How To Remove Grease From Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are prime targets for grease buildup and sticky residues. From cooking splatters to fingerprints during use, grease can accumulate surprisingly quickly. Left unchecked, layers of grease make cabinets appear dull and dirty while also posing a health hazard.

Luckily, with the right techniques and cleaning solutions, removing grease from kitchen cabinets is manageable. A regular cleaning routine prevents excessive buildup and keeps your cabinets looking fresh.

Understanding Grease Accumulation

Grease, oil, and grime on kitchen cabinets come from a variety of sources. Frying, baking, and sauteing release tiny droplets of fat into the air that eventually settle on nearby surfaces. These minuscule bits of grease attach to cabinets and amplify over time with continued cooking. Other grease exposure comes directly from handling cabinets with oily fingers and hands after cooking or eating greasy foods.

Left unaddressed, layers of sticky grease attract more dirt and dust. Over time, grease residues yellow and darken wood cabinets while also providing food for bacteria and pests. Removing grease helps maintain the beauty and integrity of cabinet materials.

Common Causes of Grease Buildup

• Cooking oils splattering on cabinets
• Leaving spilled foods to dry on cabinets
• Not using range hoods when cooking greasy dishes
• Infrequent cleaning of cabinets
• Handling cabinet doors and shelves with greasy hands

Signs of Grease Residue

• Visible oil spots and smears
• Cloudy film on cabinets
• Streaks and fingerprints on cabinets
• Dirt and dust sticking to cabinets
• Darkened or yellowed cabinet surfaces

Prep for Grease Removal

Successfully eliminating grease requires some prep work. First, inspect the cabinets to gauge the extent of grease buildup. Are there just a few isolated spots or a thick gummy layer? This determines your approach. Next, clear out cabinet contents so all surfaces can be accessed.

Gather your cleaning supplies. For light grease, dish soap, baking soda, vinegar, microfiber cloths, and sponges get the job done. Heavy-duty grease may call for degreaser sprays or trisodium phosphate (TSP) and scrub brushes. Avoid harsh bleach or ammonia that could damage cabinets.

Tips for Grease Removal Prep

• Remove everything from cabinets so all areas can be cleaned.
• Inspect for severity of grease and identify problem zones.
• Test cleaners on inconspicuous spot first to avoid cabinet damage.
• Have microfiber cloths, sponges, brushes, and gloves ready.
• Use tarps or towels to protect countertops and floors.

Cleaning Solutions for Light Grease

For light grease accumulation, natural cleaning staples like dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar work well. These gentle cleaners cut through grime without damaging cabinet surfaces or leaving chemical residues. Target grease deposits with a sponge or microfiber cloth dampened with the cleaning solution.

Dish Soap and Warm Water

Create a mild soap solution by adding a few drops of liquid dish detergent like Dawn to warm water. Dip a clean sponge into the solution and wring out excess. Wipe down cabinet exteriors to dissolve light greasy residues. Rinse with a clean, damp microfiber cloth.

Baking Soda Scrub

Baking soda cuts grease and neutralizes odors. For a basic scrub, sprinkle baking soda onto a wet sponge and wipe cabinets. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing. For concentrated cleaning power, mix baking soda with just enough water to form a paste. Rub paste onto grease spots using a microfiber cloth or sponge. Let sit briefly before rinsing.

Vinegar Spray

Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Liberally spray vinegar onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down greasy cabinets. Allow the vinegar to penetrate for 5-10 minutes before wiping clean with a fresh damp cloth. The acidic vinegar dissolves grease and leaves cabinets streak-free.

Tackling Heavy Grease Buildup

Neglected cabinets with layers of thick greasy grime require heavy-duty degreasers. Look for commercial degreasing products or make a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water. Test on a small hidden section first since harsher degreasers may damage some cabinet finishes. Allow the degreaser time to penetrate before scrubbing and rinsing thoroughly.

Grease-Cutting Degreaser Sprays

Spray-on degreasers like Easy-Off Professional Fume Free Max Oven Cleaner penetrate and lift away stubborn greasy residues from cabinet surfaces. Apply to cabinets and let sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping clean with damp microfiber cloths.

Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)

TSP is a heavy-duty cleaner that cuts through multiple layers of baked-on grease. Create a solution of 1-2 tablespoons TSP per quart of warm water. Wearing gloves, use a sponge to apply the TSP solution to heavily soiled areas. Allow to soak before scrubbing and rinsing.

Steam Cleaning

A steam cleaner uses heated vapor to melt grease off cabinets. Focus the steam nozzle on badly soiled areas and use a microfiber cloth to wipe away dissolved grime. Steam cleaning is chemical-free but requires caution on wood cabinets.

Grease Removal Techniques

Along with choosing the right cleaning solutions, technique matters too. Gently wipe cabinets using microfiber cloths or soft sponges. Circular scrubbing motions help break down stubborn grease deposits. Work from the top down and rinse frequently to prevent greasy streaks.

Wiping

Dampen a microfiber cloth with your cleaning solution. Gently wipe cabinets using light pressure to lift grease without scratching the finish. Fold cloth to reveal clean sides as needed.

Scrubbing

Use a soft sponge, nylon brush, or Dobie pad to gently scrub tough grease spots. Avoid abrasive scrub brushes or steel wool that could mar cabinet surfaces. Always scrub gently to prevent damage.

Two-Bucket Method

Keep clean rinse water separate from soapy wash water. Dip cleaning cloth or sponge into wash bucket first, then rinse in the second bucket. This prevents transferring grease back onto cabinets.

Targeting Problem Areas

Pay special attention to common grease accumulation zones like near cooking surfaces, lower cabinets, and hardware. These areas often need extra scrubbing to remove baked-on greasy layers.

Hoods and Ranges

Upper cabinets around stove hood vents receive airborne cooking grease. Degrease these regularly with steam, TSP, or degreaser and a scrub brush. Rinse and dry completely.

Near Stovetops

Cabinets closest to stovetops get the brunt of splattering oils. Use a degreasing spray weekly to prevent excessive buildup. For tough grease, apply baking soda paste and let sit before scrubbing.

Hardware and Edges

Grease accumulates in crevices around cabinet knobs and handles. Scrub hardware with an old toothbrush and degreasing wash. Pay attention to cabinet edges and lips where grease can hide.