Water damage is a severe issue. If your kitchen cabinets are water-damaged, they not only make your home look like a mess, but they can also create an extreme health risk. Constant exposure to moisture can lead to infections and the growth of dangerous molds, which can cause severe allergies and breathing problems in your household. Check out more effects of water on a kitchen cabinet here.
But first, are your kitchen cabinets water damaged, and you have no idea how to clean them? Here are some easy steps to clean up water-damaged cabinets, so your kitchen will look as good as new again!
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Dry the Water
Get rid of any water that’s left in your cabinets. If the water hasn’t already evaporated, use a towel to soak it up. Ensure to dry off any excess moisture lingering behind your appliance’s countertop or on your flooring. If there’s a lot of water damage, you must remove some cabinet doors or drawers.
Dry the Cabinet
Use a hair dryer to dry the cabinets. Use medium heat on the hairdryer and direct it to the affected area until it is scorched. Hold it 9 inches high for three minutes in each spot that has water.
Dry Mold
Mold starts to grow on wood and other organic materials within 24-48 hours if exposed to moisture. Use bleach to disinfect any mold on those surfaces where it is visible. Bleach kills mold spores so they cannot grow back into colonies, making it an effective tool for preventing future infestations.
Apply Cleaner
Use a rag or cloth to apply ammonia on top of the cabinet doors and drawers. The ammonia will help break down any remaining wetness and make it easier for you to scrub off any residue that may have built up from mold or mildew growth.
Next, start scrubbing away at any mold or mildew growth until it’s gone entirely from each area where it was visible. It could include woodwork areas, inside door panels, drawers, or even cupboards where items might have gotten wet because of flooding or broken pipes.
Rub Dry
Wait 25 minutes, and use a clean cloth to rub the affected area. Ensure you are gentle but firm. It may take a few minutes of rubbing before you see results, so keep at it until you’ve removed as much water.
Rinse and Polish
Rinse the cabinet with water and dry. Then polish it to look good as new! Many polishes are available in stores today; however, most people prefer using an oil-based one because it’s resistant to stains.
How to Remove Water Stains In Cabinets
Water stains are a common problem for wooden furniture, especially in humid climates. There are simple ways to remove them.
Mayonnaise has been a household remedy for many years and can help remove water stains from your wood cabinets. Mix mayonnaise with wood ash, then apply the mixture to the stain. Let it sit for up to two hours before wiping it off with a damp cloth or sponge.
Also, you can use a toothbrush and non-gel toothpaste to rub the stain away; after you remove the stain, apply polish.
If the stain is stubborn, apply denatured alcohol on 100% cotton cloth. Use a fabric that has been dampened but not drenched in the denatured alcohol. To dry the area without damaging the cabinet’s finish, quickly rub the cloth over the water stain in a circular motion, going against the wood grain. Once the marks disappear, apply wax polish to restore the cabinets’ shine.
If Kitchen Cabinets Get Wet, What Happens?
The moisture will destroy the outer shell of the cabinet, making the wood dark and brittle. It results in warped doors and drawers. If you want to avoid the wood of your cabinets turning dark, you should get a dehumidifier for your home.
When water gets into your kitchen cabinets, it causes damage to both the exterior and interior surfaces of your cabinets and any items inside them. You may notice mold growing on top of them or discoloration on their surfaces due to mildew inside them. Wood absorbs moisture quickly unless treated with sealants such as varnish or lacquer.
If you want to restore your water-damaged kitchen cabinets, you must clean them soon. Leaving them exposed to water for a very long time can lead to mold infestation and more expansive damage that is much more difficult (and expensive) to repair. Following our step-by-step guide and using the right products and materials, you can easily clean up water-damaged kitchen cabinets and restore them to their original look.