Keeping Modular Joinery Looking New

Wipe spills off the edge banding immediately

Water sitting at a shutter edge is what causes swelling and delamination. The edge band is the seal; treat it as one.

Adjust hinges annually

Every European hinge has three-way adjustment. Ten minutes a year keeps shutter gaps even, which is the difference between a kitchen that looks fitted and one that looks tired.

Never use abrasive cleaner on acrylic or lacquer

A microfibre cloth and a mild detergent. Scouring pads leave a haze of fine scratches that cannot be polished out of a high-gloss finish.

Keep the sink base ventilated and dry

The cabinet under the sink is where most kitchens fail first. Check the trap connections twice a year and keep a drip tray under the plumbing.

Do not overload drawers beyond their rating

A 30kg runner holding 50kg of provisions will sag and stop closing squarely. Put the heavy things in the drawers rated for them.