Caring for Oak Veneered MDF/MFC Doors.

Routine Cleaning and Maintenance

• Our finished Oak doors are lacquered and therefore minimal maintenance is required.
• No oiling required on lacquered products.
• Frequency: Aim to clean the doors every few months, or more frequently in high-use areas.
• Cleaning Solution: Use a mild solution of 95% lukewarm water and no more than 5% liquid soap or mild household detergent (non-abrasive).
• Method: Dampen a soft, clean cloth with the solution (the cloth should be damp, not wet) and wipe along the wood grain pattern.
• Drying: Immediately after cleaning, dry the doors completely with a separate, soft, clean cloth to prevent moisture ingress into joints, which can cause damage.
• Immediate Action on Spills: Wipe away any food splashes (especially oil-based substances like cooking oil or butter) or liquids immediately to prevent staining and damage.

Products to Avoid

Do not use the following products as they can damage the finish:

• Wax furniture polish (on finishes other than specific wax finishes).
• Abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
• Bleach/chlorine-based, alcohol-based, or multi-purpose cleaners.
• Solvents, acetone, or ammonia.
• Vinegar-based detergents for everyday cleaning.

Maintenance and repair.

• Address damage promptly: If you notice any lifting, bubbles, or nicks, repair them immediately to prevent moisture or heat from causing further damage.
• Maintain Vulnerable points: All Panels, Posts or any furniture touching the floor should be considered a vulnerable point, and extra care should be taken when using a floor mop. If there is a spillage, then it should be dealt with immediately to avoid water ingress. These vulnerable points should be sealed for extra protection. Silicone and Sealants can perish over time, and will need to be re-applied as part of the on going kitchen maintenance.
• Avoid excessive heat: Do not open dishwasher doors until the cycle has finished fully, and the cavity has dried and cooled down. Do not leave oven door open, for long periods of time during cooking. Do not use high heat generating appliances like kettles, toasters air fryers etc. under kitchen furniture.  Not following the above guidance can cause your kitchen products to crack, warp, swell or peel.
• Ventilation: To avoid any adverse effect to your kitchen products, a well ventilated room in recommended.  Always use your cooker extractor whilst cooking, and open windows or doors to remove surplus moisture when needed.

• Limit direct sun & Humidity: Timber finishes will change colour when exposed to sun light, and humidity – the intensity of exposure will affect the rate of change. This is an inevitable natural feature of timber products. Because of this, any replacement doors required at any point in the future, will not be an exact match.  Although they will age/blend in better over time.

• Monitor for Wear: The protective lacquer may wear away over time, especially in high-traffic areas. Inspect your doors regularly for signs of peeling, fading, or minor scratches.
• Re-finishing: To restore protection and appearance, you may need to re-lacquer the wood if needed (potentially every 10-15 years, depending on use and exposure).