CLEANING
Know This
Homeowner-caused water damage to cabinets is not warrantable. This includes damage from sink leaks, appliance leaks, and standing water from cleaning.
Do This
- Clean cabinet surfaces, doors, and frames with a soft damp cloth and mild dish soap only.
- Dry all cabinet surfaces immediately after cleaning. Do not allow water to sit on any surface.
- Use a wood-friendly cabinet cleaner or polish periodically to condition and protect the finish.
- Clean cabinet interiors regularly to prevent buildup of food particles and moisture.
- Wipe up spills immediately, especially near sinks, dishwashers, and anywhere plumbing connections are present.
Do Not Do This
- Do not use abrasive sponges, scrubbing pads, or harsh chemical cleaners on any cabinet surface.
- Do not use bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, or oil-based cleaners on cabinet finishes.
- Do not leave standing water on countertop surfaces adjacent to cabinet faces, as prolonged moisture contact will cause swelling and damage.
- Do not allow steam from cooking to repeatedly contact cabinet surfaces directly above the range without using the range hood or exhaust fan. Over time, steam causes the finish to bubble, peel, and delaminate.
HARDWARE AND HINGES
Do This
- Know that all cabinet hinges throughout the home are adjustable. If a door is crooked, rubbing, or not closing properly, the hinge can be adjusted with a screwdriver.
- Tighten any loose hinge screws as soon as you notice them. Loose hinges lead to misaligned doors and increased wear.
- Lubricate drawer slides and hinges annually with a light silicone spray or drawer lubricant if they become stiff or squeaky.
- Use your included touch-up kit to address minor scratches and dings on cabinet surfaces as they occur.
Do Not Do This
- Do not slam cabinet doors or drawers. Repeated impact loosens hinges, damages drawer slides, and can crack cabinet frames.
- Do not hang excessive weight on cabinet doors or use doors to pull open stuck drawers.
LOADING AND USE
Do This
- Distribute weight evenly across cabinet shelves.
- Use drawer organizers and shelf liners to protect interior surfaces from scratches and moisture.
- Close cabinet doors fully after each use, particularly in bathrooms where humidity levels are higher.
Do Not Do This
- Do not overload cabinets under sinks with heavy or bulky products. Overloading puts stress on the cabinet floor, hinge points, and any plumbing connections below, and can cause the shelf to sag or crack.
- Do not store chemicals, cleaning products, or anything with a strong solvent near the cabinet interior for extended periods. Fumes from harsh chemicals can damage the interior finish over time.
KITCHEN-SPECIFIC CARE
Do This
- Always use the range hood or exhaust fan when cooking to draw steam and grease away from cabinet surfaces above and around the range.
- Wipe cabinet faces near the range and dishwasher regularly. These areas accumulate grease and moisture faster than anywhere else in the kitchen.
- Check under the sink monthly for any drips, soft spots on the cabinet floor, or moisture accumulation. Catching a slow leak early prevents major damage.
- Check the dishwasher door seal periodically and confirm the dishwasher is fully latched before running. A leaking dishwasher seal is one of the most common sources of cabinet water damage.
Do Not Do This
- Do not place wet dishes, pots, or pans directly inside cabinet interiors without drying them first.
- Do not allow the dishwasher to run if you notice it is not fully closing and sealing.
BATHROOM-SPECIFIC CARE
Do Not Do This
- Do not leave wet items such as towels, loofahs, or cleaning brushes sitting inside cabinet interiors or against cabinet sides for extended periods.
Do This
- Run the bathroom exhaust fan during and for at least 10 minutes after every shower or bath to remove moisture from the air. Excess humidity is the number one enemy of bathroom cabinets.
- Inspect the caulking around the sink and any plumbing access panels inside bathroom cabinets regularly. Recaulk as needed.
- Keep P-traps under bathroom sinks hand-tight and check them every 6 months for slow drips.
TOUCH-UP KIT
A touch-up kit specific to your home’s cabinet finish is included with your home. Use it for:
- Minor scratches on door faces and drawer fronts
- Small chips on cabinet edges and frames
- Nicks from moving in or everyday use
For larger damage or finish failures that are not the result of homeowner actions, contact customer service.
WHEN TO CALL EDGE HOMES
- Cabinet doors or drawers that will not close or align properly despite hinge adjustment
- Delaminating or bubbling finish that is not the result of moisture or heat from homeowner activities
- Cabinet damage present at or shortly after closing that was not caused by the homeowner
Contact customer service at 801.494.0150 or submit a request at edgehomes.com.
Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.