If you use dishwashers such as KitchenAid dishwasher, one of the questions you should find answers to is “How to protect cabinets from dishwasher steam?”. You might think the worst thing that could happen in your kitchen is burning dinner, but wait until you see what steam from your dishwasher can do to your cabinets!
Imagine your once beautiful kitchen cabinet now looks like it went ten rounds in a sauna – warped, peeling, and practically begging for mercy. One of the best ways to protect your cabinets from dishwasher steam is by installing a simple dishwasher protective barrier.
Protecting your cabinets from dishwasher steam is essential for several reasons. The excess moisture can cause wood to warp and paint to peel, drastically reducing the lifespan and aesthetics of your cabinetry. So let’s answer the question “How to protect cabinets from dishwasher steam?”
How To Protect Cabinets From Dishwasher Steam
Your cabinet is a great investment; it is important to protect it from being damaged by dishwasher steam. There are several ways to do that, You can pre-install a protection before you install it and if you have installed the dishwasher without protection for the cabinet, there are ways to do it. Follow these methods to protect your cabinets from dishwasher steam:
1. Install a Dishwasher Protective Barrier
If you are installing a new dishwasher, install a protective barrier above the dishwasher door. But if you have already installed your dishwasher, you can install a moisture deflector or moisture barrier.
How it helps: Directs steam away from your cabinets, preventing moisture damage.
How to install
Purchase a dishwasher shield kit such as anti-condensation tape or dishwasher moisture barrier tape. To install the protective barrier, you will need to fully uninstall the dishwasher before you can begin installing the moisture barrier tape. Follow these steps:
- To uninstall the dishwasher, you will need to turn off the power to the appliance and shut off the water supply valve.
- You will need to use a nut driver or a Phillips screwdriver to remove the mounting screws securing the lower access panels.
- Once you have removed the mounting screws, you can remove the outer panel along with the inner panel and the attached insulation
- Next, you will need to use channel lock pliers to disconnect the water supply line elbow fitting from the inlet valve. Be prepared for some water to spill when you disconnect the water supply line elbow fitting.
- Then, you should use a 1/4-inch socket or nut driver to unthread the screw to release the terminal box from the right support rail. Detach the cover and make a note of the orientation of the power wires before you untwist the wire nuts to disconnect the wires.
- Unthread the screw to release the grounding wire and the strain relief nut.
- Detach the strain relief and power wires from the terminal box.
- Disconnect the drain hose from the sink drain or garbage disposer and feed it through the cabinet.
- Open the dishwasher door and remove the mounting bracket screws to move the dishwasher. You may need to adjust the legs to lower the appliance before carefully pulling the dishwasher away from the cabinet.
Before installing the moisture barrier tape, make sure the underside of the countertop is free of any debris. To install the moisture barrier tape, first, peel off the backing and then align the tape on the underside of the countertop along the front edge of the counter.
- Reposition the insulation block blanket if necessary.
- Make sure the end of the drain hose is accessible through the cabinet wall before gently sliding the dishwasher back into the cabinet.
- Adjust the leveling legs if necessary and replace the screws to secure the mounting brackets to the cabinet or countertop.
- Feed the drain hose through the cabinet and connect it to the sink drain or garbage disposer, making sure the hose is elevated above the connection point.
- Fully position the wires and strain relief in the terminal box, then thread and tighten the strain relief nut.
- Secure the grounding wire with the screw and join the black wires together and the white wires together before securing them with the wire nuts with the wires positioned inside the terminal box.
- Realign the cover and then thread the screw to secure the box to the support rail.
- Reconnect the water supply line elbow fitting to the inlet valve and reposition the inner access panel and insulation followed by the outer panel.
- Rethread and tighten the screws to secure the dishwasher back in place.
After you have completed the repair, turn the water supply back on as well as the power and your dishwasher should be ready for use.
Overall, installing a moisture barrier tape seems like a complex process that requires completely uninstalling the dishwasher. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, it might be best to consult a professional.
READ ALSO: How To Reset KitchenAid Dishwasher in a Simple and Effective Way
2. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial in protecting your kitchen cabinets from the damaging effects of dishwasher steam. Steam can cause moisture buildup, leading to warping, discoloration, and other forms of damage to your cabinets.
Here’s how you can ensure proper ventilation in your kitchen to keep your cabinets safe:
Use Existing Ventilation Systems
Existing ventilation such as an exhaust fan can make steam disappear quickly and prevent the accumulation of moisture. Follow these steps:
Exhaust Fan
- Turn on your kitchen exhaust fan while running the dishwasher.
- This fan helps to draw steam out of the kitchen, reducing the amount that reaches your cabinets.
- Make sure your exhaust fan is clean and functioning properly to maximize its effectiveness.
Open Windows
When your windows are opened, steam will be able to disappear quickly because of proper ventilation:
- Open windows in your kitchen to allow fresh air to circulate.
- This helps steam escape outside instead of lingering in the kitchen and affecting your cabinets.
- If possible, open windows on opposite sides of the room to create a cross-breeze, which can be particularly effective in removing steam.
3. Install Contact Paper or Heat Shield
Using contact paper or heat shields is an effective method to protect your kitchen cabinets from the damaging effects of dishwasher steam. Here’s how these solutions work and how to install them:
Contact Paper
Contact paper is a self-adhesive vinyl material that can be applied to surfaces for protection and decoration. It creates a waterproof barrier that prevents steam from penetrating the wood or other materials of your cabinets.
It’s easy to wipe down and clean, ensuring that any moisture or steam that condenses on the surface doesn’t affect the cabinet underneath.
How to install
- Buy contact paper.
- Wipe down the cabinet surfaces you plan to cover with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grease. Let them dry completely.
- Measure the dimensions of the areas you want to protect.
- Cut the contact paper to the appropriate size using a ruler and scissors or a utility knife.
- Peel off the backing of the contact paper gradually, starting from one corner.
- Press the contact paper onto the cabinet surface, smoothing it out as you go to avoid air bubbles.
- Use a credit card or a smoothing tool to press the contact paper firmly onto the surface.
- Trim any excess contact paper from the edges using a utility knife for a clean finish.
Heat Shields
Heat shields are protective barriers, often made of metal or heat-resistant materials, installed between the dishwasher and adjacent cabinets. Heat shields deflect steam away from the cabinets, preventing moisture buildup and heat damage.
They are designed to withstand high temperatures and moisture, providing long-term protection for your cabinets.
How to install
- Buy a heat shield kit specifically designed for use with your dishwashers. These can be found at home improvement stores or online.
- Remove any existing protective materials and clean the surfaces around the dishwasher where the heat shield will be installed.
- Follow the instructions included with the heat shield kit to attach it.
- Typically, you will need to attach the heat shield to the sides of the dishwasher or the adjacent cabinets using adhesive strips, screws, or brackets provided in the kit.
- Ensure the heat shield is securely in place and that it covers the areas most exposed to steam and heat from the dishwasher.
- Check that the shield does not obstruct the dishwasher door or interfere with its operation.
How Dishwasher Steam Can Damage Cabinets
Dishwashers, while cleaning heroes, can turn into silent saboteurs for your cabinets if you’re not careful. The culprit? Dishwasher steam. Here’s how it wreaks havoc, especially on moisture-sensitive materials like particleboard:
- During the drying cycle, dishwashers release a burst of hot, moist air.
- Many cabinets are made from particleboard, a budget-friendly choice composed of wood chips and glue. Unfortunately, this material has a major weakness: moisture.
The hot, humid steam from the dishwasher acts like an unwelcome guest in your cabinets. It seeps into the particleboard, causing it to:
- Absorb moisture, making the board expand and lose its shape.
- The uneven moisture absorption can cause the board to bend and distort.
- In extreme cases, prolonged exposure can weaken the glue holding the particles together, leading to crumbling and disintegration.
- The warped surface can cause the cabinet’s paint or laminate to peel and crack.
- Swollen particleboard can push outwards, making your cabinet doors bulge and potentially misalign.
- The cabinet loses its strength and becomes more susceptible to damage.
Maintenance Tips For Prolonging The Life Of Cabinets In A Steam-Prone Environment
The best solution to taking care of your cabinets is to protect them from dishwasher steam damage. Here are some maintenance tips to prolong the life of your cabinets in a steam-prone environment like a kitchen with a dishwasher:
1. Ventilation is Key
Exhaust Fan: This is your best friend! Run the exhaust fan during and after the dishwasher cycle to suck out hot, moist air. Choose a CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating suitable for your kitchen size.
Open a Window (alternative): If you lack a fan, open a window while the dishwasher runs. It’s less effective but promotes some air circulation.
2. Block the Steam Attack
Counter Overhang: Aim for ¾ inch to 1 ½ inch overhang. This ledge deflects steam upwards, preventing it from hitting your cabinets directly.
Moisture Barrier: Apply a self-adhesive vapor barrier (foil or aluminum sheet) under the countertop near the dishwasher. It reflects heat and prevents steam from reaching the cabinets.
3. Heat Shield for Extra Protection
These shields attach to the dishwasher itself, deflecting heat radiation and minimizing steam from reaching the cabinets. Installation might require drilling or specific model compatibility.
4. Other Helpful Tips
- Choose the Right Dishwasher: Look for newer models with improved seals around the door and tub to minimize steam leaks at the source.
- Let it Cool Down: Avoid immediately opening the dishwasher after a cycle. Give it a few minutes to cool down, allowing some steam to condense back inside.
- Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect cabinets around the dishwasher for signs of swelling, warping, or peeling. Early detection allows for repairs before major damage occurs.
- Consult a Professional: If your cabinets are already exposed to steam damage, consult a professional for potential repairs or replacements before the issue worsens.
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The Bottom Line on How to Protect Cabinets from Dishwasher Steam
That’s how to protect cabinet from dishwasher steam. If you are just planning to install a dishwasher, make sure to buy the new model with the right protective. You can also install protection from steam before you install your dishwasher. All in all, don’t let steam eat deep into your countertop before you find a solution.
