Kitchen cabinets have varying lifespans, depending on the quality of their material and crafting, but inevitably, they all give in to wear and tear. As the most used part of the kitchen, cabinets are prone to scratches, dents, and worn spots over time. These blemishes can make your entire kitchen look aged and neglected.
You can fix your faded and worn kitchen cabinets so you don’t have to spend a fortune on replacements. This post will explore simple, effective ways to repair worn sports and restore the finish.
Let’s start by exploring some common causes of worn spots so you can prevent them in the future.
Common Causes of Worn Spots on Kitchen Cabinets
Many factors can lead to worn spots on your kitchen cabinets. Some common causes include:
1. Everyday Wear and Tear
No other kitchen fixture or furniture experiences as much use as cabinets. How many times do you or the person who cooks in your home open and close your kitchen cabinets?
This constant use eventually takes a toll on the finish of your cabinets, causing them to become worn in certain areas. We can’t advise you to use the cabinets less, but you can avoid quick wear by handling the cabinets gently.
Avoid slamming them shut or yanking them open aggressively. Also, use soft-close hinges to prevent impact damage.
2. Moisture and Heat Can Damage Cabinets
Moisture and heat can also take a toll on the finish of your kitchen cabinets. Steam rises from your cooking and frying, and it may also rise when you run hot water in the sink to keep your drainage unclogged.
That steam and excess moisture expose your cabinets to water damage, causing them to swell or warp.
You’re also likely to place hot pots and pans on your cabinets without protecting them from the heat. It causes burn marks and discoloration.
We recommend you use a trivet or hot pad to protect your cabinets when placing hot items on them. Also, promptly wipe the cabinets anytime cold beverages or hot stews spill on your cabinets. That’s how you avoid long-term damage.
Also, properly ventilate your kitchen to help reduce humidity levels and prevent excess moisture buildup. Consider installing a vent fan or opening windows when cooking to help regulate the humidity in your kitchen.
3. Cleaning Products to Avoid
Harsh chemicals in some commercial cleaning products can damage and dull the finish of your cabinets. The following are some common ingredients to be aware of in commercial cleaners for your wood cabinets:
- Ammonia: This chemical is often found in all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, and some degreasers. It corrodes your cabinet’s protective sealant, leaving it susceptible to stains and scratches.
- Bleach: Although it may seem like a powerful cleaner, bleach can actually dry out the wood, causing discoloration or even warping.
- Citrus-based Cleaners: Although these cleaners may have a pleasant scent, they can be too acidic for wood surfaces, potentially causing damage over time.
Why use products with harsh ingredients when you can turn to natural, gentle alternatives? The following are some alternatives to consider:
- Vinegar: This household staple is a great all-purpose cleaner and can be diluted with water for use on wood surfaces. Its acidic properties help cut through grime and buildup without damaging the wood.
- Olive oil is a top-tier alternative for polishing and conditioning wooden furniture. Apply a small amount onto a cloth and rub it into the wood.
- Baking Soda paste is ideal for tough stains or stuck-on residue, as its natural abrasive properties help remove the stain without damaging the wood.
- Wax helps to protect your wooden furniture and give it a beautiful shine, apply a thin wax layer using a clean cloth. Buff it by using circular motions.
4. Sunlight Exposure
Wood can react positively or negatively to sunlight exposure, depending on the type of wood and finish. Over time, UV rays cause fading, so avoid placing your wooden furniture in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
Some types of wood may benefit from occasional exposure to sunlight. For example, teak wood naturally turns a beautiful silvery-gray color when exposed to sunlight and air. This process, called patina, adds character and enhances the natural beauty of teak furniture.
Harmful UV rays can cause damage to any type of wood, so filter the sunlight with curtains or blinds.
5. Poor Maintenance Can Lead to Damage
Most furniture and appliances last longer when they are well-maintained, and wood furniture is no exception. Failure to polish and clean regularly ends with shorter cabinet lifespan.
Your cabinets also need a protective finish, which is continuously fading. You need to replenish it periodically to prevent damage. You need to do it even more frequently in high-humidity areas, as the moisture will lead to water damage and warping.
Apart from regular care, you should also inspect your wood furniture and cabinets for any signs of wear and tear. Immediately attend to cracks, chips, or scratches to prevent further damage.
Assess the Type of Damage
The first step of touching up on stains or fades on your kitchen cabinets is conducting a thorough inspection. How bad is the damage, and can you repaint the cabinets, or must you reface them?
The following are some common damages that can occur on wooden furniture:
1. Surface Scratches or Scuffs
These damages are easily fixable, and you can handle them without help. First off, sand the affected area gently to remove any debris or small particles that could worsen the damage. Use a fine-grit sandpaper for this.
Once you’ve cleaned and smoothed out the affected area, use a wood filler to fill in the scratch or scuff. You can find wood fillers at most hardware stores. Choose one that matches your cabinet colors.
After filling in the damaged area, let it dry completely before lightly sanding it again to blend it with the rest of the surface. You can also apply some wood polish or wax to give it a smooth finish.
That’s how you handle chips in kitchen cabinets.
2. Faded or Discolored Stain
We agreed that fading and discoloration can be an eyesore on wood cabinets. It often happens due to exposure to sunlight or age. Fortunately, there are ways to revive the stain and restore its color.
To start, you’ll need to clean the affected area with a mild wood cleaner and water. If the discoloration is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a stronger solution like white vinegar mixed with water.
Then, lightly sand the cabinet surfaces and apply a new stain layer. Go for a stain that closely matches the original cabinet colors.
For best results, use a small brush to carefully apply the stain in the direction of the wood grain. You can also use a rag or sponge to apply the stain, but this may not give as precise an application.
After applying the stain, let it dry completely before topping up with a second coat if desired. Once dry, you can also add a protective layer, such as polyurethane or wax, to help seal and protect the new stain.
Alternatively, consider repainting all your kitchen cabinet surfaces.
3. Peeling Finish or Veneer
If the finish or veneer on your cabinets is peeling, it can make them look aged and worn. To fix kitchen cabinets that are peeling, you need to get rid of all the paint first.
Using a scraper or sandpaper, remove any loose pieces of finish or veneer from the affected area. Then, fill out the holes or gaps left behind with wood filler.
Once the filler has dried, sand down the filled areas until they are smooth and even with the rest of the cabinet surface, finally, use a matching coat or stain.
4. Water Damage or Swelling
Water damage can be a major issue for cabinets, causing them to swell and warp. If you notice any water damage on your cabinets, address it as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Start by investigating the cause of the water damage, as you could have far worse issues, such as a leaking pipe or roof.
Fix any issue you find causing the leakage. Then, wipe the affected area with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
Next, use a heat gun or hairdryer to dry out the swollen wood gently. It has to be on a low-heat setting to avoid burning the wood.
You can also use a dehumidifier in your kitchen to get rid of excess moisture from the air.
If your cabinets are still slightly swollen, try using a cabinet scraper or sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges. Then, apply wood putty to fill in any cracks or gaps in the wood.
Sand down the putty once it has dried, and then finish off with a fresh, matching coat of paint or stain.
When to Call a Professional
If you have tried all of these methods and your kitchen cabinets are still swollen, it may be time to call a professional. A contractor or carpenter will have the expertise and tools necessary to properly fix your cabinets without causing further damage.
Your kitchen may need an extra face lift, but do you know how to update your kitchen cabinets on a budget?
Even if you know, professionals like us have more experience, so you’ll benefit more from hiring us to do the job. It’s especially crucial when you’re fixing stuff in preparation for a sale or home valuation.
Not to mention, your time is valuable and better used on what you do best. It’s a better business decision to delegate tasks, especially ones that require skill and expertise.