Cabinet Maintanence and Operation

CARE FOR YOUR KITCHEN

We suggest you observe the following care processes & hints (as applicable) to keep your new kitchen looking bright and as new for many years to come.

DOORS & PANELS

LAMINATE LAMINATE is a hardwearing material, but like all materials it can be damaged if used without the proper care and maintenance. The following information should help you to maintain the surface of laminate with the minimum of time and effort.

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

A wipe over with a clean soft damp cloth should be sufficient to keep all laminate surfaces clean. Soiled or light stains are removed with warm soapy water or with a common detergent, such as Mr. Muscle, Dissol, Nifty Solvent or bathroom cleaner, Flash Liquid, Bathroom Plus or Extra Strength Windex, containing no abrasive or no strongly acidic or alkaline ingredients. It may be necessary to use a brush similar to a tooth or nail brush as well, where the surface is of a textured or embossed finish.

Wax or other polishes are unnecessary and should not be used on decorative laminates. If acrylic materials are used, avoid cleaning for 5 days after removal of the plastic protective film to allow the time for air curing.

WARNING: WHEN CLEANING, BE CAREFUL NOT TO RUB EXCESSIVELY. THIS MAY CAUSE A SHINE ON THE AREA.

THERMO-FORMED DOORS (Vinyl Wrap) Vinyl wrap or thermo formed doors are a coated door that undergoes a heat vacuum process to wrap an MDF door substrate. They are low maintenance and can be easily cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge (a toothbrush may be useful for hard to reach areas). Towel dry afterwards. Stubborn stains and marks (such as ball point ink) should be removed immediately by gently wiping the surface with mentholated spirits.

DO NOT use abrasives, solvent based or cream cleansers.

DO NOT allow hot objects to come into contact with the surface finishes.

THERMO-FORMED DOORS (Vinyl Wrap) cont:

Excessive heat, hot gases, steam and fumes produced by cooking appliances such as wall ovens, hotplates and dishwashers, can lead to damage to your thermo-formed doors and panels, such as delamination and discoloration.

To avoid such occurrences, the following precautions should be taken:

• Regularly check the condition and functions of the door seals around wall ovens and dishwashers so as to avoid leakage.
• Never allow heat, hot gases and fumes produced by wall ovens to come in to contact with cupboard doors and panels surrounding wall oven or appliances. It is recommended that (if possible) the wall oven be installed with a rear ducted exhaust. In the case of front panel exhaust, a heat deflector shield will need to be used.
• Always operate the Rangehood exhaust when using your bench top hot plates.

HIGH TEMPERATURES AND COOKING FUMES WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING CUPBOARD DOORS AND PANELS UNLESS AN EFFICIENT EXHAUST IS USED.

PIGMENTED DOORS (Two Pack Paint)

Two Pack finishes offer superior features such as:

• Hard wearing • Longer lifespan
• Seamless edges
• Various gloss levels available from matt to full gloss To care for your two pack doors, please clean up any spillages immediately.

DO NOT use abrasives, solvent-based or cream cleanser to clean your painted doors, these can have an adverse affect on the paint and cause bubbling or cracking. It’s recommended to only use warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Paint thinners can be used with extreme caution, but is not recommended. Painted doors can be damaged by mechanical damage. Avoid contact with sharp and or hard objects, like cutlery, pots, pans and utensils.

SOLID TIMBER DOOR OR PANELS

Don’t be alarmed if your timber doors move. Timber is a natural product that will absorb moisture and expand or contract. Excessive heat may cause shrinkage. The moisture content in your doors will, with time, vary in response to changes in the relative humidity of the air surrounding it.

SOLID TIMBER DOOR OR PANELS cont:

To help avoid this utilize your rangehood whilst cooking and open your doors and windows if you have evaporative air conditioning.

UV rays in sunlight can discolour timber doors. Red toned timber will turn more brown, whilst light timbers will gain a honey colour. There is no remedy for this occurring.

If you notice shrinkage, (which is a natural occurrence), within the centre panels, we suggest you purchase a bottle of Marveer, O’Cedar Oil, or Goddards Cabinet Makers Polish (all available from your local supermarket or hardware store).

Apply these polishes to the exposed timber area with a clean white rag. This will enhance and protect the timber surface.

To ensure that your surface finish remains in perfect condition the above polishes should be applied at three monthly intervals for the life of the product. Particular attention should be directed to the end grain areas of your doors or bench tops (as applicable).

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

The use of furniture polishes (in particular, ones which contain silicon) and waxes are not recommended for use on the timber surfaces.

Wipe with a warm damp cloth followed by a soft, dry cloth whenever spills occur.

Clean cooking grease off after cooking. Ensure handle area is wiped clean regularly.

Dust should be wiped from the surface with a clean, soft cloth in the direction of the grain as the fine dust particles can act as an abrasive.

Spilling of some materials as mentioned in “Staining” can affect the lacquer surfaces so the procedure of wiping spills as soon as they occur will help avoid damage to the timber surfaces.

BENCH TOPS FABRICATED STONE BENCH TOPS (Engineered Stone, Marble & Granite)

Steel supports have been incorporated in opening apertures of your sink, hotplates, dishwashers etc. However, because of the reduced amount of stone left, the area immediately surrounding these areas are more vulnerable to accidental damage and/or abuse.

In general, DO NOT under any circumstance sit or stand on Stone Bench Tops. They are NOT unbreakable.

ENGINEERED STONE (Quartz Stone)

The most common type of stone bench top is engineered stone which are generally 91%-95% quartz based, brands such as Caesarstone® and Consentino.

Caesarstone® has outstanding properties that ensure ease of maintenance and longevity. They will withstand exposure to tea, soda, wine, vinegar, lemon juice and strongly colored spices but can be permanently damaged by exposure to strong chemicals and solvents. DO NOT use products that contain trichlorethane or methylene chloride, such as paint removers or strippers. Avoid any highly aggressive cleaning agents like oven cleaner that have high alkaline/h levels. Should the surface be accidentally to any of these damaging agents, rinse immediately with water to neutralize the effect.

EVERYDAY CLEANING Caesarstone® requires very little maintenance to keep the surface looking like new. For everyday, routine cleaning of Caesarstone® we recommend wiping the surface with warm soapy water (a mild detergent) and a damp cloth or alternatively use a quality spray and wipe type cleaner if you wish to give a thorough clean. Cream Gumption, Jif or Powder Ajax with a plastic scourer can be used without damaging the stone.

Bleach and acetone can also be used if required to remove stubborn marks. To remove adhered materials like food, gum, nail polish, first scrape away the excess with a sharp blade. If there are any grey metal marks on the surface, one of the regular cleaning agents will remove it.

HEAT RESISTANCE

Caesarstone® will tolerate brief exposures to moderately hot temperatures, however prolonged contact with very hot pots, pans, electric frying pans and oven trays directly from the hotplate or out of an oven onto the surface of Caesarstone®. We always recommend the use of a hot pad or trivet to place hot items onto.

POLISHING

As Caesarstone® is non-porous, it will therefore keep its lustrous gloss and ultra smooth surface without polishing. And it never needs sealing.

MARBLE BENCH TOPS

Marble is a soft porous natural stone. Variation in colour, grain, structure and veining is to be expected. Small holes, pot marks, fine cracks, and imperfections are common in many marble colour s and are unavoidable. Different Marble comes in varing slab sizes and as such joins in bench tops may be frequent.

Marble can be scratched and stained easily and with almost any household items.

It cracks easily if abused or misused and is only recommended if very little abuse is likely.

In cases where the surface has been stained, scratched or cracked there is little chance of satisfactory rectification.

CLEANING

To keep a marble surface clean, mild soap and warm water should be used. Avoid any kind of chemical cleaning products.

Use clear car wax to refresh marble surface.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

For the removal of fresh stains on a marble surface pure methylated spirits or pure chlorine can be used. (Put methylated spirits or chlorine on a clean white cloth and leave it on the stain for at least 24 hours). Repeat this process as many times as required to dissolve the stain.

PLEASE NOTE: CHLORINE ON POLISHED MARBLE SURFACES MAY CREATE DULL SPOTS.

GRANITE BENCH TOPS

Granite is a hard but porous stone. Variation in colour, grain, structure and veining is to be expected. Small holes, pot marks, fine cracks, and imperfections are common in many marble colour s and are unavoidable. Different granites come in varying slab sizes and as such joins in bench tops may be unavoidable.

Granite might stain if it comes in contact with many household items. Particular care should be taken with hot oil.

Granite might scratch if it comes in contact with another stone, (especially granite and diamonds).

Granite might crack if it comes in contact with extremely hot items and if it is abused or misused.

CLEANING

To keep a Granite surface clean, mild soap and warm water should be used. Avoid any kind of chemical cleaning products.

Use clear car wax to refresh granite surface.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

In the event of accidental damage or abuse by scratching or cracking there is very little that can be done to rectify the surface.

LAMINATE BENCH TOPS

Laminate Bench tops are produced by a variety of manufactures, care and maintenance for all laminate bench tops is similar.

GENERAL CARE

• Avoid scourers and abrasives as they will damage the surface.
• Don’t place hot appliances or objects from oven or cooker onto a laminate surface.
• Don’t cut on the laminate surface.
• Keep waxes and polishes well away as they dull the natural shine.
• Do not use strong acidic, alkaline or bleach for normal cleaning as these might etch the surface.

STREAKS

Streaky marks sometimes show on dark colours after cleaning. An all-purpose cleaner such as Windex spray cleaner or Ajax Spray n Wipe usually removes these.

GREASE

Using a mild dishwashing detergent in water will remove greasy marks. Dab, wait and wipe away. Finish with an all-purpose cleaner such as Windex spray cleaner or Ajax Spray n Wipe.

SPILLS

Laminate surfaces resist staining from most household chemicals. With some accidental spills however, prompt action is essential. Wipe off beetroot, grape and berry juices, first aid preparations, concentrated bleach, oven cleaners, dishwasher detergents, artificial dyes, hair colouring and solvent based pen ink immediately. Specialty glues such as Super Glue must also be removed straight away with acetone (nail polish remover).

STAINS

If the stain won’t budge with Extra Strength Windex, try methylated spirits or dab the stain with a diluted bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 8 parts water); leave for 3 minutes then wash off with water and dry. Finish off with Extra Strength Windex. Only as a last resort if a stain persists try 2 or 3 rubs with a crème cleanser or white toothpaste, wash and dry. Please note that bleach or these abrasive cleaners may irreversibly damage the laminate surface.

SCRATCHES

Laminate surfaces will withstand normal wear and tear, but can be damaged by scratching or cutting with utensils, knives and unglazed pottery. Darker colours will show scratches more readily than lighter colours. In general, dark colours and high gloss surfaces require more care and maintenance than lighter colours or lower gloss colours. To minimise scratching, always place and lift objects from the surface – never drag or slide them across the surface.

SPECIFIC CARE

(This applies to Squareform Benchtops, Fire Retardant Laminates, Chemical Resistant Laminates, Aquapanel Wet Area Paneling, Vizage Wall Lining, Fusion Laminates and Compact Laminate)

A damp cloth will remove spills and greasy spots. Rub with a clean dry cloth to bring back brightness. Occasionally clean with mild dishwashing detergent. To remove heavy build-up of dirt use cleaners such as Mr. Muscle, Windex or Ajax Spray n Wipe spray cleaners.

DIAMOND GLOSS LAMINATES

Wipe off spills or marks promptly with gentle rubbing using a soft cloth and mild dishwashing detergent. Dry with a soft, dry cloth. For more persistent marks, use a glass window cleaner. Never use abrasive cleaners – even those in liquid form – as they will mark the high gloss surface.

METALLIC LAMINATES (Innovations)

Wipe off spills or marks promptly with a soft cloth and mild dishwashing detergent. Dry with a soft, dry cloth. For more persistent marks, use a glass window cleaner. Never use abrasive cleaners – even those in liquid form – as they will mark the surface. Also never use solvents on metallic laminates or acids or alkalis.

STAINLESS STEEL LAMINATES (Innovations)

Wipe off spills or marks promptly with a soft cloth and mild dishwashing detergent. Dry with a soft, dry cloth. For more persistent marks, use a glass window cleaner or methylated spirits. Never use abrasive cleaners – even those in liquid form – as they will mark the surface. Specialty stainless steel cleaner can also be used if necessary.

BENCH TOPS – CORIAN®

Corian® is the original solid surface material made only by DuPont. By nature, Corian® is easy to clean, easy to care for and easy to live with. With proper care, Corian® can remain as beautiful and elegant as the day it was installed. However, Corian® is unlike any other material and there is a unique way to look after it. The following guidelines will help to ensure your Corian® surface continues to perform for many years to come.

PREVENTING TIPS

Although Corian® is quite resistant to heat, you should always use a hot pad or a trivet with rubber feet to protect Corian®.

Hot pans, as well as some heat-generating appliances like frying pans or electric cooking pots, can damage the surface if a hot pad or trivet is not used.

In most cases, Corian® can be repaired if it is accidentally damaged. However, be sure to follow these guidelines to prevent any permanent damage to Corian®.

• Avoid exposing Corian® to strong chemicals, such as paint removers, oven cleaners, etc. If contact occurs, quickly flush the surface with water.
• Remove nail polish with a non-acetone-based polish remover and flush with water.
• DO NOT cut directly on Corian® countertops.

SIMPLE CLEAN

As a general rule, when caring for Corian® always start with a Simple Clean. Avoid using abrasive scouring pads for routine cleaning.

After food preparation and cooking simply wipe your Corian® surface with a damp sponge or cloth. Thanks to the non-porosity of Corian®, this will hygienically clean your Corian® surface.

Use soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner along with a damp sponge or cloth. Rinse clean.

Wipe your surface with a damp sponge or cloth and towel try. Hard water leaves visible water marks on Corian®, just as on glassware, which is why it should be wiped dry with a soft cloth. If marks persist, try the method outlined under Deep Clean – Stubborn Stains.

DEEP CLEAN – STUBBORN STAINS

For more stubborn stains you will need to occasionally give your Corian® surface a more thorough clean and refresh using a mild abrasive cleanser like Gumption® paste cleanser, Jif Cream Cleanser or Ajax cream or powder cleanser.

Firmly wipe your Corian® surface with either a non scratch Scotch-Brite pad or a damp cloth, using a wide circular motion. Always finish by rinsing and wiping your surface with a damp cloth or sponge. The Vileda® range of cloths and non-scratch scourers are recommended by Corian®.

– LIGHT MARKS & SCUFFS Most light marks and scuffs may be removed by wiping your surface firmly with a damp sponge or cloth and a mild abrasive cleanser. However, if this technique fails to work, please contact Corian® Customer Service Centre on 1800 267 426 to personally discuss other care alternatives.

DOOR HINGES – ADUSTMENTS See below the instructions of how to adjust your hinges.

On a door with a RIGHT SIDE HINGE:

• Turn the screw CLOCKWISE to move the door to the RIGHT
• Turn the screw COUNTERCLOCKWISE to move the door to the LEFT On a door with a LEFT SIDE HINGE:
• Turn the screw CLOCKWISE to move the door to the LEFT
• Turn the screw COUNTERCLOCKWISE to move the door to the RIGHT

TBS Cabinet can organise for one of our qualified tradesman to make the adjustments for you, however there is a charge for this service. Please contact us for further information.

PLEASE READ ABOVE PRIOR TO USING YOUR NEW CABINETS. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY VOID YOUR WARRANTY.