Cleaning & Maintaining

Crafted from premium materials, One Stop cabinets are built to endure daily use while maintaining their beauty. With regular care and simple upkeep, they’ll continue to bring warmth and character to your kitchen for many years to come.

How to Clean Your Wood or Painted Cabinets

Each One Stop cabinet is crafted from wood as distinctive as your home itself. From the natural grain patterns to subtle color variations, every detail adds a personal touch to your space. To preserve their original beauty, it’s essential to know how to clean them properly and avoid anything that could cause damage over time.

Cleaning after installation?

No need to stress about cleaning or polishing your cabinets once they’re installed—we’ll leave them gleaming and ready to enjoy. All that’s left for you to do is sit back and admire the transformation.

Want to give them a little extra sparkle before showing off your new space? Just wipe them down with a damp cloth, then follow up with a dry, soft cloth to keep moisture at bay and preserve their flawless finish.

Remove Build-Up Often

Over time, grease and everyday grime can accumulate on your cabinets, gradually dulling their finish and potentially damaging the wood. To keep them looking their best, we recommend a gentle cleaning at least every two weeks using warm water and a soft cloth.

Depending on how frequently you cook or how busy your kitchen is, you might need to clean them more often. When wiping down wood surfaces, always follow the direction of the grain—this helps prevent scratches and preserves the natural texture.

For stubborn spots that resist a simple wipe-down, start with a touch of mild dish soap. If that doesn’t do the trick, a paste made from baking soda and water can help lift tougher grime. A soft sponge can also provide a little extra scrubbing power without harming the finish.

Cleaning Products to Avoid

For routine cleaning, we recommend using warm water, baking soda, or a mild dish soap. These gentle options are safe for your cabinets and effective at removing everyday grime. Many commercial cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage the finish, so it’s best to steer clear of strong detergents, bleach, or ammonia-based products.

It’s also important to avoid abrasive tools like steel wool or wire brushes. These can scratch the surface and leave behind a rough, uneven texture that’s difficult to repair.

Cabinet Scratch Repair

Even with the best care and cleaning habits, life happens—and your cabinets may take a few hits along the way. This is especially true when little helpers are lending a hand in the kitchen. Fortunately, our cabinets are designed with durability in mind and can be easily repaired when minor scratches or nicks appear, keeping your space looking its best.

How to Repair Scratches in Your Cabinets

Scratches and nicks happen—even with the best care. Whether it’s from everyday wear,

busy kitchen traffic, or a stray utensil, your cabinets might show a few marks over time. But don’t worry, restoring their original look is easier than you think.

  • Try a walnut: It may sound surprising, but for light surface scratches on wood cabinets, gently rubbing a walnut over the area can help. The natural oils in the nut darken the scratch and make it less noticeable—especially if you can’t feel it with your fingertip.

  • Use a cabinet repair stick: These crayon-like tools are designed to fill and color deeper scratches. Simply rub the stick over the damaged area to blend it with the surrounding wood.

Before trying any of these fixes, make sure the mark isn’t just wax build-up from polishing. A quick wipe with a soft cloth should clear that up.

Moisture, Temperature, Humidity and Sunlight

🌡Environmental Factors That Impact Your Cabinets—and How to Protect Them

Your cabinets are built to last, but environmental conditions like temperature, moisture, humidity, and sunlight can affect their appearance and durability over time. Here’s how each element plays a role—and what you can do to keep your cabinets looking their best.

🔥 Temperature

Fluctuating temperatures can cause wood to expand in the heat and contract in the cold. In summer, cabinets may swell slightly, while Minnesota’s frigid winters can lead to shrinkage. These shifts can result in cracking, splitting, or warping—especially in solid wood cabinets—making drawers and doors harder to open or close.

Prevention Tips:

  • Maintain a consistent indoor temperature between 70–75°F.

  • Use air conditioning in summer and heating in winter to avoid sudden changes.

  • Remember: minor expansion and contraction are normal and reversible with proper climate control.

💧 Moisture

Water is wood’s worst enemy. Sudden leaks from sinks or dishwashers can cause immediate damage, while long-term exposure to steam or splashes can degrade finishes and weaken cabinet structure.

Prevention Tips:

  • Wipe up spills and splashes immediately.

  • Avoid hanging damp towels on cabinet handles.

  • Don’t operate steam-producing appliances (like crockpots) directly beneath cabinets.

  • If you suspect a leak, contact a plumber promptly.

🫧 Humidity

Humidity swings—too high or too low—can cause wood and composite materials like particleboard to expand, contract, or warp. This may lead to cracked joints, bowed panels, or misaligned drawers.

Prevention Tips:

  • Use a dehumidifier in summer to reduce excess moisture.

  • Use a humidifier in winter to prevent overly dry air.

  • Aim for indoor humidity levels between 30–50% for optimal cabinet health.

☀️ Sunlight

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade cabinet finishes and cause heat-related expansion.

Prevention Tips:

  • Install curtains or blinds on windows near your cabinets.

  • Consider UV-protective window treatments to minimize sun damage.

By managing these environmental factors, you’ll extend the life and beauty of your cabinets for years to come.