Kitchen cabinets are susceptible to lots of different temperatures and humidity levels. Because these cabinets are used consistently and exposed to steam, heat, cold, and water, you need to protect them from humidity damage.
There are tools and practices that homeowners can implement to protect cabinets from humidity. Rasmussen Custom Cabinetry offers cabinet care resources on our website and has information below about maintaining humidity levels. It is best to keep humidity levels in your home around 30-50%.
How Humidity Affects Your Cabinets
If your cabinets are made of wood or some kind of wood substance, excess moisture can lead to warping and damage to your cabinet’s structural integrity. Wood can also expand with too much moisture which can lead to peeling paint, damage to your walls, or water stains on the cabinets.
If you start to notice any of these things, the best place to start is by identifying the source of the moisture. It may be from multiple sources as well. The cabinets in all parts of your home can be protected from humidity with some additives to your home.
Common Sources Of Moisture In The Kitchen
Your kitchen is used for cooking, hosting, family chats, and washing dishes. This means that there are multiple areas that can contribute to the moisture inside the kitchen. Some of these common sources of moisture can include:
- Steam from cooking on the stove
- Warmer or humid climates
- Kitchens near laundry rooms or washers and dryers
- Refrigerators
- Sinks or dishwashers
- Water tracked in from outside
Make Sure You Have Good AirFlow
The easiest way to control humidity is to have great airflow throughout the home. A proper AC system, fans, or dehumidification system can help limit moisture buildup and mold in your kitchen cabinets. Airflow is important for all homes, no matter where you live or what cabinets you have. Keeping humidity at a normal level will protect your home and make it feel more comfortable.
Tools For Controlling The Humidity Level In Your Home
A thermostat with humidity control can help you monitor the humidity in your home. These thermostats can help you better control the temperature and humidity throughout the whole home.
Bathrooms and kitchens are often built with vent fans that can help control moisture in the air. Taking showers, steaming vegetables, or other high-humidity activities can lead to wood warping and deterioration. Utilize the vent fan to keep moisture at a normal level and avoid mold growth.
The best way to keep humidity out of your home is to install a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers can be installed to protect the whole home or just certain areas like the kitchen or bathroom. After installing a dehumidifier, you will also need to monitor that the air doesn’t become too dry.
Baking Soda
If you have humidity damage to your cabinets, sprinkling baking soda on your cabinets can help suck up some of the moisture. It also eliminates odors as well, so even just having an open box inside the cabinets can help improve your home. Once you open a box you will need to change it out every few months.
Clean Up Spills Promptly
If you notice water or other liquids inside your cabinets, the best way to prevent too much damage and save the rest of your cabinets is to clean them up ASAP. Soaking up as much moisture from the cabinets as possible will prevent the liquid from spreading farther into the wood and surrounding cabinets.
More Tips On Cabinet Care From Rasmussen
Cleaning your cabinets frequently can help prevent a build-up of any kind and keep them durable. Humidity can weaken the structure of your entire cabinets and lead to you having to replace them.
Rasmussen Custom Cabinetry has gathered some tips to avoid cabinet disasters such as avoiding sticky notes attached to the cabinets, keeping moisture to a minimum, and avoiding using cleaners with ammonia, bleach, or abrasives.
Humidity can be a tricky thing to balance in your home, but it is worth it to keep your cabinets in pristine condition. Keeping your cabinets durable will ensure that your home functions without any setbacks.
Leave a Reply