Kitchens are bound to get wet from time to time. But, they still need protection from water damage. Specifically, kitchen cabinets are the most at risk for obtaining water damage in kitchens. They house pipes that can leak or burst, they are subjected to spills and encompass sinks that can leak or overflow. Whatever the means of water or liquid, kitchen cabinets are typically made from wood or like sources that absorb moisture. This can lead to damage that can make them less resilient after a while. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to repair kitchen cabinets that have been damaged by water. So, if you’re wondering how to repair kitchen cabinets with water damage, you’re not out of options – don’t order new cabinets just yet.

Types of Cabinets That May Be at Risk for Water Damage

Unless your kitchen cabinets are plastic, stainless steel, or covered by waterproofing material like resin or polymer, it’s at risk for water damage. Even laminated plywood, which claims to be water-resistant, can still soak up water and lead to water damage. So, if you have wood, plywood, or fiberboard cabinets, they may still be at risk for water damage. And, it’s a good idea to know what to look out for in terms of water damage and what you can do to repair it if you catch it in time.

What Does Water Damage on Kitchen Cabinets Look Like?

Most kitchen cabinets are made of wood or partly of wood. Even some materials that claim to be “waterproof” or “water-resistant” are made partly of wood, so even they can be susceptible to water damage. Wood soaks up water so cabinets that are exposed to water can expand, warp, and become misshaped. This can lead to not being able to close cabinets or open drawers. Furthermore, when cabinets are exposed to water, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Thus, making them a potentially toxic issue in the home that can lead to negative health effects for the residents who live there.

When kitchen cabinets that are exposed to water grow mold, they not only are at risk for becoming structurally unsound, but can also pose a threat to health. Mold can bring about respiratory issues and disease, make asthma symptoms worse, and leave healthy people feeling sick and groggy. Mold is one of the biggest reasons to attempt to prevent water exposure to kitchen cabinets.

What to do When You Notice Water Damage to Kitchen Cabinets

If you notice that your kitchen cabinets are wet or already starting to expand, you want to address the issue before mold grows or the cabinets become beyond repair. First thing’s first – you need to find out why your cabinets are getting wet and fix the issue. Some reasons that cabinets can become exposed to water include leaking pipes, leaking faucets, moisture coming in from windows, etc. When you find the issue of why there is water getting into or onto your cabinets, you can fix this problem so that it doesn’t worsen.

Once the issue of how and why water is getting to your kitchen cabinets is resolved, you can determine if your cabinets are repairable. If there is structural damage to kitchen cabinets, restoration may not be possible and professionals may be needed to repair the most basic elements of how your cabinets work. However, if your cabinets are only damaged on the surface, they may be able to be restored through restoration.

How to Repair Kitchen Cabinets With Water Damage

If there is no structural damage to your cabinets and you’ve fixed the location of the leak or why your cabinets are getting wet, you can begin the repair process. First, you’ll want to make sure that the cabinets are no longer wet. You can dry them by using towels and dehumidifiers. Once you’ve determined that they are dry, you can replace parts that are damaged, like hinges and screws, that may have rusted due to water exposure. Then, use carpenter glue and clamps to address any cracks and breaking.

After the glue is dried, you can refinish your cabinets to bring them back to look like new. Sand them down to cover any splintering and remove any dried glue. Then, choose a resin, wood stain, or paint and apply this to the sanded cabinets. Finally, your cabinets are repaired and ready to be placed back into your kitchen!

Dealing With Mold in Kitchen Cabinets

If you realize that your cabinets are infested with mold, you may need help from professional services in order to address this situation. When mold is on your cabinets, this means that mold could be growing elsewhere. If you find mold in your kitchen, you can find help from a mold remediation specialist, like A Plus Mold Remediation.