Cabinetry Care & Maintenance Guide≥

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Thank you for choosing Shirecraft Joinery. Our cabinetry is engineered using premium precision-cut cores, high-impact ABS protective edging, and trade-spec finishes designed to deliver decades of reliable service.

To preserve your kitchen or joinery investment and maintain your 25-Year Carcass and 10-Year Door & Panel Warranties, please follow these care and operational guidelines.

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1. Cabinet Carcasses & Shelving (18mm MFC).

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Our carcasses feature high-impact ABS protective edging designed to seal against daily moisture and operational bumps. However, composite board cores must always be protected from standing liquid.

• Routine Cleaning: Wipe down surfaces regularly using a soft, damp microfibre cloth with warm water and a small amount of mild liquid dish soap. Always dry immediately with a clean, dry cloth.

• Immediate Spill Care: Wipe up liquid spills, condensation, or plumbing drips—especially inside sink units, under-sink carcasses, and pull-out bin cabinets—immediately. Do not allow standing water to rest on shelf edges, base panels, or joint lines.

• Prohibited Cleaners: Never use abrasive scouring pads, wire wool, bleach, oven cleaners, or solvent-based chemicals. These will permanently strip or degrade the protective surface melamine layer.

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2. Doors, Drawer Fronts & Decorative Panels.

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Whether finished in high-performance water-based lacquers, smooth spray coatings, or durable decorative laminates, cabinet facings require gentle cleaning to preserve their surface finish and color depth.

• Daily Wiping: Clean with a soft, warm, damp microfibre cloth. Never use spray polishes containing silicone, wax, or harsh solvents.

• Microfibre Inspection: Ensure cleaning cloths are free of trapped grit, dirt, or debris before wiping painted or lacquered doors to prevent fine hairline surface scratches.

• Grease & Fingerprints: For stubborn grease or cooking deposits, use a diluted solution of warm water and mild detergent. Wipe gently in circular motions, then dry completely with a clean cloth.

3. Protecting Against Moisture, Steam & Heat (Critical Warranty Exclusions)

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Localized steam and moisture ingress are the primary causes of preventable cabinetry damage. Adhering to these simple daily habits is required to keep your warranty valid:

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Steam & Moisture Control 

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• Kettles & Portable Appliances: Never operate kettles, coffee machines, air fryers, or rice cookers directly beneath wall cabinets or open shelving. Forced steam pushed under pressure into cabinet joints will cause board swelling and finish breakdown over time. Always pull appliances forward into clear space when in use.

• Dishwasher Operation: Allow your dishwasher to complete its full drying and cooling cycle before opening the door. Opening a hot dishwasher mid-cycle releases a concentrated plume of scalding steam directly onto adjacent door edges and worktop undersides.

• Cooking Extraction: Always run your cooker extraction hood while cooking to prevent airborne moisture, steam, and atomized grease from settling on surrounding cabinetry.

Heat Management

• Built-in Appliances: Ensure factory heat-deflector strips remain fitted around built-in ovens and dishwashers. Avoid leaving oven doors resting slightly open on cooling modes where direct heat blasts onto surrounding door edges.

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4. Hardware & Internal Fittings (Runners, Hinges & Soft-Close Mechanisms).

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Your heavy-duty soft-close hinges, drawer runners, and lift mechanisms are lubricated for life and require very little maintenance.

• Dusting: Dust runner tracks and hinge mechanisms occasionally using a dry soft brush or vacuum brush attachment.

• No Oils or Solvents: Do not apply WD-40, silicone sprays, oil, or grease to soft-close drawer runners or hinge dampers; doing so degrades the internal hydraulic dampening fluid.

• Weight Limits: Avoid overloading deep pan drawers beyond their rated load capacity to maintain precise alignment and smooth runner operation over time.

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Care Summary: Do’s and Don’ts.

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DO

• DO dry all carcass surfaces and door edges immediately after wiping.

• DO pull kettles and steam appliances forward, away from wall units when boiling.

• DO clean up accidental spills immediately.

• DO use clean microfibre cloths and mild soapy water for general cleaning.

DON'T

• DON'T leave wet tea towels or damp dishcloths hanging over cabinet doors or drawer tops.

• DON'T use steam cleaners anywhere on timber, painted, or board cabinetry.

• DON'T use abrasive scouring powders, bleach, or solvent-based cleaners.

• DON'T open dishwashers immediately after a hot wash cycle completes.