Maintenance Tips to Prolong the Lifespan of Garage Cabinets

Clean Garage Cabinets Regularly

Your garage can be a dusty, dirty place. You’ve got the garage door opening and closing – allowing rain, leaves, dirt, grass clippings, and pollen to blow in. You also may be using your garage to store the lawnmower, sports gear, and gardening tools – all of which tend to get grimy. Without regular cleaning, your garage cabinets can get a bit dingy.

Cleaning your cabinets is important for making them last as long as possible. Wipe them down regularly with a damp cloth or sponge, then dry them well with a soft cloth. If anything spills on them, be sure to remove it as soon as you notice. Wiping down the cabinets each month or so (and more frequently if needed) will keep them looking great.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

While you should be cleaning your garage cabinets, you shouldn’t be using any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. These can harm or scratch the finish. Instead, use warm water with just a little mild dishwashing liquid added. That’s all you need for just about anything your cabinets might encounter in the garage.

If you do want to try a spray-type cleaning product, test it on a small, hidden area first to make sure it won’t cause any discoloration or other damage.

Dehumidify Your Garage

Most people don’t have central heating and air conditioning in their garages, so the garage tends to be more humid than the interior of the house. Excessive moisture in the air can lead to warping, peeling, and even mold and mildew in serious cases. You should regularly check your cabinets for any signs of water damage, particularly if your garage floods or if it’s been particularly humid.

Running a dehumidifier is a good way to keep the garage’s humidity levels in check. You can also make sure the garage is ventilated properly. Danmarque recommends taking simple steps, like opening a garage window or leaving the garage door ajar on particularly humid days, to combat excessive moisture buildup. You can also have soffit vents installed to allow for some airflow.

Block UV Rays

If you have windows in your garage or glass panels in your garage door, you may experience some fading due to the UV rays getting into the space. 

Consider installing blinds or curtains if you have a window that allows sunlight to fall directly on your cabinets. You could also have UV-resistant film placed on your windows. These films allow sunlight to get through but not the UV rays themselves.

Organize Items Wisely

Finally, think about what you’re storing and how you will be keeping it in your garage cabinets. Each of our shelves can hold 100 lbs. of weight, so you’ll want to avoid overloading them beyond that capacity. You should also avoid putting items on the cabinet shelves that the doors will bang into, as these can cause dents and eventual damage to the doors. Also, try to store items that can scratch the cabinet finish in bins or in a way that won’t allow sharp edges to rub against the shelves or doors.

When you have your free in-home consultation for your custom garage, talk to your designer about how best to organize your belongings. Some of your heavier items might be better suited to our overhead storage racks or other storage solutions.

Conclusion

At Golden Gate Garage Storage & Closets, we’re proud to offer a limited lifetime warranty on our garage cabinets. This covers breakage under regular use. Everyday wear and tear, however, is something that you can prevent by following the tips I’ve outlined above. Keep your cabinets clean, use only a mild detergent and water to do so, keep moisture and humidity under control, protect your cabinets against UV rays, and keep functionality in mind as you organize your belongings.

Source

• https://www.danmarque.co.uk/how-to-ventilate-your-garage/