Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Modular Kitchen & Wardrobes New for Years
Your modular kitchen and wardrobes are not merely utilitarian spaces, but an extension of your living experience, taste in design, and appreciation of urban craftsmanship. Glaks, high-gloss laminates or rich veneers, every kitchen or wardrobe defines the elegance and character of your home’s façade. Every surface, hinge or finish tells a story of careful planning, precision application and style for days.
Living in Mumbai’s vibrant coastal climate can present difficulties of its own. The humidity, salt in the air and moisture from the seasonal monsoons can gradually impact materials, if care is not taken. However, even the highest quality finishes or materials can lose their finish or structural integrity over time, especially without routine maintenance or cleaning.
Making the effort to care for your modular spaces; keeping them clean, controlling humidity or moisture, and maintaining hardware etc., can help to preserve beauty and function. Making simple maintenance routines a part of your day ensures that your kitchen and wardrobes will have the same finish, smoothness and function as they did when you first installed them.
The following ‘To Do List’ is a practical and comprehensive list prepared for you by Canvas Kitchens Wardrobes & More to help preserve your modular interiors and keep them looking attractive, performing well and every bit ‘you’ for as long as possible.
Modular Kitchen Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Brilliance
1. Clean Regularly with Mild Solutions
Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that may dull Glaks, laminate, or PU finishes. Instead, you should wipe down surfaces using a soft microfiber cloth and a mild soap solution. This will keep your kitchen clean, while also protecting against micro-scratches and fading in the finish.
Bonus Tip: If there is a spill, always be sure to clean it up right away, especially if the spill contains oil, turmeric or sauces, before the spill sets in. A good regular, light cleaning will help avoid stubborn stains and help the natural sheen of your modular kitchen maintain.
2. Keep Moisture in Check
Moisture is a modular kitchen’s top foe, particularly in coastal cities. Make sure to wipe water off surfaces near the sink or cooking area and provide enough ventilation while cooking. Use chimney systems and exhaust fans to prevent steam saturation and the likelihood of fungal growth or cabinet edges swelling.
Bonus Tip: If there is a balcony, window or opening to the outdoors, make sure that there is adequate weather seals around the frames to avoid water coming in during monsoon rains. Consider placing silica gel sachets in the corner cabinets to manage humidity.
3. Handle Hardware with Care
Soft-close hinges, drawer channels, and lift-ups are all precision components that will function smoothly and as intended. Don’t slam the doors or jerk the drawers. Occasionally, you may want to apply a silicone spray to the hinges and runners for easy gliding and quiet operation.
Bonus Tip: Have all hardware fittings serviced once a year. Minor adjustments or tightening screws improves the life of drawers and shutters allowing them to function effortlessly for years.
4. Avoid Direct Heat and Sharp Contact
Don’t place hot pans or pots directly on countertop or cabinet surfaces. Use trivets or heat pads to keep surfaces from getting damaged. Similarly, avoid dragging sharp objects that could leave permanent markings on Glaks or laminate surfaces.
Bonus Tip: Always use a chopping board when cutting or preparing food. This is an easy habit to form that will help keep your counters scratch-free and in hygienic conditions to avoid any bacterial growth on surfaces.
5. Check for Leaks & Maintenance Issues Early
Check for leaks in plumbing and sink areas on a routine basis to catch leaks before they become compounded. Even small amounts of water leakage will add up and cause damage over time. A little regular maintenance will save you a lot of money in the future on repairs and replacements.
Bonus Tip: Look for signs such as swollen, bubbled, or discoloured panels near your sink area. If any weakness happens around the sink, these are signs of possible water exposure. Fixing the sink early on can help prevent long-term structural damage.
Wardrobe Maintenance Tips to Keep Them Looking New for Years
1. Clean & Dust Regularly
Cabinets, particularly those made of Glaks or lacquered glass, will show fingerprints and smudges, as well as fine dust particles, which will make them look lackluster over time. For cleaning these surfaces, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth, then dry with a second microfiber cloth for a flawless, streak-free shine. For mirrors or glass shutters, always use an ammonia free glass cleaner.
Bonus Tip: For veneer or laminate areas, occasionally use a soft, dry cloth or mild wood polish to restore natural shine without harming the finish.
2. Maintain Air Circulation
Good ventilation is essential for keeping wardrobe interiors fresh and odour-free, especially in Mumbai’s humid climate. Avoid overstuffing your wardrobes, as it can restrict airflow, strain hinges, and affect drawer performance. You can also place moisture absorbers, naphthalene balls, or silica gel sachets inside the compartments to prevent mould growth, musty smells, and dampness.
Bonus Tip: Once every few weeks, leave wardrobe doors open for 10–15 minutes to let fresh air circulate and prevent any trapped humidity from damaging the interiors.
3. Use Hardware Gently
Soft-close drawers, lift-up fittings, and precision hinges add a touch of luxury and convenience to your modular wardrobes. However, they require gentle handling to maintain their efficiency over the years. Always let drawers and shutters close naturally — avoid slamming or pulling them forcefully. If you notice minor misalignment or stiffness, get them adjusted promptly by your maintenance team.
Bonus Tip: Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant on hinges and channels once or twice a year to ensure smooth, silent operation.
4. Avoid Sunlight & Direct Heat
Continuous exposure to direct sunlight can fade, discolour, or warp wardrobe finishes over time — even premium materials like Glaks or lacquered glass. If your wardrobe is placed near a window or balcony, install curtains, blinds, or UV-protective films to minimize exposure. Heat from nearby appliances or radiators can also impact panel integrity, so maintain a safe distance wherever possible.
Bonus Tip: Consider adding UV-protective coating or tinted film for wardrobes with large glass or mirror surfaces to preserve their pristine finish for years
5. Schedule Annual Maintenance
Just like your modular kitchen, wardrobes also benefit from periodic professional maintenance. An annual inspection helps ensure that hardware, hinges, runners, and finishes remain in perfect condition. Professionals can realign panels, tighten loose fittings, and touch up finishes, helping the wardrobe retain its luxurious appearance and seamless operation.
Bonus Tip: Ask your designer or manufacturer for a recommended maintenance plan — regular upkeep can easily extend the lifespan of your wardrobe by several years.
Bonus: General Tips for Both Kitchens & Wardrobes
- Always use high-quality cleaning products suitable for your surface type.
- Keep interiors dry and clean after every use.
- Avoid using sharp or metallic tools to clean edges or corners.
- Use coasters, liners, and drawer mats to protect inner surfaces.
- Ensure proper ventilation in your home to control humidity
Final Thoughts
Your modular kitchen and wardrobes are long-term investments — designed for style, comfort, and durability. With consistent care and small everyday habits, you can ensure they look brand new and perform flawlessly for years to come.
At Canvas Kitchens, Wardrobes & More, we combine precision engineering with timeless aesthetics to craft spaces that last beautifully through Mumbai’s climate challenges. And with the right maintenance, your modular interiors will continue to exude elegance, function, and value year after year.