Maintain plywood cabinets is a must know among home owners who are planning to install or are currently using this material in their homes. These are the 5 best ways to care and protect this material.
Maintain Plywood Cabinets #1: Ensuring Regular Cleaning Processes
Plywood cabinets need regular cleaning in order for them to last for many years in the best condition possible. Over time, dust, dirt and grime tend to build up which may cause further damage to it if not attended to in the quickest possible time. This is why it is necessary to dust them regularly with a soft and dry cloth or better with a microfibre duster. On areas where dirt is more stubborn, a wet cloth with a mild solution of soapy solution turns out best.
As with most types of plywood, the common enemy is moisture. Regular cleaning prevents water damage by immediately cleaning up spills and making sure the area has dried properly. Wipe down the surfaces as soon as possible after cooking, washing or any other water-related activities that allow liquid to seep into the wood fibres. This can lead to warping or swelling after some time.
Keeping the cabinets dry after cleaning will also keep them free from any long-term damage due to moisture. This is especially true for kitchens and bathrooms where the plywood cabinets are consistently exposed to grease, food leftovers or soap scum. For such cases, a mild detergent or vinegar solution diluted with water effectively cleans the surface without damage to the finish. Further, a soft-bristled brush reaches into corners and crevices to avoid any build-up of dirt in these blind spots.
Avoiding further wear and tear on plywood cabinets that is absolutely unnecessary as it keeps the material aesthetically appealing and increases the life cycle of a cabinet by adding regular cleaning into one's routine. Consistent care keeps them fresh, prevents costly repairs and ensures the plywood stays structurally intact.
Maintain Plywood Cabinets #2: Proper Checking Of Hardware
One of the simplest but most important tasks for plywood cabinets at home is tightening the hardware. Over time, hinges, handles and other fixtures on the cabinet may become loose due to consistent usage — resulting in misaligned or unevenly hung cabinet doors.
Loose hardware exerts additional and unnecessary stress upon the overall construction of a cabinet mainly on the plywood which may warp, crack or be damaged. All screws, bolts and fittings are to be kept tightly fitted to ensure that not only the doors work well but also to avoid long-term structural problems in the cabinet.
It is more crucial when the cabinets are made of plywood since this material can be more sensitive to movement or pressure compared to solid wood. If the hardware remains loose, the continued pulling or pushing of a cabinet door would gradually disintegrate the wood around the hardware — creating larger problems such as needing repairs or even replacements. Therefore, tightening the screws or worn-out hardware can prevent such problems from escalating into greater ones.
Another important benefit in keeping hardware regularly maintained is the aesthetic beauty it retains. Looser or crooked cabinet handles can make an entire kitchen or room seem not as put together. Simple adjustments-such as tightening or repositioning of the hardware will keep the cabinets in good working condition while looking nice and sleek.
For best results, it is a good idea to check cabinet hardware every few months. It is important that changes in cabinet hardware are made with the right tools and not over-tightened as this too can damage the material. Generally speaking, a little maintenance like this can considerably prolong the life of plywood cabinets by keeping them strong yet attractive for many years.
Maintain Plywood Cabinets #3: Protecting Against Moisture
One of the ways to extend the life and make sure that the plywood cabinet looks fine is water protection. Compared to solid wood, plywood is less prone to warp. However, it may swell or warp if constantly exposed to water. Among the best options to protect against each of these occurrences is sealing the edges and other exposed surfaces of the plywood. It can also be treated with a waterproof coat such as varnish, lacquer or other suitable options. All these choices are kinds of barriers to prevent water to pass through the layers of plywood. Furthermore, these seals require regular checks and reapplication in highly humid places such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Another important method is to clean up all spills and water splashes right away. The plywood cabinets around sinks and areas of continuous cooking are highly susceptible to absorbing moisture. Placing absorbent mats or liners inside the cabinets helps in absorbing the spillage of water and preventing the surfaces from excessive exposure. Proper ventilation such as an exhaust fan in the kitchen or bathroom would cut down on humidity levels and limit exposure to moisture.
Also, avoid placing wet items directly on the surface of the plywood such as wet towels or cleaning rags. If your cabinets are located in a highly humid area, the use of water-resistant plywood types is recommended, such as BWR plywood for added protection. Simple things like this coupled with regular maintenance would go a long way in keeping plywood cabinets free from moisture-related damage to keep them in good condition for many years.
Maintain Plywood Cabinets #4: Refrain From Using Harsh Materials
Probably the best way plywood cabinets can be maintained well is through the avoidance of harsh chemicals in their cleaning processes. Plywood consists of thin layers of wood veneer glued together — the tendency towards damages from strong solvents and abrasive cleaners is higher. The harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia or acetone could strip the protective finishes off the cabinets and allow moisture to reach the plywood underneath to potentially cause warping, peeling, or cracking.
Plywood cabinets should be cleaned using gentle and non-aggressive solutions instead of aggressive cleaning products. Most of the time, warm water with a little mild dish soap is sufficient to clean off every day's dirt and grime from them. If you must remove a few stubborn stains, a vinegar and water mixture on a soft cloth should do the work well without causing any damage to the surface of the cabinet. Always dry the cabinets after cleaning to prevent moisture from settling into the material. Not only will this prevent further damage to the structural integrity of the plywood, but it will also protect the finish on the cabinet so that it remains fresh and polished.
Most plywood cabinets have applied protective coatings such as varnish or laminate that can become dull from exposure to harsh chemicals. Over time, this can lead to a loss in shine and a generally worn out look. This very easy yet effective practice in maintaining beauty and durability for plywood cabinets.
Maintain Plywood Cabinets #5: Taking Pest Control Actions
Regular checks for termites are an important process in maintaining plywood cabinets within the house. Termites can give one a headache if left unattended as they cause serious damage to your home. Since termites consume wood based materials, over time this may weaken the cabinets.
The first evidence of a termite infestation may be small and pellet-like droppings near the cabinets. You may also see mud tubes along the edges of the cabinet or wall, which termites use as covered tunnels for protection. Another red flag is hollow-sounding wood when you tap on the cabinet and it sounds hollow — that might be evidence of termites being inside.
Termite damage prevention entails periodic inspection especially around areas of the home that might be more humid or are quite prone to moisture since termites seem to fancy damp conditions. First, inspect the interior and exterior of the plywood cabinets for any signs of visible damage. Check in dark corners, hinges and other less accessible areas with the help of a flashlight for tiny holes or cracks.
Proactive steps in protecting your plywood cabinets against termites include treatment using termite-resistant solutions or sealants. Termite baits or traps can also be set up in areas where you feel there is some activity — helping to reduce the infestation before serious damage has taken place. Besides, keeping the environment dry by treating leaks and excess humidity will make your cabinets less conducive to termites. Early detection and prevention will protect your cabinets from expensive repairs and prolong their life.
