All cabinet types require maintenance and care for the materials to last. Wood, metal, and plywood will all require different care instructions to look their best. When it comes to cabinets in your garage, they may be more susceptible to dents, dirt accumulation, and rusting. While metal is a durable material to put in your garage, maintenance is required to keep them durable. Here are our professional tips to maintain and care for metal cabinetry.
Best Practices For Dusting
Dusting cabinets often will keep the build-up to a minimum and reduce the need to remove stubborn stains in the future. Using a soft cloth, to remove the dust and hair particles will keep the cabinets from becoming scratched. Excessive dust build-up puts the cabinets at higher risk of scratches and imperfections.
Maintenance and Cleaning Solutions For Metal
To remove stains or other substances from garage cabinets, there are a few methods that you can use. Water or a mild cleaning solution will be enough to remove most substances from the cabinets. Cleaning up grease, oil, and dirt can be done with these methods.
Soapy Water
Water and a mild detergent is a great solution for many surfaces. Glass, wood, and metal can all be cleaned with a mix of dish soap and water. After wiping the cabinets with the soap solution, make sure to rinse the rag frequently to prevent spreading the dirt around your cabinets.
Rubbing Alcohol
Stubborn stains can be removed with a degreaser or rubbing alcohol. Apply the rubbing alcohol to a cloth or sponge and rub the problem areas until the grime begins to lift. Once the stain has been removed remove any alcohol or degreasing agent by wiping the cabinets with a wet sponge.
Take Care to Prevent Rust And Corrosion
Metal is susceptible to rust and corrosion at the right humidity levels. While it is possible to remove some rust, preventing it in the first place is a better option. The best way to prevent rust is to keep your cabinets dry. Limiting the humidity in your garage and removing any standing water after cleaning will prevent rust.
Protective coatings will also protect the metal surfaces from damage. A protective coating will keep moisture from settling on the metal, reducing the risk of rust. Even if you already have cabinets installed in your garage, a protective coating can be applied after installation.
Removing Rust
When rust does occur, removing it quickly will keep your metal cabinets from weakening. Using steel wool can help remove the rusty areas and restore the original look of the cabinets. Avoid using coarse steel wool as it will be too abrasive and will remove the finish of the metal. Too much pressure and scratching will cause further damage to the cabinetry.
Distribute Weight Evenly Inside The Cabinets
Overloaded cabinets have a reduced lifespan due to the heavy items. Adhering to the weight limit on your cabinets will prevent undue stress that could lead to sagging. Place heavier items on the bottom shelves and distribute items evenly in the cabinets. Exceeding weight limits and leaving heavy items in one place will put stress on the metal cabinets.
Repairing Dents And Damages
Minor damages will occur to all home furnishings, including cabinets. Dents, scratches, or discoloration (at a minor level) can be repaired. Gently tapping out dents, using touch-up paint, and properly cleaning the metal, will reduce the appearance of damage.
Keep a small can of touch-up paint that matches the cabinets on hand for when small damages might occur. This way, you can repair scratches as soon as they appear.
Oil Hinges
When it comes to metal, lubrication is essential for proper functioning. Oiling hinges and other moving parts will keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky. Using machine oil or a silicone-based lubricant will help hinges, door slides, and more. Smooth operation prevents wear and tear to the cabinets and limits the need for frequent repairs. Adding monthly oiling to your maintenance tasks will keep cabinets quiet and functioning.
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