Cutting a way behind kitchen cabinets...

[trojan0852]

Hello,

I believe I have mould behind a kitchen corner cabinet (it smells and powdery mould is deposited inside the cabinet). Cleaning and airing with the door open have proved insufficient.

I suspect the mould is on the external walls behind the cabinet. I would like to treat it without having to remove the worktop and cabinet. The only way I can think to do this, is to cut-out the back (and side) of the cabinet to expose the walls behind. However, the estimated gap behind the side panel is 6cm and behind the back panel is 1cm.

Any idea how best to cut these panels out?
Any other bright ideas?

Thanks,
John

 

[Burnerman]

The back of the cupboard may well be thin hardboard, but the side is likely to be 15mm chipboard or similar.
How about cutting a rectangle out of the back and sides, as large as is practical without going right up to the edge of the panel? At least you'll be able to get in there, and so will the air.
Consider marking out a rectangle which will give you enough clearance to get a jigsaw in, drilling a 20mm hole (say) with a flat bit in the corners and using your pencil line to cut along with the jigsaw?
You'll be able to make up some sort of replacement panel afterwards - preferably removable so you can keep an eye on your mould growth.
John

 

[trojan0852]

Thanks John.

I cut the holes as you describe. But, unfortunately not enough clearance for a jigsaw blade so instead I drilled a line of holes (a shed load of holes...) to make the cut. Now it's cleaned up and ventilated, hopefully issue fixed.

 

[opps]

Would vents in the plinths not have sufficed?