Care rules for kitchen door fronts by material: PVC film, enamel, acrylic, veneer, HPL — what to use and what damages the finish.
General rules for all door fronts
- Wipe spills immediately — dried grease needs more aggressive cleaning
- Use a soft microfibre or cotton cloth — not the abrasive side of a sponge
- Wipe with the grain or texture direction, not in circles
- After wet cleaning, dry thoroughly: water at edges and hinge areas damages the core
- Avoid household cleaners containing bleach, acetone, or ammonia
PVC film
- Safe: warm water with a drop of washing-up liquid, soft microfibre cloth
- Avoid: abrasive pads, high-concentration alcohol, hot steam cleaners
- Main threat: steam from the hob — gradually breaks down the adhesive under the film
- If a corner starts to lift — reseat it with contact adhesive promptly, don't wait
Painted MDF (enamel)
- Safe: pH-neutral cleaners (pH 6–8), lightly dampened microfibre
- Matt enamel: avoid circular rubbing — it creates shiny polished patches
- Gloss enamel: soft damp cloth, followed by a dry buff for streak-free shine
- Avoid: alcohol, acetone, abrasives, aggressive degreasers
- Greasy splashes near the hob: clean immediately while fresh — dried grease requires force
Acrylic door fronts
- Safe: soft damp microfibre, neutral cleaner
- Fingerprints appear after every touch — needs frequent wiping
- Fine scratches can be polished out with an acrylic or plastic polish
- Avoid: any abrasives, hard sponges, alcohol — they permanently dull the surface
- Keep heat away: acrylic softens at high temperatures
Veneered door fronts
- Lacquered veneer: soft, slightly damp cloth, dry immediately
- Oiled veneer: wipe with a dry cloth; refresh the oil once a year
- Avoid: soaking, leaving moisture at edges — veneer will delaminate
- Avoid: solvent-based cleaners — they strip lacquer and oil
HPL door fronts
- The most low-maintenance material: resistant to most household cleaners
- Safe: neutral and mildly alkaline cleaners, soft sponge
- Greasy stains: isopropyl-alcohol-based degreaser — safe on HPL
- Avoid: abrasive powders, steel wool — they leave permanent scratches
Stain removal by material
| Stain | PVC film | Enamel | Acrylic | Veneer | HPL |
|---|
| Grease / splashes | Water + detergent | Neutral cleaner | Neutral cleaner | Dry cloth | Degreaser |
| Marker / pen | Alcohol (carefully) | Alcohol (carefully) | No | No | Alcohol |
| Limescale | Citric acid | No | No | No | Citric acid |
| Scratches | Cannot repair | Touch up with paint | Polish | Re-lacquer | Cannot repair |
The universal solution for most fronts: a microfibre cloth barely dampened with warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid. Aggressive chemicals are rarely needed and almost always damage the finish.
High-risk zones
- Fronts beside the hob: greasy steam settles constantly — wipe weekly
- Bottom cabinet edges near the floor: moisture from mopping; always dry afterwards
- Hinge and handle areas: grease collects in gaps — clean with a soft toothbrush monthly
- Front above the dishwasher: steam on opening — critical for PVC film and veneer