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How to Make Your Cabinet More Functional and Attractive

Many common problems with bathroom cabinets, drawers and doors are easily repaired with a little DIY know-how. These issues may be cosmetic or safety hazards, such as a cabinet door that sticks or that fails to latch properly. A few inexpensive upgrades can fix these problems and make your sink cabinet more functional and attractive.

Water damage

Cabinets and drawers in bathrooms bathroom cabinet repair in Vista are subject to the most damage from water and humidity. The first step in repairing water-damaged cabinetry is to dry out the affected wood. This can be done using fans, a dehumidifier or natural ventilation. It can take several days, but the wood will eventually dry and return to normal. This step can prevent costly and lengthy repairs later.

Budget vanity cabinets often have a veneer that can separate from the MDF surface in high humidity conditions. This can be a simple repair with some strong wood glue, but it is important to carefully inspect the cabinet for more extensive damage that could require replacement of components or the entire cabinet.

Stripped screw holes can keep cabinet doors and drawers from closing properly. Fixing this is easy: simply dip toothpicks in wood glue and cram as many as will fit into the hole (perhaps only two or three). After the glue dries, break off the tips and wipe away any excess. Then, reinstall the hardware, driving the screw directly into the filled hole.

Sticky cabinets and drawers are a tripping hazard, but they can also be an indication of mechanical issues. If the hinges are tight but the door or drawer still doesn’t close, the problem is likely a warped or sagging door or cabinet box that can be easily fixed by adjusting the hinge depth screws.

A simple solution for deep scratches in cabinet doors or drawer fronts is to use a colored wood fill stick, available from most home improvement stores and hardware stores. This type of stick is a thick paste that you spread over the scratch, allowing it to set until it matches the surrounding wood. This is a much cheaper option than replacing the doors and drawers, and it looks great.

Mold and bacteria

If you see a musty odor or can smell mold in the cabinet under your sink, it’s time to clean the space. If the fungus or bacteria cannot be eliminated, you will need to replace the cabinet entirely. However, if the odor is only mild and comes back after cleaning, it might be caused by a faulty garbage disposal, a clogged drain or a leaky faucet.

The best way to prevent future odors from forming in this area is to install a fan and a window in the cabinet, so it will be ventilated. It is also a good idea to regularly clean your disposal with an enzyme cleaner. This will keep the odor from building up and will also help with the smells that come from a wet toilet.

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