How to Maintain Your Kitchen Cabinets & Countertops for Long-Lasting Beauty

Wondering how to keep your new cabinets looking beautiful? We can help! Here’s everything you need to know to protect your kitchen investment and keep it shining for years.

Woman cleaning a kitchen countertop with gentle spray and cloth


By Robbie Gockeler, CKBR – Operations & Finance Manager at KraftMaster Renovations

Adjusting Cabinets

✅ Loose Decorative Hardware

Frequent use can loosen handles and knobs. Tighten them with the right screwdriver — it’s a simple fix that keeps your kitchen looking polished.

✅ Loose Door Hinges

If doors start sagging or don’t close properly, tighten the hinges using a Phillips head screwdriver. In one Summit kitchen, we noticed this early and adjusted everything to perfect alignment.

✅ Door Alignment and Function

  • Up/Down Adjustment: Loosen the hinge screws slightly, reposition the door, and re-tighten.
  • Side-to-Side: Adjust the screw on the hinge arm for even spacing between doors.
  • In/Out: Adjust the hinge plate screw to bring the door closer or further from the cabinet frame.

✅ Drawer Alignment and Function

If your kitchen uses under-mount drawer slides, look underneath for the slider tab to raise or lower the drawer.

✅ Adjustable Shelves

Move shelves to different heights by lifting them off the clips and repositioning them. This is especially handy in homes with busy families, like the ones we’ve remodeled in Madison.


Countertop Care

✅ Gentle Cleaning

Warm water and a mild soap solution are all you need for daily cleaning. Avoid harsh scrubbers that can scratch or dull the finish.

✅ Heat Protection

Always use trivets or hot pads for hot pots and pans — this keeps quartz, granite, and laminate looking like new.

✅ Seal Stone Surfaces

For granite and marble, reseal every 1–2 years to protect against staining and wear.


What to Avoid

❌ Harsh detergents, abrasive pads, or ammonia/bleach-based products.

❌ Solvent-based cleaners like mineral spirits or paint thinners.

❌ Paper towels on high-gloss cabinetry — they can scratch the finish.


Final Thoughts

Regular care and small adjustments keep your kitchen working (and looking!) like the day it was installed. If you’re not sure about a cabinet or countertop issue, don’t hesitate to reach out. At KraftMaster, we’re here to help you protect your kitchen investment for years to come.

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