When your kitchen cabinets were first installed, their pristine appearance gave the space a clean, sharp look. However, over time, the wear and tear of everyday use can take its toll on your cabinetry. To make sure your cabinets last you a lifetime, make sure you perform routine maintenance. Here are a few things you should do to ensure your cupboards stay in good condition:

Ensure ventilation
Grease can do a number on your cabinetry. If you frequently cook oily meals and your vents blast that air onto your cupboards, you'll soon find a coating of grease over the doors. To reduce the amount of gunk buildup, check to make sure your vent or hood filter is clean and doesn't need to be replaced. If the filter is dirty, thoroughly clean it off before replacing it. 

If you don't have a hood range or even a vent to disperse some of the grease, try taking steps to cut down on the amount you send into the air. For instance, a grease splatter guard will help avoid spraying nearby cabinets with oil while you're cooking, and eating healthier meals will reduce the amount of grime that ends up in your kitchen.

Clean spills immediately
Leaving spills and splatters to dry is an all too common mistake many people make. It's important to wipe up drips right away so these don't soak into the cupboards leaving stains and sticky residue. This will also help reduce the chance of your cabinets absorbing substances that could deteriorate their appearance.

Use gentle cleaning tools
Make sure you regularly wipe down your cupboards. This will minimize the amount of grease and grime buildup on the surface of your cupboards. However, it's important not to use harsh or abrasive cleaning materials. You don't want to accidentally remove the finish on your cabinetry. Instead, simply use warm, soapy water and a soft washcloth to wipe down the outside of your cupboards.

If you have some stubborn grease caked to the outside of the cabinets, make sure you find a cleaning product that is safe for use in the kitchen.

Fill cracks and gouges
If you have wood cabinetry, use a tool like wood putty to fill in the gaps. When the surface is once again fairly smooth, use a stain that closely resembles the color of your cabinets to blend in the spot you fixed.