Identify the material first
Clean kitchen fronts with a suitable soft cloth, little moisture and dry edges. Choose the right method for grease, fingerprints and each finish.
Kitchen fronts often look alike but are made of very different materials. Common types are lacquered fronts, foil-wrapped boards, high-pressure laminate and solid or veneered wood. Each reacts differently to water, cleaners and friction.
If you do not know what your kitchen is made of, the kitchen manufacturer's care guide or your property management can help. When in doubt, work as mildly and as dry as possible and test any new product on an inconspicuous spot, such as the inside of a door.
Kitchen fronts: cloth, moisture and edges
Choose a clean soft cloth approved by the cabinet maker. Microfibre is unsuitable for some lacquers or high-gloss finishes; soft cotton may be appropriate. Use only the recommended mild solution and wring the cloth well. Test out of sight, then wipe without pressure.
Then wipe again with a second cloth and clean water so no residue remains, and dry the surface with a dry cloth. This prevents water marks and streaks, especially on glossy finishes.
- Wring the cloth out well
- Clean first, then rinse-wipe with clear water
- Dry immediately
- Test new products on the inside
| Situation | Appropriate action |
|---|---|
| Lacquer and high gloss | Use an approved clean soft cloth; lightly damp-wipe fingerprints and dry without pressure. |
| Foil and laminate | Apply product to the cloth, do not soak seams; dry edges immediately. |
| Wood or veneer | Follow care instructions; wipe lightly damp along the grain, dry immediately, no steam. |
Further reading
Lacquered and high-gloss fronts
Lacquered and high-gloss fronts show every scratch. Never use scouring cream, melamine sponges, the rough side of a sponge or coarse microfiber cloths. Alcohol- or solvent-based products can also damage some lacquers unless the manufacturer approves them.
Remove fingerprints with a slightly damp, very soft cloth and dry straight away. Do not press hard, or dull patches may appear.
Foil and laminate fronts
Foil-wrapped fronts are easy to care for day to day but sensitive at edges and seams. If water gets in there, the foil can swell or peel. Wipe edges only with a well-wrung cloth and dry them immediately.
Heat and steam can affect nearby fronts. Follow the kitchen and appliance makers’ instructions for opening the dishwasher and oven. Wipe condensation from edges; do not change designed automatic door settings because of general cleaning tips.
Wooden fronts
Solid wood and veneer are natural materials that react to moisture. Wipe along the grain with a cloth that is only damp and dry at once. Oiled or waxed surfaces occasionally need refreshing with the care product the manufacturer recommends.
Do not use steam cleaners or strong degreasers on wood, as they can attack the protective layer. Deep scratches or swollen areas are best assessed by a professional.
Grease, handles and common mistakes
A thin film of grease builds up near the hob. It usually comes off with warm water and mild washing-up liquid if you remove it regularly. Wipe handles separately, because skin oils and food residue meet there. Never mix different cleaning products, and avoid spraying directly onto the front; put the product on the cloth instead.
If you would like help with routine apartment cleaning, PUTZIO arranges cleaners in the supported municipalities around Zurich and Rapperswil-Jona for CHF 40 per hour; refinishing damaged fronts is not part of the service.
- No scouring products or melamine sponges
- Spray onto the cloth, not the front
- Keep edges dry
- Remove grease film regularly