A broken cabinet door can stick out like a sore thumb. Whether it’s creaky, won’t close or lies crooked, it’s hard to look elsewhere when something is clearly out of place. Here are a few DIY tips on how to repair some of the most common complaints homeowners have of their old kitchen cabinets.
Stop Doors From Banging
If it sounds like you’re slamming your cabinet doors no matter how you close them, this quick fix will eliminate that loud bang. Pick up a pack of self-adhesive door bumpers to stick on the outside corners of your cabinetry. Simply peel a bumper off the sheet and place where you want it.
Keep Cabinet Doors Closed
If the doors of your kitchen cabinets aren’t staying closed when you shut them, it’s an issue with the catches. You can first try to adjust them by unscrewing the catch, shifting it a little to one side or the other, and reattaching it. It could take a few tries to adjust the catch just right but a little perseverance could get your doors to shut tight again. If it seems like the catch is faulty or appears broken, remove the catch and replace with a new one.
Clean Off Sticky Tracks
If a cabinet drawer feels tacky when you open or close it you may need to grease the track a little. Remove the drawer so you have easy access to the track and clean it off to remove any dirt or buildup. Use WD-40 or another penetrating oil to lubricate the tracks and rollers for an easy open and close.
Secure Loose Knobs and Pulls
After awhile a knob or pull could become loose — and other than gluing it on, there really isn’t much else that can be done. Don’t worry about wrecking your hardware, or losing it when you get new kitchen cabinets. You’ll be able to use a screwdriver later on to remove your hardware before uninstalling cabinets. To secure loose knobs or pulls, put a drop of thread adhesive onto your hardware and attach.
Camouflage Scrapes and Scratches
Over time the exterior of your kitchen cabinets can become marked up. Even if they are still in good quality, these scrapes and scratches can make your cabinets appear aged and unsightly. Give your cabinets a quick facelift by using a stain and filler pencil to conceal imperfections. To start, choose a color one or two shades lighter than your cabinets. This will allow you to see how the material absorbs the color and allow you to build up as needed.
Correct Creaky Hinges
Nothing shouts “old” louder than creaky cabinets. Silence that squeak by adjusting and lubricating hinges with WD-40. Simply apply to the suspect hinges and let the oil act as a buffer between the metal.
If you keep having problems pop up with your cabinets, it might be time to replace them. Ready to assemble (RTA) cabinets are an affordable option and only require a little work on your end. To shop our ready to assemble cabinets, visit our RTA store online and save money and time!
At TheRTAStore we help make your dream kitchen a reality with RTA (Ready To Assemble) cabinets, Pre-Assembled cabinets, and accessories with the same (if not better) quality you would find at any retail store but for a fraction of the price. Stop by our website or give us a call and let one of our friendly kitchen designers help make your kitchen dreams come true!
