They are an investment, but the great news is that they do not require any type of rigorous maintenance. A couple of easy tricks will ensure smooth-opening doors, pristine finishes and in-drawer interiors.
First, clean up the correct way.
Painted MDF, laminate or melamine and vinyl-wrapped doors are all common finishes on most fitted wardrobes. They are durable but not impervious to harsh chemicals.
Method: Soft microfibre cloth plus warm water
For scratches: Use a gentle washing-up liquid
Do not use: Abrasive sponges, cream cleaners or bleach, strong solvent chemicals and magic erasers as these will dull the finish. When in doubt, test any product out on an inconspicuous edge first. For Bespoke Fitted Wardrobes, visit https://lamco-design.co.uk/bespoke-fitted-wardrobes/
Weekly: Quick wipe points
2 minutes of wiping keeps all that grime from developing in the most-touched areas.
Door fronts (especially around handles)
Vertical corners of doors and drawer faces
All mirrored panels (glass cleaner sprayed onto the cloth, not the mirror)
Once a month: Wipe down the tracks, hinges and corners
Dust isn’t your friend if you’ve got sliding doors or soft-close systems
Sliding tracks: vacuum with a crevice tool, wipe with a barely damp cloth
Wipe dust from hinges and ensure they are snug as well
Corners and skirtings, dust gathers where wardrobes meet walls and floors
Pro tip: If your sliding doors get “sticky” they won’t open and close smoothly, and that usually means dust is in the track, not a broken mechanism.
Prevent scuffs and swelling
Besides these, primary wear is from moisture/heat/shock. Ensure that wardrobes are kept dry and ventilated, especially those built on external walls. Condensation that forms on external walls can then be absorbed by clothing and items in your home. Learn about other ways to reduce moisture levels if a wardrobe smells musty.
Never keep wet jackets or towels in a wardrobe (have them dry first).
If handles will knock against the opposite walls, consider using door stops.
Do not prop hoovers, ironing boards or suitcases against door fronts.
Inner care: Stop Dust and Odours
Clean your shelves and drawer bases out every couple of months.
Wipe down rails and handles (where people leave their hand oil behind)
When to call your fitter
Get help if you notice:
Doors rubbing or catching
Drawers not closing smoothly
Variation (in this case, it can be seasonal movement)
Making necessary adjustments more quickly is cheaper in the long run than coping with damage at a later time.
By doing little cleaning tasks and a few checks, the fitted wardrobes will last a long time and retain their ‘just installed’ appearance.