Rigid Thermofoil (RTF) cabinet doors and drawer fronts feature a vinyl layer molded over an engineered wood core, making them highly durable and resistant to chipping. However, they require specific care to protect the adhesive bond beneath the vinyl from peeling or discoloring due to excessive heat or harsh chemicals.
For everyday maintenance, stick to non-abrasive cleaners to avoid scratching or dulling the finish.
- Daily dust and soil: Wipe the doors with a clean, lint-free cotton cloth, microfiber towel, or non-abrasive sponge dampened with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
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Grease and tacky buildup: Use a 50/50 mixture of water and non-abrasive cleaner. Wipe gently, then follow up with a fresh, water-dampened cloth to remove any residue to keep dry.
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Dry immediately: Always dry the surfaces thoroughly after cleaning. Never leave water to pool near the edges or seams.
If normal dish soap doesn't work, tackle stains using these methods:
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Mild Degreasers: Spray a standard, non-abrasive household cleaner like Simple Green, Formula 409 or Fantastik onto a cloth. Lightly scrub the spot to remove the stain.
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Ink or Makeup Stains: Dampen a soft cloth with Isopropyl Alcohol and leave it on the stain for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Thermofoil can be permanently ruined by micro-scratches or chemical stripping. We recommend not using any
abrasive powders, baking soda, or scouring pads or harsh solvents like acetone, nail polish remover, or lacquer thinners.
Heat & Moisture Protection
Caring for your thermofoil components is important but preventing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts that are near high heat sources is critical. If placed or near a stove or oven, prolonged temperatures above 150°F could damage your components. There are ways to make sure this doesn't happen in your kitchen:
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Pull appliances forward: Slide your small appliances like a toaster or air fryer out from underneath your wall cabinets to prevent any issues with the cabinet doors.
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Use heat shields: Install metal heat shield strips on the cabinets directly adjacent to your oven, range, or dishwasher to deflect radiant heat and steam. These are available online including Amazon or home improvement store.
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Beware the self-cleaning oven cycle: The extreme heat from an oven's self-cleaning cycle can cause serious damage so we recommend to open or remove your cabinet doors and drawer fronts closest to the oven.
- Control steam: Always run your kitchen exhaust hood while cooking to manage the heat and moisture while cooking on your stove.
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Buy $500 or more in any combination of cabinet doors, drawer fronts, drawer boxes or accessories and get 10% off your entire order. Discount taken at check out. Discounts cannot be combined.
