Cabinet Monorail Can Be Replaced, Updated

Question: Our house is 16, and the kitchen cabinetry is original. The drawers operate with a wooden rail in the cabinet section and a plastic guide that sticks out on the back of the drawer.

The rail on one of our heavily used drawers broke. Is it possible to buy these rails? If not, do I have to change the hardware for the broken drawer?

P.N.

Brea

Answer: Wooden cabinet rails are inexpensive and available at hardware and lumber stores, says Pete Gorman of Rancho Lumber in Westminster.

That type of monorail hardware is commonly found in homes of that vintage. You could switch to a more modern system that uses side mounts and nylon or ball-bearing wheels.

Q We recently bought a house that has light oak cabinetry in the kitchen and bathrooms. We’d like to paint them in an almond color, but we’re concerned about two things: There are some dried water stains on the kitchen cabinets, and we’ve heard that the paint may chip when it’s applied to cabinets.

F.C.

Laguna Niguel

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A Staining can be covered with proper preparation, says Gene Teramura of California Decorating Center in Santa Ana.

This means cleaning the wood so that it’s free of grease and dirt, then applying an oil-based sealer. Once that has cured, you can apply your choice of an oil- or latex-based top coat.

An oil-based paint will give you a very hard finish that is resistant to chipping; however, oil-based paints in light colors tend to yellow over time. A latex enamel holds its color well but may not last long in heavy use areas.

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Q Every morning we wake up to a distinctive, foul fishy odor that seems to be coming from the kitchen or dining room. We’re baffled as to the cause.

J.S.

Huntington Beach

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A Try dropping some drain-cleaning enzyme tablets down the kitchen sink and disposal one night, says Scott Blanke of Central Plumbing & Heating Supply in La Habra. These could help by eating odor-causing bacteria in the kitchen plumbing.

You could also try pouring lemon juice down the drains or running lemons through the disposal. If this doesn’t work, and you’re sure the odor isn’t coming from the sink or disposal, widen your search.

Lots of people keep their garbage bags under the sink, and it’s not unheard of for garbage to be misplaced behind the bag, where it can’t be seen.

If your home has a raised foundation, a dead animal under the kitchen could also be causing the smell.

If you have a question about your home or garden, A Helping Hand will help you find the answer. Send questions to John Morell, Home Design, The Times Orange County, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.