Laminated doors have come a long way in recent years, and you can now enjoy a fantastic finish to contemporary or more traditional inspired kitchens. Cabinets typically account for as much as 30 percent of the cost of remodelling a kitchen, so it is understandable why Laminex doors hold a great appeal. Today laminates are available in such a massive choice of natural patterns; you can create a realistic looking effect in oak, cypress or even granite or marble. If you prefer a bolder finish, you can choose from every colour of the rainbow or a dramatic graphic pattern to add some funk to your kitchen ambiance. Unfortunately, many homeowners worry about how to care for laminated doors, so they are reluctant to break convention. Fortunately, we have some tips for caring for Laminex doors that may help you to make your purchase decision.
The Advantages of Laminate
Before we delve into how to care for laminated doors, it is crucial to appreciate the advantages offered with this innovative product. Laminex is a made using man made synthetic materials. The synthetics are placed over a substrate or a compressed wood compound that acts as a base. While there are melamine doors that are low pressure variety, Laminex is a high-pressure laminate that offers greater durability and higher quality.
Laminex kitchen cabinets offer a great many advantages. High quality laminate, such as Laminex, can withstand the heavy use that occurs in a busy family kitchen. It is also less susceptible to colour change, which can be a problem in the hot Aussie climate, where UV exposure can easily discolour home finishes. Laminex also holds uniform stain colours, so you can be sure that all of your cabinets will continue to look exactly alike for a consistent look for many years to come. So, now you’re convinced of the benefits of Laminex, you will need to know how to keep it looking great.
Like any type of kitchen surface, cabinets can develop a buildup of dust, dirt, and cooking debris throughout the year. Fortunately, Laminex cabinets are one of the easiest cabinet finishes to keep clean, provided you follow some basic care instructions.
Regularly Dust
Perhaps the best way to avoid problematic cleaning of your Laminex cabinets is to keep them as clean as possible throughout the year. Don’t just wait for that intense spring clean, but rather include dusting as part of your regular cleaning routine. Use a soft cloth or duster and every week wipe any dust from the surface of your cabinets. Be sure to wipe both inside and the exterior to remove any dust or dirt that has accumulated.
Use a Damp Cloth
If you notice any areas that cannot be cleaned with dusting, such as a sticky area or stain, you’ll need to use a damp cloth. Ideally, any spills should be wiped up immediately, but it can be easy to overlook the odd splash or spill. So, use a soft cloth or sponge and ensure that it is thoroughly wrung out, so it is just damp. You want to avoid water dripping onto the surface or sitting on the cabinet, so give the cloth a good wring. Use the cloth or sponge to gently rub the surface of the stain. In most cases, this is likely to be sufficient to remove the debris without causing damage to the laminate surface.
Use Chemical Cleaners with Care
If dusting and a damp cloth has not cleared a mark or stain, you may rush straight to your cleaning cupboard to find a chemical cleaner, but you will need to act with care. Laminates can be vulnerable to scratches caused by abrasive cleaning products, so you need to be careful about what chemical cleaners you use on your new cabinets. Generally, a hand soap or other soft detergent will be sufficient to remove tough marks or stains without causing damage to the cabinet. Rub the stained area with a damp cloth that has a dot of soap on it. Allow the soap to sit for a moment or two before you use a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
Look for Laminate Safe Cleaning Solutions
If gentle soap does not remove a particularly tough stain, you may need to look for a laminate safe cleaning solution. Fortunately, there are a number of products available at grocery stores that are safe for laminate. You will need to follow the instructions carefully to ensure proper dilution of the cleaning solution, as a full strength solution may cause damage to the laminate and the substrate underneath permanently. If you’re unsure about what products can and cannot be used on your Laminex doors, be sure to ask your kitchen cabinet company for help.
Laminate doors have been transformed in recent years to provide a more cost effective way to achieve a very attractive look to a new kitchen. Whether you prefer a sleek modern look or take inspiration from more traditional kitchen designs, there are laminate options to suit your preferences. Laminate is available in a wealth of patterns, styles, and colours, so you can allow your creativity to go wild and choose a cabinet finish that will complement all the other elements of your new kitchen. These cabinets and doors are designed to maintain a great aesthetic for many years to come, but this can only be accomplished with the right care. It is always a good idea to clean up any spills immediately to prevent them from drying onto the surface and causing a stain, but it is also important to perform regular cleaning.
If you would like to learn more about Laminex doors or any other type of laminated doors, be sure to speak to us. The Kitchen Door Company offers a wide variety of cabinet options including laminate, and our team would be delighted to answer any queries you may have to help you plan your dream kitchen and make your purchase decision.
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