Introduction
Hoosier cabinets, with their signature metal bread drawers, were common fixtures in kitchens in the early 1900s. As versatile storage solutions, Hoosiers held everything from flour and sugar to cutlery and dishes. With time and use, these metal bread drawers can fall into disrepair. However, with a little work, you can restore them to their former glory.
Proper restoration will require disassembly, cleaning, repairing damage, polishing, and lubricating parts. With some simple DIY techniques, you can give new life to antique Hoosier cabinet bread drawers. Read on for step-by-step instructions and tips to restore metal bread drawers from hoosier cabinets.
Supplies Needed
Restoring metal hoosier cabinet bread drawers requires just a few supplies:
- Screwdrivers – both flathead and Phillips head
- Pliers
- Soft cloths and rags
- Mild dish soap
- Water
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Metal polish
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Lubricating oil
- Furniture wax
- Paint stripper (if needed)
Before beginning, gather all your supplies and work in a well-ventilated area. Make sure to work slowly and carefully when dealing with antique drawers.
Disassembly
The first step is fully disassembling the bread drawer from the Hoosier cabinet:
Remove Drawer from Cabinet
Carefully slide the drawer out of its cabinet slot. You may need to wiggle it gently from side to side to loosen it. Place the drawer on a flat, stable work surface.
Detach Drawer Front
The drawer front is usually attached to the bread drawer box with screws. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws and detach the drawer front. Set it aside separately.
Remove Drawer Pull and Label Holder
Use a flathead screwdriver to detach the bread drawer pull if it is screwed on. An antique porcelain, glass, or metal pull should be handled gently to avoid damage. Also remove any label holder piece attached to the drawer front.
Take Apart Drawer Box
The drawer box itself likely has dovetail joinery. Gently tap a flathead screwdriver at the joints to separate the sides, front, and back pieces. Remove any screws as well.
Unfasten Glides
The glides or slides that allow the drawer to move smoothly should detach easily when the box is taken apart. Remove any attached hardware.
With the drawer fully disassembled, now you can begin restoration.
Cleaning and Repair
Each disassembled piece should be thoroughly cleaned:
Remove Dirt and Grime
Use a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt, dust, cobwebs, excess paint, or grime. For stuck-on debris, apply a baking soda and water paste with a soft brush. Let it sit briefly before wiping clean.
Wash with Mild Soap
Mix a few drops of mild dish detergent into warm water. Use this solution to gently wash all surfaces of the bread drawer components with a clean rag. Rinse well with fresh water afterwards.
Remove Rust and Corrosion
Make a paste of equal parts vinegar and salt and use a soft brush to scrub any areas of rust or corrosion on the metal. Wipe clean afterwards. For stubborn spots, use fine grit sandpaper.
Strip Paint
Test for lead paint before attempting to remove any paint from antique drawers. Use a chemical stripper specifically made for lead paint. Follow product directions closely.
Fix Dents and Damage
Carefully pound out any dents and straighten bent metal areas with a mallet and wood block. Fill holes or missing sections by welding or using car body filler. Sand and smooth repairs.
Thorough cleaning should restore exterior surfaces. Now examine the interior mechanics.
Repairing Drawer Components
The inner workings of the drawer also need attention:
Reattach Hardware
Replace any missing or rusted screws, nails, tacks, or bolts that hold the components together. Make sure pieces are securely reattached.
Mend Breaks
Use wood glue and clamps to mend any broken parts of the wooden drawer box. Sand and smooth when dry. Replace severely damaged sections.
Replace Glides
Install new drawer glides or slides so the drawer can function smoothly again. Use exact sizing or custom fit as needed.
Fix Warping
If the wood is warped, use moisture or heat to gradually reform the shape. Sand until level again.
Realign Drawer Fronts
Tap drawer fronts back into proper alignment so doors open correctly and close flush.
Repairing damage and defects will help restore proper working function.
Polishing and Lubricating
The finishing touches involve polishing, lubricating, and installing hardware:
Polish Metal Surfaces
Use a metal polish like Nevr-Dull wadding polish to buff metal drawer exteriors until shiny and bright. Rewash and dry completely afterwards.
Apply New Finish
Apply a clear coat finish like paste wax, polyurethane, or lacquer to protect the restored wood. Let dry fully. Add color stain if desired.
Lubricate Joints and Slides
Use a lightweight oil like sewing machine oil applied with a dropper to lubricate joints and drawer slides. This prevents squeaking and sticking.
Replace or Restore Pulls
Clean, repair, and reinstall original pulls and knobs. Or replace missing ones with period-appropriate new ones.
Add Drawer Liner
Line the interior with new liner paper or cloth to keep contents from scratching.
Reassembly
Once all components are cleaned, repaired, polished, and lubricated, reconstruct the drawer:
Reattach Drawer Front
Screw the drawer front piece back onto the box securely. Make sure alignment is straight.
Rejoin Drawer Box
Glue, clamp, and screw the wooden dovetailed box back together using original joinery and hardware.
Fasten Glides
Bolt the slides or glides for the drawer back on using all original attachment points.
Install into Cabinet
Slide the fully restored drawer box back into its slot in the Hoosier cabinet. Test for smooth movement.
Attach Pull and Label Holder
Screw on the drawer pull and any label holder piece to the finished drawer front with care.
With proper cleaning, repair, and reassembly, the metal bread drawer is restored to working order again!
Tips for Successful Restoration
Follow these tips for the best results restoring your Hoosier cabinet bread drawers:
- Work slowly and gently to avoid damaging fragile antique components.
- Label parts carefully during disassembly to ensure proper reassembly.
- Clean metal with care to avoid scratching finishes or damaging decorations.
- Use painter’s tape to protect areas when stripping paint.
- Test repairs and adjustments to ensure full functioning.
- Match any replaced parts to originals for authenticity.
- Seek help for structural repairs beyond basic DIY fixes.
- Research original styles and hardware for historical accuracy.
- Consider having valuable antiques appraised before restoration.
- Photograph process to document work and special features.
- Avoid over-restoring to maintain antique value and appeal.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Restoring Hoosier cabinet bread drawers has its challenges. Refer to these troubleshooting tips if you encounter any problems:
Drawer Won’t Slide Back In
- Check for obstructions in the drawer slot
- Loosen glides
- Lubricate contact points
- Sand down swollen wood
Drawer Front Won’t Align
- Ensure drawer box is square
- Adjust hinges
- Rehang drawer front
Metal Won’t Polish Up
- Remove more tarnish and rust
- Use a more abrasive polish
- Try electrolysis rust removal
Wood Finish Won’t Take
- Lightly sand to degloss
- Clean and dry fully
- Apply barrier primer first
Glides Keep Detaching
- Replace worn out slides
- Use longer screws in original holes
- Consider adding undermount slides
Maintaining the Restoration
To keep your restored Hoosier cabinet bread drawers looking revitalized:
- Keep drawer slides lubricated.
- Use felt pads on knobs and pulls to prevent scratches.
- Dust and polish drawer exterior regularly.
- Avoid harsh cleaners that could damage finish.
- Open periodically to prevent sticking.
- Store flour, sugar, etc. in airtight containers.
- Immediately clean up any spills or moisture.
- Tighten loose joints over time.
- Refinish worn surfaces as needed.
Enjoy the Hoosier Cabinet with Restored Bread Drawer
Part of what makes Hoosier cabinets so iconic are the intricate yet functional metal bread drawers. With a little elbow grease, you can restore antique Hoosier cabinet bread drawers to working order. Properly cleaning, repairing, and refinishing each component will bring this kitchen classic back to life. Then you can continue using the Hoosier cabinet just as it was originally intended when first installed 100 years ago. Just be sure to maintain the restoration properly so your revitalized bread drawer stays in prime condition for years to come.