid Damage with Proper Use

Cabinet doors aren’t meant to be opened with your feet or shoulders—yet we’ve all been there. Over time, using the edges of doors or drawers instead of handles can stress hinges and distort alignment. This may lead to unnecessary repairs or adjustments down the line.

Part of preserving cabinet finishes is simply using them the right way. Make a habit of opening doors by the handle and teach family members to do the same. It’s a small effort that extends the life and appearance of your refinished cabinets.

Watch Out for Hidden Threats: Steam and Humidity

In metro-Atlanta, humidity is a fact of life. But too much moisture can wreak havoc on cabinet finishes. In bathrooms, long showers create steam buildup. In kitchens, boiling water and dishwashers contribute to the same problem.

To maintain your refinished cabinets, promote good airflow. Open windows, use exhaust fans, or crack a door during steamy activities. These simple actions can significantly reduce the risk of bubbling, peeling, or fading on your cabinet surfaces.

Don’t Ignore the Details

During a cabinet refinishing project, we give every corner of your cabinetry the attention it deserves—including those upper shelves and awkward angles. That care should continue long after installation.

Make it a habit to clean beneath upper cabinets and on top of crown molding where dust tends to settle. Keeping these areas clean helps maintain a polished, uniform appearance, even in the corners people rarely see.

Maintain Your Investment with Help from Creative Cabinets

At Creative Cabinets & Fine Finishes, we do more than refinish kitchens and bathrooms—we partner with homeowners across metro-Atlanta to help them enjoy their updated spaces for the long haul. Our proven process, trusted materials, and expert craftsmanship result in finishes that last. But we also empower you with practical tips for cabinet refinishing maintenance, so your results continue to shine.

Whether you had your kitchen cabinets painted five days ago or five years ago, these care tips will help you get the most from your investment. If you’re unsure about how to clean refinished cabinets or need advice on preserving cabinet finishes, our team is here to help.

Ready for Cabinets That Look Better, Longer?

Maintaining your refinished cabinets doesn’t need to be complicated. With consistent care and a few simple practices, your cabinets can stay as beautiful as the day we completed the job. If you’re in the metro-Atlanta area and want expert help transforming or maintaining your kitchen or bath, trust the professionals at Creative Cabinets & Fine Finishes.Reach out today to schedule a consultation or learn more about keeping your cabinet finishes looking their best.


About the author 

Jenna Hill

Founded by Jennifer Hill in 2005, Creative Cabinets and Fine Finishes is a women-owned company that was born from a personal kitchen redesign project. As Jennifer navigated the complexities of sourcing products, materials, and trustworthy subcontractors during her own home renovation, she realized the significant challenges homeowners face during home improvement projects. Determined to simplify this process, she established CCFF. For over a decade, CCFF has been dedicated to designing and refinishing kitchens and baths across Metro-Atlanta. Over the years, the company has honed its methods and curated the finest products to ensure a seamless and enjoyable home improvement experience for its clients.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
Add Icon
Subscribe to get the latest updates