Do’s and Don’ts in Cleaning & Maintaining Your Garage Cabinets

Do’s of Maintaining and Cleaning Garage Cabinets

There are several things you should be doing in order to maintain your garage cabinets.

Regular Dusting and Wiping

• Why it’s important: Regular dusting and wiping will prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, and grime. Your cabinets will also look great for a longer period of time, and it will keep your cabinets functioning well by preventing damage.
  
• Recommended frequency: Dust and wipe down your cabinets weekly, when you dust the rest of your home. If you are using your garage for dust-producing activities, you may need to do this more frequently.
  
• Cleaning tools needed: You can use a damp or dry microfiber cloth for dusting, and a soft cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water for wiping down surfaces.

Use the Right Cleaning Products:

• Why it’s important: Using the right cleaning products helps you to get a thorough clean without leaving residue behind. It also prevents damage to the cabinets.
  
• Recommended products: Ask us for a recommendation based on the type of cabinets you have. Some of our favorites include mild dish soap mixed with warm water, a dedicated wood cleaner, or a mild multi-purpose cleaner.

Inspect for Damage

• Why it’s important: Regular inspections will help you catch minor issues before they become major ones that end up costing a lot to fix.
• What to look for: Watch out for scratches, dents, or chips. Also, make sure the hardware isn’t loose and that you aren’t seeing any signs of water damage or rust.
  
• Tips for minor repairs: Use touch-up paint or markers for minor scratches, and tighten any loose screws or hardware as needed. If something fails and it’s under warranty, give us a call!

Organize Your Cabinets

• Why it’s important: It makes cleaning and tidying easier when everything is in its place. Also, it can prevent overloading, which often leads to damage, such as sagging shelves or loosening of hardware.
  
• Tips for effective organization: Consider using labeled bins or boxes to group similar items together, and store frequently used items within easy reach. Keep heavier items on the lower shelves to reduce the strain on wall-mounted garage cabinets.
  

Don'ts of Maintaining and Cleaning Garage Cabinets

Similarly, there are things you should avoid to keep your cabinets looking great:

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

• Risks: Harsh chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia, can strip the finish of your cabinets. They can also weaken the material over time. Bob Vila has a list of some of the most damaging cleaners that you should avoid.
  
• Alternatives: Try mild dish soap mixed with water. Another option is to use a cleaner that’s designed for the cabinet material you have, such as a wood cleaner or metal cleaner.

Don’t Overload the Shelves

• Potential damage: Overloading the shelves can cause them to sag or even break. Also, excessive weight can loosen or break the brackets, screws, and other hardware.
  
• Guidelines: The weight limit of your cabinets depends on the type of cabinets you have. Ask us how much each shelf can hold. Also, try to distribute weight evenly across each shelf, and store heavier items lower and light items higher.

Don’t Ignore Spills and Stains

• Why it’s important: Leaving spills or stains unchecked can cause permanent discoloration and damage. Cleaning up quickly, on the other hand, can prevent damage, as well as mold, mildew, and odors.
  
• Tips for cleaning spills: This depends on the type of spill.
  
• For liquid spills: Wipe up the liquid immediately with a dry cloth, then, if needed, clean it with mild soapy water and a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
  
• For oil or grease spills: Use baking soda to soak up the grease, then clean it with a mild degreaser. Do not keep any rags used to clean up, as they can cause a fire.
  
• For chemical spills: Look at the packaging of the chemical, and follow the instructions. Make sure the garage is well-ventilated.

Don’t Use Abrasive Tools

• Why it’s important: Abrasive tools, like scouring pads, steel wool, or abrasive cleaners, can scratch and damage the cabinet surface and remove protective coatings.
  
• Alternative tools: Consider using microfiber cloths, non-abrasive sponges or, if needed, a soft bristle brush with a mild cleaner for stubborn stains.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Spring and Summer

• Check for humidity damage: Humidity levels can rise during the warmer months, and it can cause damage to cabinet materials. Check them regularly for signs of moisture, like warping, swelling, or mold growth.
• Consider using a humidifier: This will help regulate humidity levels and prevent damage to your garage cabinets.
• Deep cleaning: Deep clean your cabinets each summer. Remove all of the items, and wipe down all of the interior and exterior surfaces with a mild solution. Pay attention to the corners and crevices where grime can accumulate.

Fall and Winter

• Inspect for cold-related damage: Fluctuating temperatures can cause wood to contract, so check for any cracking or splitting. 
• Insulate your garage if needed: This will help regulate the temperature and minimize the risk of any damage.
• Weatherproof your garage: Check for any gaps or cracks in the garage door, and seal them with weatherstripping. If it is cold in your garage, consider installing a space heater to maintain a consistent temperature.

When to Seek Professional Help

There may be times when professional help is needed to tackle issues you’re having with your garage cabinets. At Organized Garage Solutions, we are a phone call away to help you with extensive damage or difficult to clean stains. Also, most of our products come with a warranty, so if regular use has caused an issue, we’re here to honor that.

The Benefits of Professional Services:

• Expertise and experience: My team has the knowledge and experience to take a look at your garage cabinets and see what the issue is.
• Specialized tools and equipment: If you need your cabinets replaced or something repaired, we have the tools available to do that.
• Time savings: You’ll save time and likely money if you call us to help with your garage cabinet issues rather than doing it yourself and potentially voiding your warranty.
• High-quality results: You’ll be able to enjoy high-quality, professional results.
• Prevention of further damage: We know how to address issues promptly and effectively – preventing further damage and potentially costly future repairs.

Conclusion

Taking good care of your new garage cabinets will help them stay beautiful and functional for many years, even decades. If you’re in the market for a renovated garage, give us a call to schedule a free in-home consultation. We look forward to meeting you and talking to you about how garage cabinets can enhance your home.

Source

• https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/15-cleaners-that-can-do-the-most-damage-52671/