Painted cabinets finished in a designer color are a wonderful way to create a unique space and express your personality. Kitchen cabinets, however, have to stand up to years of assault from grease, colorful foods, fingerprints and other hazards. The heat-cured factory finish on your CliqStudios cabinets is up to the challenge. However, you will need to follow a few cleaning guidelines to keep your cabinets beautiful for years.

For detailed product care information, visit our cabinet care and cleaning page.

kithcen island built with green painted cabinets surrounded by painted white cabinets in historic homekithcen island built with green painted cabinets surrounded by painted white cabinets in historic home
Above, a center island built with soft green cabinets (Painted Green) becomes a lovely furniture feature.

To prevent damage to your painted cabinet finish, wipe up smears and spills while they are fresh, and clean cabinets near the cooktop weekly to remove any haze from cooking grease. Tip: Do not hang wet dish towels over a cabinet door.

built in pantry wall built of black shaker cabinets with tall crown moldingbuilt in pantry wall built of black shaker cabinets with tall crown molding
A custom pantry wall of black inset Shaker cabinets reflects the style of the built-in buffet on the left.

Cleaning Painted Cabinets

Treat spills and smears while they are fresh. Clean painted cabinets with a soft damp cloth (a microfiber cloth is great) and dry with a soft towel. Avoid over-wetting cabinets. Clean one small area at a time, using a circular motion.

For stubborn spots, use a mild, paint-safe cleaning solution. Make your own cabinet cleaner with a few drops of dish soap and a teaspoon of vinegar in a cup of water. Or, buy a commercial cleaner. Test any solution on the back of a cabinet door before using it on a high-visibility area.

grandmother shows tray of fresh chocolate chip cookies to boy sitting on countertop and girl standing next to painted gray cabinetsgrandmother shows tray of fresh chocolate chip cookies to boy sitting on countertop and girl standing next to painted gray cabinets
Warm-hued gray cabinets are ready for a workout on family baking day.

Avoid These Cleaners on Painted Cabinets

  • Magic Eraser or similar sponge
  • Abrasive powder or scrubbing pads or sponges
  • Cleaners with abrasive particles, harsh detergents or ammonia
  • Oil soap, spray polishes containing silicone, petroleum products, or wax
  • Citrus/orange cleaner

Repairing a Scratch, Dent or Discoloration – and When to Call a Pro

Repairing paint is tricky. If you are going to try a repair yourself, take the door to a paint store (not a home store paint department). Then, get color-matched touch-up paint and a compatible filler for scratches and dents. Test the materials on the inside of a cabinet door before working on the damaged area. Then, touch up the smallest area possible.

If you are not satisfied with your touch-up work or the damage is extensive, consult a finish repair professional on a repair that will protect your investment.

If you have any questions about caring for your painted cabinets, contact our customer service department at customerservice@cliqstudios.com or 800-576-7930 ext. 561.