How to Keep Your Bathroom Cabinets Looking Good as New

The most important thing that homeowners overlook when maintaining the attractiveness of their cabinets is not inspecting them as soon as the installation is completed. This is where most future problems begin. First inspect the plumbing and make sure that there are no leaks. A leak in your plumbing is the quickest way to ruin your cabinets especially if they are not made from real wood.

Next make sure that the holes cut in the back of the cabinet to allow for the plumbing are covered and sealed properly. This not only helps keep bugs out but will also help with keeping dust and debris out of the cabinet. This is also a good time to start your monthly cleaning routine as most installers will only wipe out the construction dust, they do not give the cabinets a thorough cleaning.

When you begin start with the inside of the cabinet and first use a dry soft towel or rag and wipe all the dust out of the cabinet. Make sure you include under the countertop. Then take a slightly damp towel and wipe the actual cabinet out, this makes sure that all the dust is completely removed. Make sure that your monthly cleaning also includes inspections for leaks in the plumbing.

One of the first things that go wrong with cabinetry is the hardware so during your monthly cleaning make sure that you clean your hinges and slides. These are often overlooked and are some of the first things that oftentimes will end up needing to be replaced. A simple wiping down of them goes a long way to preserving the life of them.

The last thing you need to do for the inside is to check your decorative hardware and make sure that it is not working itself lose. If it does seem a bit lose just take the proper screw driver and tighten it back down. This should be hand tight only do not overly tighten as some more delicate hardware can be cracked. Once you have completed the inside of the cabinetry start with the outside.

The best place to start is with your vanity tops. Check and make sure that the caulking is good and that it has not cracked. Many times once the cabinet begins to settle the caulking will dry and crack. If this becomes the case just go to your local home improvement store and purchase new caulking and recaulk the area. This is important as cracks in the caulking can allow water to seep into the area which can lead to problems down the road.

Next take a mild detergent and a slightly wet, not soaked towel and wipe down the front and the sides of the cabinet. Rinse well so no residue is left but never soak the cabinet. Then towel dry and your monthly cleaning is complete. Following these few quick steps will help you keep your bathroom cabinets looking good as new.