If you notice the paint coming off your cabinets, the signs of mold, or damaged wood, it might be the time to either replace or reface them. There are pros and cons of replacing and refacing. Make your decision according to your budget and the extent of damage that you are dealing with.  

It is best to schedule an appointment with experts at All flooring USA, or whoever your flooring expert is, to determine whether you need refacing or replacement of cabinets.

 In the meantime, here is the criterion that you should use to make a decision about replacement.

1. Your Cabinets are Damaged due to Water

If your cabinets are swollen and showing dark spots, they might be damaged due to water. Most of the cabinets in the kitchen are made up of wood and in the event of a leak, they are likely to be damaged. The minor damage can be fixed easily but if there’s major damage, you might need to replace your cabinets. Some of the signs of serious water damage are delamination, warping of wood, and mold. The first thing you should do is to stop the water from getting to the wood. Next thing is to dry out the cabinet and repair the damages.

2. Your Kitchen Cabinets are not Opening or Closing Properly

No matter how aesthetically your cabinets are constructed, if they do not function properly, they need to be replaced. For example, if you open two of your cabinets together and the doors slam into each other, you need to redesign your kitchen layout and replace the cabinets. Similarly, if the drawers do not open without making a screeching sound, it is a sign that they need replacement.

3. Your Cabinet Structure is Beyond Repair

If you notice that the sides of your cabinet are soft to touch or mold is growing on your cabinet, it is a sign that it needs replacement. Such a cabinet can fall apart completely. Even when it is intact it can be very unhygienic and must not be used. 

4. Your Cabinets are Smelling Bad

Some cabinets smell funky, musty or downright bad. You may need to replace these cabinets and use fresh materials. 

5. You are changing the Kitchen Layout

If you are completely changing the kitchen layout or shifting the kitchen to a new room, the cabinets need replacement. Similarly, if you are considering replacing your floor, it is a good idea to replace or reface your kitchen cabinets as well, so that they go with the floor. That way your kitchen will look aesthetically pleasing. 

 Refacing or Replacing?

Cabinets make up around 80% of the visual space in your kitchen. You don’t want to make a decision hastily about them. Replacing a cabinet requires a lot of budget but it is a good option if your cabinet is beyond repair. On the other hand, if there are some minor damages, refacing is a good option. You can also opt for refacing if you wish to change the finish or the color of your cabinets or want a better organization by altering the style of your cabinets.  

Key Takeaway

Before you choose to spend money, time, and effort to repair your cabinets, it is a good idea to book a consultation with an expert to determine your choices. If your cabinets are beyond repair, refacing won’t do any good. It would be better to remove them altogether and install new cabinets.

The problem is that they get dirty very fast. When you cook, you spatter grease on them. From cooking oil, to cake batter to fruit smoothies, everything tends to stick to your cabinets while you are cooking. If you regularly clean and maintain your kitchen cabinets, they can look great for years.

Most of the people try to use the same cleaning techniques they use for the rest of the house. They forget that the kitchen cabinets should be cleaned and maintained with utmost care.

The following are our tips to properly clean and maintain the kitchen cabinets.

1. Set a Cleaning Schedule

Regular cleaning keeps the kitchen cabinets dust-free. It is important to add this task to your calendar. Clean the kitchen cabinets and doors every two weeks and the entire cabinets every six weeks.

2. Basic Cleaning

Grease, grime, or dust can build up on your kitchen cabinets and damage them. To remove the build-up, choose a non-abrasive cleaner. Ideally, a mild grease-cutting detergent or a dish-washing soap should make an ideal cabinet cleaner.

Use a soft cloth or sponge instead of steel wool. Also, remember that too much moisture can seriously harm your cabinet.

The tough stains can be cleaned with a mixture of baking soda and water. Use the sponge to place the mixture on the cabinet and rub it until the stain disappears. Wipe it clean with a soft cloth.

Another option is to use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the sticky grime or film. Wipe it clean with a sponge.

3. Wipe the Spills Immediately

It is important to wipe the spills promptly with a dry cloth. If the liquid stays for a longer period of time, it can irreversibly damage your cabinet.

4. Frequently Repair the Damages

It is important to frequently repair the scratches and nicks to keep your cabinets in a good shape. If you ignore the little repairs, they can damage your kitchen cabinet irreversibly.

5. Limit Exposure to Light

Too much light damages your cabinets especially the wooden cabinets. Similarly, exposure to sunlight can also damage the paint, laminate, or Thermofoil surfaces. If you cover the windows with a curtain or a blind, it can greatly reduce the damage by direct exposure to sunlight.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners

Harsh cleaners can irreversibly damage your kitchen cabinet. Avoid the following to prevent damage:

• Bleach
• Ammonia
• Plastic brushes, steel wool, or scouring pads
• Nail polish remover or paint thinners
• Harsh or strong detergents and soaps
• Silicone-based products
• Solvents or petroleum-based products

Polish to Retain the Shine

If you wish to retain the shine on wooden cabinets, use a good quality polish after you clean. Use a soft cloth to apply the polishes and rub gently. The emulsifiers and detergents in the polishes clean and shine the wooden cabinets.

Avoid the polishes and waxes with a high quantity of Silicone. Such polishes create a barrier over the surface which attracts dust, dirt, and smoke.

Key Takeaway

Cleaning and maintaining your cabinets might seem a daunting task, however, it can be done easily if you use the right ingredients. Some of the basic tools you need are soft cloths, mild detergents, and a sponge. Tough stains can be cleaned with a commercial cleaner like Murphy’s Oil Soap or home-made cleaners like a mixture of baking soda and water. It is also important to respond to spills and stains quickly and avoid harsh scrubbing.