Wardrobe cabinets are not just a means to organize your belongings, but they tell a story about your home’s style and character at every level. Custom cabinets are made to suit your kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms or even your new trendy home office. In the metropolitan area of Minneapolis, where seasonal changes affect both indoor humidity and temperature, wardrobe cabinetry need to be maintained properly.
Unlike mass produced cabinets which are made from durable materials such as MDF, custom cabinets are crafted out of fine-grade timber or high-value composite materials with aesthetically pleasing accents. This level of quality makes them a necessity and quite a considerable investment, just like any custom idea.
This is a rough guide that outlines practical steps for maintaining custom cabinets so that they are able to serve their primary purpose of enhancing your interior design. This post has relevant information whether you have just completed renovation or have had these cabinets for a while now. Following these guidelines will help retain your home’s design and underwriting market value.
- Maintain Gently & Clean Regularly Using Gentle Products
Dust and grease build-up is a common occurrence, especially in places like a kitchen that receive a lot of foot traffic. Mild dish soap can be used with warm water to clean the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and handles. Avoid using strong cleaners and scouring pads as they will most likely remove the finishes or leave marks on the wood.
For regular cleaning, feel free to use microfiber cloths as they will capture dust while leaving surfaces scratch-free.
- Moisture Should Be Avoided
One of the greatest dangers to wooden cabinetry is moisture. Wipe up any spills immediately and do not leave damp towels hanging over the cabinet doors. During the summer months in Minneapolis, consider getting a dehumidifier to control the humidity and prevent warping or mold growth.
Be cautious with the sink and dishwasher. Make sure the cabinets close to these areas are properly sealed and check them regularly.
- Check The Hinges
Other moving parts of the cabinet which include knobs, drawer slides, and even hinges can also cause some wear and tear over time. Misalignment and sagging doors can be avoided by regularly checking the moving parts and tightening them if need be.
Soft-close hinges and drawer glides are recommended as they lower impact while increasing the life of the moving parts.
- Cover Classifiers with Cabinet Liners
Shelf and drawer cabinet liners act as protective barriers from spills, scratches, and marks on wood cabinets, particularly in pantry and bathroom cabinets that store cosmetics and oils.
- Polish Occasionally
Restorative shine and additional cabinet protection may be added through infrequent polishing with high grade wood conditioner or polish, depending on the finish of the cabinets. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Important: Do not use wax-based polishes, unless recommended. These would attract dust and build up.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight
Prolonged sunlight exposure may result in wood fading or changing color. If cabinets are near a window, consider blinds, curtains, or UV-filtering window films.
- Inspect for Damage Annually
Each year, take a few minutes to closely observe your cabinets. Pay attention to signs of wear & tear, water damage, loose joints, and deterioration of the finish. If problems are dealt with early on, affordable repairs can be done before they escalate to costly expenses.
Final Thoughts
Custom cabinets highlight your home’s character, the craftsmanship you’ve paid attention to, and most importantly, your style. Taking care of them as required not only keeps their looks but extends their lifespan as well so they can bring value, beauty, and functionality for years. Simple steps like cleaning them, controlling moisture, and carrying out minor maintenance can save them from common issues like warping, fading, or even screws coming loose.
For cabinet owners in the Twin Cities, like Minneapolis who experience humidity and temperature changes, maintaining cabinets is important. Following the tips mentioned will promote sustaining the investment and enduring aesthetic value for decades.
The team at Loon Cabinetry is always ready to help their clients looking to upgrade their cabinets or to even maintain existing ones. They take pride in offering unmatched expert consultations and design with superior craftsmanship tailored to the Minneapolis region. Contact us them to schedule a consultation and learn more!
