How to Handle Water Damaged Cabinets

8 February 2021
 Categories: , Blog

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If a pipe bursts or leaks, there is a strong chance that your cabinets are going to experience some level of water damage. Luckily, with the right approach, you can save your water damaged cabinets. To learn more about minimizing the damage, read on.

Take Everything Out of the Cabinet

The first thing you need to do is open your work area. Take out everything that is under the cabinet. These items are more than likely going to be wet, so you will want to dry off the items as you take them out of your cabinet to contain the water.

Soak Up Pooling Water

Next, you are going to want to get rid of all the pooled water in your cabinet. You can do this by soaking up the water with a few towels. If the towels are drenching wet, put them in the dryer. Once you get most of the moisture gone, go back and wipe down the walls and doors to completely remove the water.

Take Off the Doors

Third, it is time to take the doors off your cabinet. Your cabinet doors might be heavy. While your cabinets can usually withstand the weight of the cabinet doors pulling on the cabinet itself, when your cabinets have suffered water damage, this extra weight can cause damage. Additionally, removing the cabinet doors will make the drying process easier.

Place the cabinet doors somewhere safe where they can dry. You should also put the screws in a baggie, so you don't lose them.

Use Drying Equipment

Fourth, it is time to use professional drying equipment to dry out your cabinets as quickly as possible. Quickly drying out your cabinets will help to reduce the damage that they suffer from.

You can rent a professional air mover from a construction supply rental shop, or you can get the equipment from a water damage restoration company. A professional air mover will move air at a high speed that will assist with the drying process.

Combat Humidity

Fifth, you are going to want to combat humidity as well. Humidity can interfere with the drying process. In addition to using a professional air mover, you will want to be running a humidifier in the room where your cabinets experienced water damage. Removing the humidity from the air will help with the overall drying process.

Get into Hidden Areas

Many cabinets have an enclosed area under the cabinet where water can accumulate. To remove this water, you will need to remove the cabinet kick plate so you can dry out that space as well. Failing to dry out the area under your cabinets can result in additional damage to your cabinets and floors.

Treat Your Cabinets

Once your cabinets are dry, you are going to want to treat your cabinets with a biocide. A biocide is not harmful to you but will prevent mold from growing on your cabinets.

Keep in mind that not all cabinets will be able to survive water damage. Due to their construction, particleboard cabinets have a lower chance of surviving water damage than plywood or hardwood cabinets. A professional water damage restoration team can help you with all of the above tasks.