NOVARS / Planning & care

Planning & care · October 29, 2026

Caring for Cabinet Materials & Finishes

Identify the surface before choosing a cleaner. Keep the instructions for each installed finish, and share them with anyone cleaning your home after the remodel.

Daily care starts with the product instructions

Use the cleaning method recommended for the selected finish. Avoid treating a stronger cleaner as a better cleaner. Before trying a new product, check its compatibility and any manufacturer directions for testing in an inconspicuous area.

Wipe up spills promptly, especially around edges, joints, sinks and appliances. Avoid leaving water or cleaning solution on cabinet surfaces. Pay attention to recurring moisture or heat near dishwashers, kettles and coffee makers, and review appliance placement and use instructions if a cabinet is repeatedly exposed.

Agree on the first clean after the remodel

Before the final clean, give the cleaning team the care instructions for the installed materials. Ask the cabinet supplier how to handle construction residue, protective film and any tape. Confirm when the finish is ready for normal cleaning.

If adhesive, paint or grout residue remains, identify both the residue and the surface before choosing a remover. A cleaner recommended for one material may damage the neighboring finish.

EGGER decorative surfaces

EGGER’s general cleaning guidance recommends regular cleaning with a soft cloth and a suitable mild cleaner, followed by removal of residue and drying. Avoid soaking edges or allowing liquid to sit in joints. Use the instructions for your particular EGGER product and surface texture; a recommendation for one surface should not be transferred to an unrelated finish.

Tafisa TFL panels

For Tafisa thermally fused laminate, the manufacturer’s maintenance guide includes mild liquid soap and soft cleaning materials. It warns against abrasive pads, steel wool, wax-based cleaners and acidic or strongly alkaline products. Excess liquid is especially important to avoid at edges and gaps, where moisture can reach the panel.

Shinnoki and other wood veneers

For Shinnoki, Decospan recommends a soft dry cloth for dusting. A slightly damp cloth and mild cleaner can be used as directed, with excess water avoided and spills dried promptly. Do not add wax or oil to Shinnoki’s finished surface. Other veneer finishes may have different requirements, so keep their own care information.

Veneer is real wood. Grain and color can vary across panels and from a small sample. Discuss the intended grain layout during selection, and assess any new stain, swelling or surface damage separately from natural variation.

Painted cabinetry

Follow the instructions for the actual cabinet coating, including any initial curing period and restrictions on cleaning. A color chosen from the Benjamin Moore palette identifies the color reference; it does not, by itself, identify the coating applied to the cabinetry or its care requirements.

If a painted surface is chipped or marked, photograph the area and ask about a suitable repair. Keep the approved color and sheen references. An unverified touch-up product can leave a visible difference.

Glass, hardware and built-in lighting

Check that a glass cleaner is compatible with the surrounding frame and its finish. Apply cleaner as directed and avoid letting it collect at frame joints. Coated, textured or mirrored glass may have its own instructions.

If a door or drawer starts rubbing, record where it happens and contact the installer before forcing it or changing hardware settings. For lighting problems, note which part of the system is affected and ask the appropriate installer to check it. Keep drivers and service access points accessible.

Know when a problem needs a service visit

What you noticeWhat to record or do next
Moisture or swelling near an edgeDry the visible spill and have recurring moisture or a suspected leak assessed. Photograph the location before attempting a cosmetic repair.
A door or drawer starts rubbingNote where it rubs and whether the problem is new. Contact the installer before forcing it or changing hardware settings.
A light stops working or flickersRecord which light and control are affected. Ask the appropriate installer to check the system and keep the service access clear.
An unfamiliar mark or residueIdentify the actual finish and check the approved cleaning method before trying a stronger product.

These observations help describe the problem; they are not a diagnosis. A new stain, swollen edge or movement problem should be assessed separately from normal wood variation.

Manufacturer care references

Check the current guidance for your selected product. These references support the material-specific notes above: