Here’s 5 Steps to Maintain Your Base Cabinet the Right Way
Base cabinets are some of the most versatile pieces of equipment found in every commercial facility. They allow you to store your valuables safely, but also provide a worktop space for your prep tasks. Many base cabinets can be optioned even further to enhance their usability. However, most base cabinets contain moving parts & that is where maintenance comes into play.
In this article, we’ll go over 5 maintenance tips to keep your base cabinet in working order. Please note that some of these tips may or may not apply to your cabinet based on your specific model. Let’s begin.
Drawing a Line
Drawers are a common option outfitted to a stainless steel base cabinet. They allow you to securely lock away your items & keeps them out of sight. What good is a drawer if it doesn’t work properly? Ensure each drawer is on the track & can be opened & closed smoothly. There should be no hitching or stiffness. If you experience any hitching, use a spray dry lubricator to correct the problem. If this doesn’t work, check the slides for any damage or excessive wear.
Secondly, if equipped, make sure the lock & key are functioning the right way. There is no worse situation than having your items stolen or lost because of an improper locking drawer.
Shelf Check
As a standard, each IMC base cabinet is fitted with (1) adjustable shelf. Make sure it’s level & set up properly inside of the cabinet. Using a shelf that is unbalanced can lead to damage to your items due to a fall.
We created an in-depth video on how to correctly install shelves inside of an IMC/Teddy cabinet here. The key is to make sure each shelf clip is on the same numbered height on each pilaster. The shelf clip must be FIRMLY set onto the pilaster with no wiggle room.
One Door Opens…
The heart & soul of most base cabinets are the doors themselves. Hinged or sliding doors can be equipped onto your base cabinet. They can also be solid, or glass based on your preference.
The main idea to remember when it comes to door maintenance is to check for any hitches when opening/closing them. The doors should have a fluid travel with no hiccups. Once again, a spray dry lubricator should help ease any rough travel. Check hinges for any damage or misalignment. Sliding doors can be trickier as they must be perfectly aligned with the track – pay special attention & make adjustments as needed.
If equipped with locks, make sure it is functioning the right way like the drawer locks mentioned above.
Everything in Balance
Having your base cabinet level is an important note to remember. If your cabinet is equipped with adjustable flanged legs, make sure it is perfectly level. You can use a simple leveler to ensure this.
If your base cabinet has a toe kick instead, make sure nothing is caught underneath the base cabinet & remove any debris if applicable.
An unbalanced base cabinet does not look aesthetically pleasing & your valuables will be tilted in one direction, causing some headache.
Clean! (You Knew This Was Coming)
We’ve saved the most important tip for last – cleaning! Base cabinets have numerous nooks & crannies that can be easily forgotten when it comes to washing & sanitizing. Not only is the exterior important, but the interior needs just as much care as well.
Sink bowls, drawers, backsplashes, side splashes, shelves are just some add-ons to keep in mind when you are performing your cleaning routine. This may mean temporarily removing your objects from the cabinet to really dive deep. Everything should be looking fresh.
As always, use a soft microfiber towel & a non-harsh cleaner like baking soda to get the job done. No wool/wire pads or cleansers containing bleach or chlorine! Cleansers containing a phosphoric, oxalic, or sulfamic acid can also be used to polish & bring new life back into your equipment.
Base cabinets require maintenance just like with any other stainless steel items in your lineup. While some base cabinets can be complex, it is important to be thorough & meticulous in your routine to get the most life out of them. To learn more about how IMC’s base cabinets, click here.