Why Do Drawers Stick in the Winter?
Drawers in wooden furniture are often known to stick during the summer months; however, the same conditions that cause this seasonal problem can exist within your home in winter. You may also notice issues with wooden doors at the same time your drawers begin to stick. Does this Spark an idea?
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Cause
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The wood used to make furniture contains water. The wood continues to exchange moisture with the surrounding air, according to the Sahara Furniture Manufacturing website, and changing humidity levels lead to changes in the wood such as expansion and shrinking. Humid air affects wood items by causing swelling and expansion. You may notice problems in your home if your region experiences wet winters.
Considerations
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While you can sand the sides and runners to help remedy a sticking drawer, this solution permanently reduces the height and thickness of the sides of the drawer and can affect the finish. According to John Warde of The New York Times' Home Clinic, reducing the thickness of the drawer may affect its fit once conditions in the environment normalize. The author suggests that simple maintenance and quick fixes can alleviate temporary sticking due to humidity. Major issues such as warping should be handled by a furniture repair expert.
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Treatment
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Examine the drawer. Cycles of expansion and shrinking may cause the drawer to deform or parts to come loose, so remove and inspect the entire drawer. If the swelling is so pronounced that you cannot remove the drawer, try introducing dry, heated air around the object to reduce swelling. Repair any loose or missing hardware. Attempt to ascertain what part of the drawer sticks. Apply a thin layer of hard candle wax or soap to lubricate the drawer's runners and guides, if needed. Otherwise, wait for the humidity to decrease. As the wood loses water, it will shrink, which should allow the drawer to move freely once again.
Prevention
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Use a dehumidifier in rooms that experience high levels of humidity and use a humidifier during dry months to normalize environmental conditions within your home. The Sahara Furniture Manufacturing website suggests you maintain a relative humidity of 25 to 30 percent to preserve wood furniture and that you locate wood furniture away from heat sources.
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