If your kitchen cabinets are covered in a layer of sticky grease, you’re not alone. Greasy buildup happens in even the cleanest kitchens over time. Luckily, you don’t need strong chemical cleaners to cut through tough grease–just a few simple ingredients and some strategic scrubbing techniques. We’ll walk through an easy 3-step process to banish grease and grime from your cabinets for good.
Step 1: Gather the Right Cleaning Supplies
Before attacking stuck-on grease, assemble a few key supplies. You likely already have these versatile ingredients at home.
Dish Soap and Warm Water
Dish soap combined with warm water makes a highly effective cleaning solution for light grease removal. The detergent molecules in dish soap work to dissolve oil and grease residues. To prepare your mixture, add a few squirts of soap to a spray bottle filled with warm tap water. Shake vigorously before each spray to incorporate the soap.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda offers gentle abrasive power perfect for scrubbing away medium grease buildup. Create a paste by stirring baking soda into just enough warm water to form a thick consistency. The paste clings nicely to vertical cabinet surfaces while you scrub.
Citrus-Based Degreaser
For heavy kitchen grease, turn to the power of citrus. The acidic juices break down tough oil and grease deposits with ease. Check your cleaning aisle for citrus-oil based multi-surface cleaners. Or simply mix lemon juice with baking soda for an all-natural alternative. Both tackle the most stubborn grease and leave cabinets fresh and residue-free.
Step 2: Tackle Grease Stains
With your supplies ready, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. We’ll hit grease stains at all levels using the solutions best suited for each.
Light Grease Marks
Start by wiping all cabinet surfaces with your dish soap cleaner, paying extra attention to visibly soiled areas. Let the warm soapy water fully penetrate any dark greasy patches. Make repeated gentle wipe-downs until soapy liquid comes back clean. Thoroughly rinse surfaces with a wet cloth, then immediately dry.
Medium Grease Buildup
For more stubborn grease deposits, apply a thick layer of baking soda paste. Allow the paste to work its magic for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing. Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the area, moving your strokes along the wood grain. Rinse thoroughly when finished.
Heavy Grease Deposits
Now bring in the heavy artillery–your citrus degreaser. Generously spray or pour the solution directly onto the most severely grease-laden areas. Let it soak for at least 5 minutes, allowing citric acid to penetrate and dissolve thick oil. Wipe up any excess moisture before following with a baking soda scrub treatment to remove clinging residue.
Step 3: Finish Strong
You’re so close! Wrap up the cleaning process by carefully removing all traces of cleaning products from cabinets. Then implement a simple routine to keep new grease at bay.
Remove Residue and Dry Thoroughly
Wipe all cabinet surfaces thoroughly with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any leftover cleaning product residue. Water spots and streaks can damage finishes, so take your time. Pay special attention to corners, crevices and carved details that trap moisture. Accelerate drying by placing a fan nearby to actively circulate air for at least 30 minutes.
Aftercare and Prevention
Shield freshly cleaned cabinets by applying a protective beeswax layer one to two times per year. The wax seals the porous wooden surface, preventing future grease penetration. When cooking, immediately wipe down any spills before grease has a chance to soak in. Establish a quick weekly mini clean with your trusty dish soap mixture to nip buildup in the bud.
You can easily free your kitchen cabinets from years of grease by using the right products and scrubbing. Best of all, the ingredients to make your own powerful cleaners likely sit in your pantry already. No need for harsh chemicals or elbow grease–just smart techniques. We hope these simple yet effective steps to eliminate kitchen grease for good leave you feeling empowered. Go ahead, reclaim your beautiful kitchen cabinets once and for all!
