Kitchen cabinets are an essential part of any kitchen, providing storage and organization for all your cooking essentials. And while the cabinet doors may get all the attention, it’s the hinges that keep them functioning properly. Without well-maintained hinges, your cabinet doors may start to sag or become difficult to open and close. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of maintaining your kitchen cabinet hinges and provide some tips for keeping them in top condition.
Why Is Maintenance of Kitchen Cabinet Hinges Important?
People often overlook cabinet hinges when maintaining their kitchens, but these hinges play a crucial role in the functionality and longevity of your cabinets.Here are some reasons why maintaining your kitchen cabinet hinges is important:
Prevents Damage to Cabinet Doors
Over time, hinges can become loose or worn, causing the cabinet doors to sag or become misaligned. This can lead to damage to the doors, such as cracks or chips, which can be costly to repair or replace. Regular maintenance of your hinges can prevent this damage and keep your cabinets looking like new.
Ensures Smooth Operation
If you don’t maintain hinges properly, they can become stiff or difficult to open and close.This can be frustrating and can make it challenging to access items in your cabinets. By regularly maintaining your hinges, you can ensure that your cabinet doors operate smoothly and effortlessly.
Extends the Lifespan of Your Cabinets
By keeping your hinges in good condition, you can extend the lifespan of your cabinets. If you don’t maintain hinges, they can cause stress on the cabinet doors, leading to premature wear and tear.By taking care of your hinges, you can ensure that your cabinets last for many years to come.
How to care and maintain your cabinet hinges?
- 1. Wipe the hinges with a dry and soft cloth.
In normal life, if you accidentally drip soy sauce, vinegar or salt on the hinges, wash them off promptly and wipe them with a clean, dry, soft cloth.
- 2. Avoid acidic or alkaline detergents.
Avoid using acidic or alkaline detergents to clean hinges, as most chemicals can harm the varnished finish on the hardware. If you find any dark spots on their surface that are difficult to remove, wipe them with a little neutral detergent. Mild soap and water are useful options. The chemicals used in most detergents and polishes can be harmful to the varnish finish on almost all brands of door hardware on the market.
- 3. Keep your cabinets dry.
Being in humid air for a long time can cause your hinges to rust. And rust can quickly damage and deteriorate hinges. Therefore, you need to avoid keeping your hinges in constant contact with water.
- 4. Tighten the screws and adjust the hinges regularly.
When you find a loose hinge or an uneven door panel, you should immediately tighten the screws in the hinges with a tool and tighten or adjust the hinges to ensure that they do not keep adding to the wear and tear on the fixed door or frame.
- 5. Avoid sharp or hard objects to scratch the surface of hinges.
Never bump the hinges with sharp or hard objects to avoid scratching the plating of the hinges, which will result in rust in the long term.
- 6. Avoid slamming the cabinet doors.
Open and close cabinet doors softly to avoid violent impacts on the hinges and damage to the plating.
- 7. Lubricate the hinges regularly.
If your hinges start to make noise when you open or close the door, then you need to lubricate the hinges. Every 2-3 months, you can regularly maintain your hinges with lubricant to make them open and close smoothly and quietly. Lubricate the surface of the hinges to prevent rusting. However, do not add too much lubricant, which can cause oil to drip and stain the cabinets and floor.
Source: wcmanet
- 8. Close the door when not in use.
Try not to leave the doors open for long periods of time.
When to Replace Your Kitchen Cabinet Hinges
Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your kitchen cabinet hinges, but there may come a time when you need to replace them.Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your kitchen cabinet hinges:
- The hinges are damaged or broken beyond repair.
- The doors are sagging or misaligned, and adjustments are not working.
- The hinges are rusted or corroded.
- The doors are difficult to open and close, even after lubrication and adjustments.
- If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to replace your hinges to prevent further damage to your cabinets.
If you decide to replace your cabinet hinges, here are good choices for you:
Clip on One Way Soft Close Hinge
Slide on Soft Close Hinge 100 Degree
Slide on Soft Close Hinge 105 Degree
Conclusion
Maintaining your kitchen cabinet hinges is an essential part of kitchen maintenance. By regularly cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting your hinges, you can ensure that your cabinets operate smoothly and last for many years to come. If you notice any signs of damage or wear, be sure to address them immediately to prevent further issues. With proper maintenance, your kitchen cabinet hinges will continue to provide reliable and functional storage for all your cooking essentials.