One of the aspects that you should really consider when customizing your kitchen cabinets is its door. Your kitchen cabinet door will not only determine the functionality and accessibility of your cabinet but also it can either make or break the overall aesthetic of your kitchen space. When it comes to designing your kitchen cabinet doors, there are numerous details to consider, including such as the wood, the stain colour, and the finish. It is also important to ask if your current kitchen cabinet doors are showing signs of wear and is probably a sign to consider replacing your kitchen cabinets.
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With that, there are definitely a lot of things you should know about your kitchen cabinet doors.. We understand that maintaining a functional, healthy home means that updates and renovations are occasionally needed, which also include your kitchen cabinet doors. Because kitchen cabinets are used regularly, it is vital to be equipped with the knowledge that will keep its lifespan longer. So from materials, to cleaning, and maintaining your cabinet doors, this article will guide you on the things you need to be aware of regarding your kitchen cabinet doors.
- Your Kitchen Cabinet Material
In order to understand the basics of how to maintain, clean, and prolong the lifespan of your kitchen cabinet doors, it is important to take note of the material of your kitchen cabinet doors. There are many kinds of material used in the production of kitchen cabinet doors.Undoubtedly the most common cabinet material utilized for cabinet doors is wood. There are a number of different species that top the list of cabinet woods. These include red oak, white oak, hickory, cherry, hard maple, birch, ash, and pine. Each wood species has pros and cons, which varies from durability to appearance to cost. It is important to understand that the key features that make one decide what wood type to use for kitchen cabinets is the grain and color of the wood. Depending on the wood type, some may have prominent grain variation, while others are mainly uniform. In terms of color, most woods can be stained to modify color, but some are more stain-friendly than others. As you explore different species, it is important to investigate whether your wood choice can finally reflect the specific aesthetic you are aiming for in terms of wood color and grain.
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Other than wood, kitchen cabinet doors can also be made out of laminate and Thermofoil. These two materials are also considered frequently used for cabinets. On one hand, high-pressure-treated laminate cabinets are highly durable however they may be heavier than wood. Low-pressure-treated laminate are lighter but may be less impact resistant. On the other hand, thermofoil is a good alternative, especially if you are aiming to replicate the aesthetic of wood. Thermofoil is a vinyl film applied to a substrate, which is generally particleboard or plywood, that can copy wood detailing more similarly than laminate.
- How To Clean Your Kitchen Cabinets
Cleaning your kitchen cabinet doors is a must because grease and grime buildup can eventually damage your cabinets and destroy the look and feel of your kitchen. In order to clean buildup, you must wipe down your cabinet doors using a soft cloth dampened with warm water. You should do this at least once every two weeks or more frequently depending on the amount of activity that was done in the kitchen. If water alone is not enough to clean your kitchen cabinet doors, you should mix a minute amount of mild dishwasher soap with warm water. After that, wipe down wood cabinets in the direction of the grain. You should use a soft cloth in order to remove any remaining moisture that may be left on the cabinets. If routine cleaning does not clean stains or remove built up grime, you should make a paste through adding water and baking soda. Put this paste on a sponge and scrub the stain until it is clean. After that, rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth. Another alternative that you can do is through mixing vinegar and water. This mixture is also effective in removing sticky grime or film from kitchen cabinets.It is important to remember that there are products and ingredients that should be avoided because they can cause damage to your kitchen cabinets. These include Petroleum-based products, Solvents, Bleach, Strong detergents and soaps, Nail polish remover, Paint thinners, Plastic brushes, Steel wool, Scoring Pad, and Ammonia. - Hidden Water Damages
If you notice that your cabinets have water damage, then it may suggest that your cabinet may just be in trouble. Do not fret because most water damages on your kitchen cabinet doors can still be repaired. However, it is noteworthy that repairing may be a time-intensive task that takes an ample amount of money. Part of repairing such water damages include drying out the cabinets, replacing any parts that are not functional anymore, and bleaching out any visible stains.You must remember that water damage in your kitchen cabinets is not frequent and is usually a result of a leak somewhere in your kitchen. With that, it is important to be aware of the signs of water damage to your kitchen cabinet and kitchen cabinet doors. These signs include presence of mold, difficulty in opening or closing the door, delaminating that is observed outside of the cabinets, changes in the color of your kitchen cabinet door, warping of the wood, and bubbling – either on the inside or outside – of your kitchen cabinets.If you are unsure if your cabinet doors really have water damage, we highly suggest that you ask and have it checked by an expert. Not only can they aid in identifying if there is really a leak and water damage, but they can also provide guidance on whether or not a repair is possible and worth your money.
- Effects of Temperature, Humidity, and Moisture
You should be aware that excessive temperature, humidity, and moisture can actually damage your kitchen cabinet doors.
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On one hand, extremes in temperature and humidity can cause wood to expand and contract, swell or warp, and dry out. All of these can probably damage the finish of your cabinet doors. With that, it is vital to regulate the temperature and humidity in your kitchen space. You should also permit minor warping to go through one heating cycle before considering replacement. On the other hand, moisture is one of the worst enemies of any door finish. In fact, cabinetry near the sink and dishwasher and baseboards are most susceptible. With that, it is important that you should wipe off and dry any areas immediately where water has spilled. Also, you should avoid draping dish towels or other wet items over your kitchen cabinet doors.
With proper care, your kitchen cabinet doors will surely last you for a long time. Controlled temperature and humidity with protection against excessive moisture will ensure the appearance, stability, and lifespan of your kitchen cabinet doors.
- Cabinet Door CareWith proper care and maintenance, you can be assured that your kitchen cabinets will last you a lifetime. Proper cabinet door care includes attentive cleaning, polishing and careful avoidance of damaging cleaners. Wood cabinets have an inherent variation in graining and hue because of its natural qualities. Protecting these natural variations include applying mild cleaning against and hand wiping stains in order to expose the natural character and sheen of the wood. Proper cabinet care also includes wiping the cabinets clean with a soft, damp cloth and drying immediately with another clean, soft cloth upon installation. You must remember to wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Applying a thin coat of high-quality polish can also be a good sealant of your cabinet door. A high-quality polish will aid in protection from minor scratching, staining, and excessive moisture. However, you must take note that polishes that contain silicone or wax may damage your cabinet door and therefore should not be used.
References:
- Cataraqui Cabinets Inc. 2015. What You Need To Know About Kitchen Cabinet Doors. Retrieved from: https://www.cataraquicabinets.ca/what-you-need-to-know-about-kitchen-cabinet-doors/. Retrieved on 1 August 2021
- Kitchen And Bath Design. 2019. Cabinet Maintenance for your New Kitchen. Retrieved from: https://www.jmwoodworks.com/cabinet-maintenance-how-to-clean-care-for-cabinetry/. Retrieved on 1 August 2021.
- Our Home Improvement. 2019. Everything You Need to Know About Cabinet Care. Retrieved from: https://www.contactohi.com/home-commercial-remodeling-blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cabinet-care. Retrieved on 1 August 2021.
- Puustelli Kitchens. 2021. 4 Signs You Should Consider Replacing Your Kitchen Cabinets: A Helpful Guide. Retrieved from: https://puustelliusa.com/replacing-kitchen-cabinets/. Retrieved on 1 August 2021.
