Kitchen Cabinet Damage Risks: Water, Humidity, Heat

Modern kitchen cabinets are designed to stand the test of time and last for decades once installed, but this can’t happen without some participation from their owners. In particular, there are a few common sources of kitchen cabinet damage or wear-and-tear that are known to crop up over time – and taking some steps to avoid these risks will help extend their lifespan and maximize your investment.

At AWA Kitchen Cabinets, we’re happy to provide care and upkeep tips for any of our high-quality kitchen cabinets, which come in several different styles and collections. One of the chief ways to stop any damage from taking place to your cabinets is simply knowing the major risks that are out there, so that’s what we’ll do in this two-part blog series. Here’s a layout of the most common forms of kitchen cabinet damage or wear, plus how to avoid them.

kitchen cabinet damage risks

Water Damage

As you may have guessed due to the common use of water in the kitchen, this is one of the most frequent factors contributing to damaged cabinetry. Water can seep into cabinets and cause damage to the wood underneath – plus, any sort of water accumulation around your kitchen sink area could lead to a slowly-growing mold situation that’s tough to spot until it’s too late.

To prevent this kind of water damage, make sure you’re wiping down around your sink area at least once a week. If you have any leaking pipes or taps, get them fixed immediately to avoid further water accumulation. Pay attention to the drainage lines connected to the sink – if they seem clogged or blocked up in any way, call in a professional for assistance with clearing them.

Humidity Damage

Down related but slightly different lines, humidity can cause its own set of problems when it comes to kitchen cabinet damage. In particular, high humidity levels can cause wood to swell up and warp – something that’s particularly noticeable if you have wood veneer cabinets in your kitchen.

To avoid this kind of damage, invest in a dehumidifier for your home if you believe humidity levels are too high; these are relatively inexpensive and can help keep the moisture in check. You may also want to consider installing a humidity monitor, so that you’ll be able to get an accurate read on the levels of moisture in your kitchen at any given time.

Temperature Damage

Another factor to consider when it comes to kitchen cabinet damage is the temperature in your home. Extreme temperatures can cause wood cabinets to expand and contract, leading to cracking or splitting over time – plus, if you have plastic cabinets, extreme cold could cause them to become brittle.

To maintain a more consistent temperature in your kitchen area, make sure you’re checking for any air leaks around windows and doors. If you’re noticing a lot of cold air entering the kitchen, consider investing in insulated window treatments or adding weatherstripping to further seal off your home against drafts.

By following these simple care tips, you can extend the life of your cabinets and enjoy them for years to come! In part two of this series, we’ll look at other common sources of cabinet damage and how to prevent them. And to learn more about the different styles and collections of kitchen cabinets we offer at AWA Kitchen Cabinets or our recommendations on their care, contact us today!