Maintenance & Cleaning
Cleaning Doors
Wood Veneer
The wood veneer is “alive” and shifts within the seasons. This annual expansion and contraction can cause slight variations, although Heritage Kitchens helps minimize these effects as best as possible. This is thanks to the seasoned wood and top quality finishes used in our products. Wood doors may eventually become worn or damaged as a result of normal kitchen wear and high humidity. It is imperative to always use the hood vent while cooking and immediately dry any condensation or drips.
For routine cleaning, use a microfibre cloth. For more in-depth cleaning, use a cloth paired with a non-abrasive wood cleaner, rubbing the cloth in the direction of the vein to clean each pore. Rinse the cloth, wring it out well and dry all surfaces completely.
Wood is a natural product that has differences in colour and grain which cannot be removed when dyes or stains are applied. Over time, wood, like any other lacquered surface, may develop colour variations. Wooden units purchased at a later date usually will adapt to the colour of the existing units after a certain amount of time and exposure to the light in the room.
DO NOT:
-Use alcohol or stain removers
-Expose your kitchen to direct sunlight: this will delay the natural colour variation process
-Use acetone, trichloroethylene or ammonia in any circumstance
-Use bleach or detergents with bleach
Lacquered
Lacquered doors can be very delicate. Although at Heritage Kitchens, we only use top quality and tested varnishes on your cabinetry. Despite these precautions, the colour of the lacquer will change slightly over time, depending on its exposure to UV light. It should be noted that matte and glossy finishes of the same colour could look like two completely different tones. This is due to the fact that the matte absorbs the light, whereas the glossy reflects it.
For routine cleaning, wiping with a damp microfibre cloth will work. For more in-depth cleaning, use a sponge with liquid detergent or glass cleaner.
If a scratch occurs, use the “touch-up bottle” supplied by us when the cabinetry was installed. Additional “touch-up bottles” are available upon request.
DO NOT:
-Expose your kitchen to direct sunlight: this will delay the natural colour variation process
-Use acetone, trichloroethylene or ammonia in any circumstance
-Any abrasive scratch pads
Cleaning Worktops
Wood Veneer
Veneered worktops are made from wood-based panels that have been covered with a layer of fine wood. Again, because this is a natural product, you are likely to find differences in the colour and grain patterns. These traits are often what makes natural wood so valuable and unique.
Kitchen utensils and appliances may scratch the surface. Be cautious not to drag anything across the surface, as well as always use a cutting board. Metal scouring pads, abrasive substances and powdered detergents should be avoided, as they are likely to damage the surface.
Kitchen appliances that generate heat, such as hot pots, pans, coffee pots and serving dishes, should be used in conjunction with a hot pad to avoid marking the surface. If it is not properly insulated, the worksurface may crack or change colour.
DO NOT:
-Place hot pans etc. on worktop
-Allow hot overspray from cooking to rest on worktop surface or backsplash panels
To prevent discolouration and stains, always wipe up spills as quickly as possible. Light limescale marks can be wiped off with a small amount of vinegar, diluted in water. Be careful with fresh juices, bleach, chemicals and bathroom cleaners, as they may stain your worktop. Always remember to dilute alcohol and vinegar before using them as cleaning products.
Veneered worktops are particularly vulnerable to water as they are created from natural wood. Wiping up standing water immediately will help eliminate pools of water that may cause damage. If water seepage occurs, contact Heritage Kitchens to prevent any further damage to the cabinets. Finally, never leave the dishwasher door half-open at the end of a wash and do not direct steam towards the worktop.
For routine cleaning, use a microfibre cloth. For more in-depth cleaning, use a cloth paired with a non abrasive wood cleaner, rubbing the cloth in the direction of the vein to clean each pore. Rinse the cloth, wring it out well and dry all surfaces completely.
Marble
Marble is a naturally occurring crystalline limestone rock consisting mainly of calcium carbonate. Variations in the vein patterns and colour – even within a single slab – are normal features. Marble’s appearance can alter over time and these sign of aging make it more prestigious and unique.
Because of its limestone-like structure Marble is not 100% resistant to knocks or scratches. Ordinary kitchen tools may scratch or chip the surface. Always use a cutting board.
Heat may cause dullness of any worktop surface. Do not place hot pans on the surface and take care to use an insulating hot pad between your serving dishes and worktop. If there is not proper insulation under a hot kitchen item the worktop may discolour or crack. While cooking do not allow saucepans or griddle pans to project over the edge of the hob, since this may damage not only the worktop but the also backsplash raiser and wall panels.
Marble worktops can deteriorate and become stained over time, and if the surface is light in colour these stains will be more visible. Therefore, detergents or acidic liquids (oil, red wine, vinegar etc.) should never be left on its surface. Products containing citric acid, even those naturally occurring in fruits, may remove the original shine from any polished stone leaving a dull spot. Clean worktop while stain is still fresh.
Water contains natural substances such as salts and limescale that may generate lasting stains or smears. Caution with standing water and leaks is necessary as the water may damage the cabinetry below. Excess water should be wiped off at once and the dishwasher should not be left half-open after a wash. Do not direct steam towards the worktop.
For routine cleaning use a microfibre cloth with neutral detergents; do not use products that contain acids or non-calcareous. Always clean up fresh stains.
Granite
Granite is a natural product with a compact porous structure that is particularly resistant to abrasion and impact stress. Its appearance may vary in terms of its colour and vein pattern making the product more unique and prestigious.
Although granite has a high resistance to scratches, to conserve the worktops lustre, a cutting board is always recommended. Do not allow heavy items to drop straight onto the worktop as it may chip the surface. Be sure to treat edges with special care.
Generally unaffected by heat, any direct contact with granite to open flame should be avoided. Take care with any appliance that generates heat. For instance, if not suitably insulated underneath, any worktop surface may crack or change colour. When granite is combined with wall panels and raisers in other materials that are more prone to heat damage it is suggested that you refer to the care section that discusses the individual material used.
Granite worktops may deteriorate or become stained especially when the surface is light in colour. Therefore, detergents and acidic liquids (oil, red wine, vinegar etc.) should not be left on the surface. Beware, in particular, of products containing citric acid as well as citrus fruits that may remove the original shine from polished surfaces.
Water contains natural substances such as salts and limescale that may generate lasting stains or smears. Caution with standing water and leaks is necessary as the water may damage the cabinetry below. Excess water should be wiped off at once and the dishwasher should not be left half-open after a wash. Do not direct steam towards the worktop.
For routine cleaning use a microfibre cloth with neutral detergents and for flamed finishes only use water! Always clean the worktop while the stain is fresh. For in-depth cleaning household scouring pads can be used providing they do not damage the polished surface.
DO NOT:
-use non-calcareous or acid containing products
-use solvent-based products to remove silicone residues as these substances damage the oil and water-repellent finish applied to the worktop as a protective treatment that would have to be repeated.
info@heritage-kitchens.com
(416) 276 0751
Hours Of Operation:
Monday to Friday by appointment.
©2021 by HERITAGE KITCHENS.