Plywood cabinet care is something that is seen as crucial and important when it comes to maintaining pristine and high functioning cabinetry at home. Here are 5 important ways to keep plywood cabinets in good condition.

Plywood Cabinet Care #1: Frequent Hardware Checks

One of the simplest but most significant ways to take care of plywood cabinets at home is through hardware checks. Over time, hinges, handles and other fixtures on the cabinet can be loose due to consistent usage — this would result in misaligned or unevenly hung cabinet doors.

Loosened hardware places additional tension on the overall construction of a cabinet — which can warp, crack or suffer damage. It should be ensured that all screws, bolts, and fittings are tightly fitted so that the doors not only work well but also there is no long-term structural problem within the cabinet.

This is more critical when the cabinets are made out of plywood since this type of material can be more sensitive to movements or pressure compared to solid wood. If the hardware remains loose, the continued pulling or pushing of a cabinet door would gradually disintegrate the wood around the hardware — creating larger problems such as needing repairs or even replacements. Thus, tightening the screws or worn-out hardware may keep such problems from scaling up into greater ones.

Another huge advantage to keeping hardware regularly maintained is the aesthetic beauty that it retains. Looser or croaked cabinet handles can make an entire kitchen or room seem not put together. Simple adjustments such as tightening or repositioning of hardware will keep the cabinets in good working condition while looking nice and sleek.

The best results can be obtained when one gets the hardware checked every few months in the cabinets. Such modification of hardware is to be done with the right tools without over-tightening as that too tends to destroy materials. Minor servicing can greatly extend the life of plywood cabinets by keeping them strong yet appealing for several years.

Plywood Cabinet Care #2: Refrain From Harsh Chemicals

Probably the best way plywood cabinets can be maintained well is by avoiding harsh chemicals in their cleaning processes. Plywood is basically a thin veneer of wood glued together — the tendency toward damage from strong solvents and abrasive cleaners would be high. The use of strong chemicals such as bleach, ammonia or acetone will likely strip away finishes meant to protect the cabinets from moisture that may damage the plywood underneath and cause warping, peeling or cracking. Plywood cabinets need cleaning with mild and non-aggressive solutions rather than using aggressive cleaning products.

Most of the time, a small quantity of mild dish soap mixed with warm water will work fine in washing away the grime and dirt of each day from them. For a few tough stains, which you may feel are needed to get off, a mixture of vinegar and water on a soft cloth should do the trick without hurting the surface of the cabinet. Not only will it prevent further damage to the structural integrity of the plywood but also safeguard the finish on the cabinet such that it may remain fresh and polished. 

Most plywood cabinets have applied protective coatings such as varnish or laminate which may get dull from harsh chemicals. This often makes them lose their shine and generally gives them a worn-out look after some time. A very easy yet very effective practice in maintaining beauty and durability for plywood cabinets.

Plywood Cabinet Care #3: Pest Control Measures

Regular checks on termites and pests are an important process in ensuring plywood cabinets within a house are well maintained. This is important as it can cause serious damage to your home. Termites consume wood-based materials; hence, over time this may weaken the cabinets.

The first evidence of termite infestation might show up as small, pellet-like droppings around the cabinets. You may also see mud tubes along the edges of the cabinet or wall since termites use these for protection. Other warning signs include hollow-sounding wood — when you knock on the cabinet, it would sound hollow and that could be evidence that termites are inside.

Prevention from termite damage involves periodic inspection especially around areas of the home that may be more humid or quite prone to moisture as termites seem to prefer damp conditions. First, inspect both the interior and exterior of the plywood cabinets for any signs of visible damage. In dark corners, hinges and other less accessible areas, use a flashlight to check for any tiny holes or cracks.

Other proactive steps you may take in protecting your plywood cabinets against termites include treatment using termite-resistant solutions or sealers. You are also able to set up termite baits or traps in locations you feel there is some activity — helping in reducing the problem before actual damage has occurred. Also, maintaining a dry environment by treating leaks and excess humidities will make your cabinets less conducive to them. It will save your cabinets from expensive repairs and extend the life by early detection and prevention.

Plywood Cabinet Care #4: Moisture Protection

Protection from water is one of the ways to extend its life and make sure that the plywood cabinet looks fine. Compared to solid wood, plywood is less prone to warp. It may swell or warp if it is constantly exposed to water. Among the best options to protect against each of these occurrences is sealing the edges and other exposed surfaces of the plywood. It can also be treated with a waterproof coat such as varnish, lacquer or other suitable options. All these choices are kinds of barriers to prevent water to pass through the layers of plywood. Furthermore, these seals require regular checks and reapplication in highly humid places like kitchens and bathrooms.

The other important measure includes cleaning up spills and water splashes immediately. In particular, the plywood cabinets around sinks and areas of continuous cooking are very prone to absorbing moisture. Placing inside the cabinets some absorbent mats or liners greatly helps in absorbing the spillage of water and saving the surfaces from excessive exposure. Proper ventilation such as an exhaust fan in the kitchen or bathroom would cut down on humidity levels and limit exposure to moisture.

Also, wet items should not be put directly on the plywood surface such as wet towels or cleaning rags. If your cabinet is located in areas of high humidity, it is recommended you use water-resistant types of plywood such BWR plywood for additional security. Minor things as such together with regular maintenance go a long way toward ensuring that plywood cabinets stay free from moisture-related damage to maintain the cabinet condition for a long time.

Plywood Cabinet Care #5: Carrying Out Cleaning Processes

Plywood cabinets require regular cleaning so that they last for many years in the best condition possible. In due time, dust, dirt and grime would build up and may cause further damage to it if not attended to in the quickest possible time. That is why regular dusting with a soft and dry cloth or with a microfibre duster is required. In areas where the dirt is more prominent, a wet cloth with a mild soapy solution turns out best. 

As is the case with most varieties of plywood, the enemy is water. Routine cleaning avoids water damage by cleaning up spills immediately and ensuring the area has dried well. Wipe the surfaces immediately after cooking, washing or other water-related activities that would cause liquids to penetrate the wood fibres. This may cause warping or swelling after a period of time. This will also assist in keeping the cabinets dry after cleaning — free from any long-term damage due to moisture.

This is particularly important for kitchens and bathrooms where the plywood cabinets are continually subjected to grease, food residues or soap scum. For these cases, a mild detergent or vinegar solution diluted with water cleans the surface without harming the finish. Also, a soft-bristled brush reaches into corners and crevices to prevent any accumulation in these blind spots. 

Allowing a plywood cabinet to completely wear down is unnecessary as maintaining the material in an aesthetically attractive way indeed adds to the life cycle of a cabinet with the incorporation of regular cleaning into a home owner’s routine. Consistent care keeps it fresh, prevents expensive repairs and ensures the plywood remains structurally intact.