Simple kitchen repairs for common problems

by Ryan Christensen 02/12/2025

Think twice before hiring a professional to handle your kitchen repairs. While some issues do require expert help, many of the most common kitchen problems can be solved with a bit of DIY effort. If you’re interested in tackling some of your kitchen repair projects, here are some tips to help:


Bad-smelling sink

One of the most common problems homeowners face in their kitchens is a nasty odor coming from their sink drain. This can happen because of gradual food residue buildup or blockage. 

Luckily, it’s a simple problem to fix. Simply pour some baking soda and lemon juice down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, follow up by pouring some white vinegar in the drain until you see the bubbles appear. Flush out the sink with boiling water, and your nasty smell should be gone.


Misaligned kitchen cabinet doors

If you’ve noticed your kitchen cabinet doors aren’t closing properly, the issue might be simpler than you think. Often, the hinge screws in a cabinet door come loose, causing the doors to hang improperly.

To address this problem, example the hinge screws on your kitchen cabinets. If the screws are loose, simply tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. If you notice stripped screw holes, you may need to screw new holes and replace the hinges entirely.


Sticky drawer slides

Sticking drawers are annoying, but can often be improved by cleaning the drawer slides. If you’ve noticed a drawer sticking or not closing properly, empty its contents and remove the drawer box completely.

Use a solution of water and dish soap to wipe the slides. You can also prevent stickiness from returning by adding a few drops of household lubricant.

Whether you’re experiencing issues with cabinet doors, smelly drains or sticky drawers, many common kitchen problems can be handled with a bit of extra attention. However, if you try these methods and still notice persistent problems, it’s best to call a professional for help.

About the Author
Author

Ryan Christensen

Responsive, Responsible and Resourceful - How Real Estate Should Be. This is the foundation of our continued success: responsive service, providing accurate and timely information, and demystifying the process. 100% of my business is referral based because I listen to my clients' needs and exceed their expectations. As a full-time real estate broker, I am the best advocate for both my buyers and sellers. I am always available, regardless of the time of day.

 Being a native Southern Californian is a tremendous advantage. I know the area. Time is more valuable than money, but neither can be wasted. And, I'm a fan of hard work. My clients can enjoy their home buying and/or selling experience because I provide a trusting, focused, straightforward approach. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals and find joy in homeownership.

 I am both a licensed Real Estate and Mortgage Broker. Others choose to concentrate on one or the other. I provide a higher level of service and expertise than those who do not obtain this dual skill set, which differentiates me from other service providers. My decisions and advice are based solely on what is in the best interest of my clients. I use Real Estate Sales as a tool to make sure my clients get the home that meets or exceeds their needs. As a Mortgage Broker, I search for the best loans so I can offer lower rates and pricing than my financing competition. This certainly IS in the client's best interest.