Maintenance & Care

Practical care and maintenance guidance for kitchen cabinetry, hardware, benchtops, sinks and everyday use.

Product-specific supplier instructions and applicable warranty documents take priority where available. Project-specific care guidance, material information and released warranty records may also be available through myARK Documents, connected to the relevant ARKCode.

General Kitchen Care

Simple habits can make a significant difference to the long-term condition of your kitchen.
Wipe spills promptly, keep surfaces dry, avoid harsh cleaning products and regularly check areas exposed to water, steam or heat. Do not allow moisture, grease or food residue to remain around cabinet edges, joins, handles or hardware.
This guide explains the everyday practices that help protect the kitchen as a complete system.

Hardware & Moving Parts

Cabinet hinges, drawer runners, lift systems and soft-close mechanisms are designed for regular use, but they should still be treated with care.
Avoid forcing doors or drawers, overloading storage systems or allowing dirt to build up around moving components. Loose handles or fittings should be addressed early before they cause further movement or surface damage.
This guide covers basic maintenance checks and when professional adjustment or replacement may be required.

Water, Steam & Heat

Water, steam and concentrated heat are among the most common causes of preventable kitchen damage.
Wipe away standing water immediately, especially around sinks, benchtop joins, cabinet edges and appliance areas. Use ventilation when cooking and avoid directing steam from kettles, dishwashers or small appliances toward cabinet doors and panels.
Hot cookware should not be placed directly on a benchtop unless the surface manufacturer confirms that it is safe.
This guide explains how to reduce swelling, edge damage, heat marks and moisture-related deterioration.

Oil & Grease

Blot excess oil or grease with a clean, absorbent cloth before wiping the area with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Work from the outside of the mark inward to avoid spreading it. Rinse with a fresh damp cloth and dry the surface. Avoid strong degreasers unless they are approved for the specific material.

Coffee, Tea & Red Wine Stains

Blot the spill promptly with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not scrub, as this may spread the liquid into joins, edges or textured surfaces. Clean the area with warm water and mild detergent, then rinse and dry it thoroughly. For persistent marks, check the manufacturer’s care instructions before using a stronger cleaning product.

Turmeric, Curry & Food Colouring

Remove strongly coloured food spills as soon as possible. Lift away any solid residue first, then wipe the surface gently with warm water and mild detergent. Repeat the process using a clean section of cloth rather than applying heavy pressure. Avoid bleach, solvents and abrasive stain removers unless they are specifically approved for the affected surface.

Limescale & Water Marks

Wipe sinks, taps and surrounding surfaces dry after use to reduce mineral build-up. Begin with warm water and a soft cloth, then use a surface-approved cleaner if further treatment is needed. Avoid abrasive pads and concentrated acidic descalers, as they may damage metal finishes, stone, sealants or decorative coatings. Rinse thoroughly and dry after cleaning.

Cabinet Doors & Panels

Clean cabinet doors and panels with a soft cloth, warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Wipe spills promptly and dry the surface, especially around edges, joins and handle openings. Avoid abrasive pads, strong solvents and excessive water, as different finishes may react differently to heat, moisture and cleaning products.

Benchtop Care

Wipe spills promptly and clean the benchtop with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. Use chopping boards for food preparation and place hot cookware or appliances on a suitable heat mat. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners and heavy impact around exposed edges. Always follow the care instructions for the specific benchtop material used in your kitchen.

Sinks & Taps

Rinse away food residue and cleaning products after use, then wipe the sink and tap dry to reduce water marks and mineral build-up. Use a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge for regular cleaning. Avoid steel wool, harsh abrasives and strong chemicals that may damage stainless steel or decorative finishes. Treat limescale and staining early using products approved for the surface.

When to Use myARK Support

Stop cleaning or attempting maintenance if:

The material is swelling, separating or changing shape
Surface has cracked, chipped or become loose
Water is entering a cabinet or benchtop join
Door, drawer or hardware system is no longer operating safely
You are unsure which material or cleaning product applies
The issue may involve plumbing, electrical work or appliance installation

If a concern has already appeared, stop using cleaning products or attempting further adjustment where this could worsen the condition.

Open myARK Support using the ARKCode connected to the relevant Project Record. You can provide photographs, describe when the concern began and include any care or maintenance steps already taken.

ARK can review the submitted information against the recorded materials, fittings, project documents and applicable warranty terms before confirming whether the next step is care guidance, adjustment, assessment, another trade, repair or warranty review.

Released care guidance, assessment information and service records may remain available through myARK Documents. General guidance does not replace product-specific supplier instructions, professional trade advice or the applicable Contract and Warranty Documents.

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Technical Documents

View Kitchen Warranty