Kitchen cabinets serve the all-important purpose of providing a storage space for all your kitchen essentials. However, they are prone to damage and wear caused over time due to regular usage. To avoid inconvenience caused due to malfunctioning of kitchen cabinets, it is crucial to do regular checks to figure out issues and address them at the earliest. In this guide, we will have a look at some common problems in kitchen cabinets caused by regular usage and troubleshooting tips to address them.
See also: How to install kitchen cabinets?
Kitchen cabinet problems and fixes
Several common maintenance issues with kitchen cabinets, if not promptly detected and addressed, might prove to be a cause of inconvenience. Following is a comprehensive list of some common problems and how to address them:
Hinges and hardware issues
The hinges on the doors of kitchen cabinets are prone to getting loose or damaged over time with regular use. This might cause the doors to sag and not close properly, thereby inviting dirt and dust inside the cabinet. Additionally, the handles and knobs used for opening the cabinets might also break or come off and affect both functionality and aesthetics of the cabinet.Â
To address this, it is essential to regularly inspect loose screws in hinges and fix them immediately using a screwdriver. If the hinges are damaged beyond repair, they should be replaced with new ones at the earliest. To ensure smooth operation in the long run, lubricating the hinges with a silicone-based lubricant can prove a useful maintenance practice.
Warped or swollen doors
The kitchen space is more exposed to moisture and extreme and sudden changes in temperature than the living areas. This might cause the wooden doors of cabinets to warp or swell. This issue is more common in cabinets whose wooden material is not properly sealed or finished.
The first step to fix this problem is to identify the exact cause of warping. If the door is only slightly warped, adjusting the hinges to achieve correct alignment should be enough. For more severe cases, you might have to replace the affected panel. Finally, don’t forget to ensure proper finishing of the wood to prevent warping in future.
Drawer problems
In the case of drawers, misalignment or damage of the drawer tracks can affect the smooth opening and closing. This can also be caused by overloading of the drawers, which, if not addressed promptly, might even cause the bottom to sag or break.
If you witness inconvenience in operating the drawer apparatus, immediately examine the drawer tracks for misalignment and adjust or replace the required parts. As a maintenance practice, ensure that the drawers are not overloading to prevent sagging and redistribute the weight evenly if required.
Finishing issues
The finishing used on the wood in your cabinet can peel, crack or chip over time. These problems are generally caused by prolonged exposure to heat, steam and cleaning chemicals.
If you notice any minor cracks or peeling in the finishing, treat them with a sandpaper and reapply the coat of finishing. For a more uniform look, it is recommended to refinish the entire surface. Go for higher quality finishes for enhanced protection for cabinets exposed to excessive heat and moisture.
Scratches and dents
With regular use, the appearance of scratches and dents on the cabinet surface is inevitable. As kitchen work often involves the usage of sharp and heavy objects, such problems are highly common in kitchen cabinets.
Smaller scratches and dents can be easily repaired using wood filler. In case of deeper damage, sanding and refinishing the affected area should do. Consult a professional if required and install protective bumpers on doors on drawers for enhanced protection and prevention of future damage.
Door misalignment
Over time, cabinet doors might become loose and misaligned, thereby causing uneven gaps between them. This problem occurs due to alterations in the foundational structure of the house and might greatly compromise the functionality and hygiene of the cabinets.
If you are facing problems with smooth opening and closing of the cabinet doors, adjust the hinges to tackle misalignment issues. You might face this problem if the cabinet frame is not square. In this case, you might have to adjust or shim it as required. Additionally, ensure that there aren’t any loose screws on the cabinet frame or doors.
Poor installation
If there are problems with the initial installation of the cabinets, issues are bound to surface in the long run. Incorrect installation might involve levelling and securing-related issues that can adversely affect the overall stability of the cabinets.
Do not forget to ensure that the cabinets are properly levelled. If not, adjust the cabinet legs or shims as required. Use appropriate screws to anchor cabinets to the walls for maximum security. Also make sure that all the components are correctly assembled in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Inadequate storage solutions
Handy organisation and accessibility of kitchen essentials might be a challenge if the cabinets lack an efficient storage space. You can always consider using additional organisers or pull-out shelves for enhanced functionality. Go for storage solutions that facilitate space optimisation by adopting smart storage means. Additionally, group and categorise your kitchen essentials and declutter regularly for the best utilisation of the available space.
Cleaning challenges
Some materials used in the engineering of the cabinet might be more difficult to clean and require greater attention than regular maintenance. Improper cleaning and the use of harsh and abrasive cleaners can damage the finish over time and even cause eventual structural deterioration.
Clean the cabinets regularly using a mild, non-abrasive cleaner without any harsh chemical components that might damage the finish. Use a soft microfiber cloth or sponge for cleaning as abrasive pads may cause scratches.
Insect or pest infestation
Gaps and improper sealing of cabinets might also make them vulnerable to infestation by pests and insects, thereby compromising the hygiene and structural integrity of the cabinets. Therefore, it is crucial to seal any gaps and cracks in the cabinets if identified. For existing infestations, insect repellent products or traps are a viable option. Make sure to store food items in sealed containers to prevent attracting pests.
Important tips for DIY cabinet repairs
Basic cabinet repairing can be easily done at home. However, if you choose the DIY way, it is important to keep in mind the following points for a smooth experience and best results:
- Wear appropriate safety gear, including glasses and gloves. Follow the guidelines while using power tools and work in a well-ventilated area if working with paints, stains, or adhesives.
- Before getting into the repair work, make sure to meticulously assess the damage and plan the repairs accordingly. Make a list of the tools and materials required for ease of reference.
- Use high quality materials to ensure longevity of the repair and minimise the risk of future damage or frequent repairs. Also take care of cohesiveness while matching new materials with the existing ones.
- Cleaning and preparation of the surface is an important step, especially while refinishing or repainting. Sand the surfaces before starting with the work to create a smooth base.
- To ensure a precise fit, make careful measurements before making cuts or adjustments. Double check the measurements to avoid further complications.
- Break down the process into smaller steps for greater precision and clarity. While using specialised equipment, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Carefully attend to the finishing touches, like sanding of corners and edges. While applying the finish, allow sufficient drying or curing time between layers.
- Test fitting the components before fixing them permanently ensures proper alignment and functionality and helps avoid future errors.
- Carefully assess your skill level while taking up a DIY repair job and understand when you might require professional assistance. Seeking professional help is recommended in cases of extensive damage whose fixing is beyond your expertise.
- Keep the work area clean and organised and dispose of the waste generated properly. This step aids a more organised work process.
FAQs
How can I fix a loose cabinet door?
Tighten the screws on the hinges using a screwdriver. In case the holes are stripped use longer screws for a new anchor.
What’s the best way to repair chipped or cracked cabinet surfaces?
A touch up with a wood filler can be used to treat minor scratches. For more extensive scratches, sanding and refinishing the affected area is a viable option.
How can I fix stuck cabinet drawers?
Check the sides of the drawers for accumulated debris or misalignment. Clean and lubricate the mechanism and consider replacing it if damaged.
Is it possible to replace a broken hinge on a cabinet door myself?
Yes, you can easily replace a broken hinge by purchasing a matching replacement and installing it by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
How do I address water damage on cabinets?
To address water damage, identify the moisture source and block it. Once the cabinets are completely dry, sand the affected areas, apply a wood conditioner and refinish.
Can I replace cabinet hardware without professional help?
Cabinet knobs and handles can be easily replaced using a screwdriver. Make sure that the new hardware fits into the holes provided. If not, you can drill new holes to match.
How can I prevent future cabinet damage?
To prevent future damage, regularly inspect your cabinets, clean them with a mild cleaner, avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and use protective apparatus such as mats and soft-close mechanisms.
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