Cabinet Grease Be Gone! 3 Ways to Remove It Quickly

Kitchen cabinets get coated in a greasy film over time. Stovetop splatters, cooking vapors, and good old dust and dirt conspire to create an oily buildup on cabinet surfaces near your cooktop and oven. Not only does it look grimy, it also attracts more dirt and can make your cabinets harder to keep clean. Getting rid of grease on cabinets can be a chore, but with the right techniques, you can strip away that greasy grime quickly and easily.

We'll cover foolproof methods for degreasing cabinets using common household ingredients you probably already have on hand. With any of these 3 DIY solutions, you can erase ugly grease stains from your kitchen cabinets and restore them to a like-new shine in no time.

Dish Soap and Warm Water

This tried-and-true combo still works wonders for cutting through grease. The key is to mix up your dish soap and warm water into a potent grease-fighting solution.

Add a few drops of dish detergent to a bucket of warm water and stir to combine thoroughly. Dunk a sponge into the soapy water, then wring it out so it's not overly dripping. Gently rub the sudsy sponge over the greasy areas in circular motions to help dissolve the gunk. Let it sit for a minute or two before wiping away with a clean cloth.

For extra grease-cutting power, use an eco-friendly degreasing dish soap rather than standard varieties. And be sure to soak heavily saturated areas to give the soap time to break down the oily residues before scrubbing.

Tips for Best Results

• Use warm, not hot, water to avoid damaging cabinet finishes
• Make sure to rinse thoroughly after soaping to prevent streaks
• Change your water frequently so the soap solution stays potent
• Follow up with a disinfecting wipe to sanitize the clean cabinets

Citrus Degreasing Spray

You can find ready-made degreasing cleaners at any grocery or hardware store. Look for citrus-based formulas, as the limonene in citrus oils is a powerful degreaser that dissolves sticky residues on contact. Spritz the degreaser liberally over any oily buildup on cabinets, wait 5 minutes for it to work its magic, then wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Many degreasers contain harsh chemicals, so exercise caution. Make sure to have proper ventilation, use gloves, and don't mix products containing bleach or ammonia. Test on a small hidden section first to ensure the degreaser is cabinet-safe.

Degreasing Spray Tips

• Let heavily soiled areas soak for 10+ minutes before wiping
• Use a toothbrush to scrub tight corners and crevices
• Rinse thoroughly and dry well when done
• Opt for plant-based, non-toxic degreasers when possible

Baking Soda Paste

For a non-toxic way to annihilate grease, baking soda is just the ticket. It's a mild abrasive that lifts away grime safely and easily. Mix baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste. Use a cloth or sponge to rub the paste thoroughly over any greasy areas. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes before rinsing clean.

The gritty texture of baking soda permeates gunk while the alkaline pH helps dissolve acids in grease and oil. Together, the gentle scouring action and chemical reaction blast away stubborn grease and restore a clean shine to dreary cabinets.

Baking Soda Paste Tips

• Spot test first to ensure baking soda won't damage finishes
• Use more baking soda than water for extra scrubbing power
• Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing to prevent streaks
• Follow up with a vinegar solution to neutralize any baking soda residue

Steam Cleaning

For heavy-duty grease removal, nothing beats the power of steam. Steam cleaners use super-heated vapor to clean and sanitize at the same time. The forced steam penetrates deep into cabinet crevices to melt away baked-on grease.

Start by vacuuming up any loose debris. Mask off nearby walls and appliances to protect them from excess moisture. Hold the steam cleaner nozzle 6-10 inches from the cabinets and pass it slowly over the surface. Overlap passes to ensure full coverage. Use a dry terry towel to immediately wipe away any condensed steam.

Steam cleaning not only removes stubborn grease and grime, it also kills germs and bacteria leaving your cabinets sanitized. Be cautious of steam temperature settings when cleaning wood cabinets to avoid any warping or finish damage.

Steam Cleaning Tips

• Test steam on a small area first to check for damage
• Use lowest steam setting suitable for the task
• Work in sections for best results
• Dry surfaces immediately to prevent water marks

Vinegar or Lemon Juice

For a non-toxic grease remover you can make yourself at home, try vinegar or lemon juice mixed with water. The acetic and citric acids in vinegar and lemon juice naturally cut through oil and grease.

Mix 1 part vinegar or lemon juice with 2 parts warm water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the solution onto greasy cabinets, wait 5 minutes for the acids to work their magic, then wipe clean with a soft cloth. For tougher grease deposits, use undiluted vinegar or lemon juice.

This method adds a fresh, clean scent while leaving surfaces shine-free. Vinegar solutions are safe for most cabinet finishes, but test first, as lemon juice can sometimes damage varnishes or paint over time.

Vinegar/Lemon Juice Tips

• Use white vinegar or real lemon juice only
• Rinse well after cleaning to remove all acid residue
• Dry thoroughly to avoid streaks or water stains
• Repeat for extremely heavy grease buildup

Prevent Grease Buildup

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of grease-cleaning cure. Here are pro tips to stop cabinets from getting gunked up in the first place:

• Use your stove vent hood every time you cook to capture airborne grease
• Clean range hood filters frequently to maximize ventilation
• Immediately wipe up cooking spills and splatters to avoid grease baked on
• Apply a grease-resistant barrier such as wax to cabinet surfaces near the stove
• Install removable panels or glass cabinet doors near cooking areas for easier cleaning
• Store kitchen textiles and linens away from heat and cooking vapors

With this cabinet cleaning regimen, you can stop grease before it blackens your beautiful cabinets. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure!

Greasy grime doesn't stand a chance against these simple but powerful DIY degreasing solutions. With minimal effort, you can erase ugly grease stains using common household ingredients. Now your kitchen can sparkle like new again.

The next time your cabinets have a slimy layer of grease, don't reach for harsh chemical cleaners. Use these proven grease-removal secrets instead. You'll safely restore the surface sheen on your cabinets without costly cleaners or elbow grease. So say goodbye to grease and grime, and hello to kitchen cabinets you can't keep your hands off!