Eliminate Stubborn Grease on Cabinets with This Solution
If your kitchen cabinets are covered in layers of sticky grease that won't budge no matter how much you scrub, don't despair. We've rounded up the most effective homemade solutions for tackling even the most stubborn grease and restoring your cabinets to a pristine, shine-worthy state.
From simple ingredients like dish soap and baking soda to specially formulated DIY degreasing sprays, we'll walk you through exactly how to eliminate those pesky grease stains for good. With a little bit of elbow grease and these proven grease-busting methods, you can wave goodbye to the grease grime plaguing your cabinets.
Cause of Greasy Cabinet Buildup
Kitchen cabinets fall victim to greasy buildup for a few key reasons:
- Cooking oils and fats splattering on cabinet surfaces
- Steam from appliances, sinks, and dishwashers allowing moisture to accumulate
- Infrequent cleaning giving grease a chance to slowly build up over time
All it takes is a little bit of splattered grease after cooking to start the process. Over time, that grease attractions more dirt and dust, eventually transforming into a thick gunky mess.
Problems Caused by Greasy Cabinets
If left unchecked, grease buildup on kitchen cabinets can lead to some unpleasant issues:
- Unsightly stains that detract from your kitchen's appearance
- Lingering smelly odors from rancid grease
- Bacteria accumulation creating a dirty environment
- Permanent damage to cabinet surfaces if allowed to remain for years
Not only are greasy cabinets an eyesore, but they can also become a haven for spreading germs around your kitchen. The sooner you can get rid of that grease, the better!
Safe Cleaning Considerations
Before breaking out the heavy-duty degreasers, take a moment to consider your cabinets:
- Test cleaning solutions on inconspicuous spots first
- Check if you have wood, laminate or another material
- Use soft cloths and sponges instead of abrasive scrubbers
- Rinse surfaces thoroughly after applying cleaners
Taking these precautions will allow you to eliminate grease without accidentally damaging your cabinets in the process. Now let's dig into the solutions!
Cleaning Solution #1: Dish Soap
An easy grease-cutting solution may already be waiting under your sink - simple dish soap!
- Mix a few squirts of dish soap into a bowl of warm water
- Dip a soft sponge or lint-free cloth into the mixture
- Wipe down the greasy cabinets, allowing the solution to penetrate for 5 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a towel
The sudsy dish soap formula will begin breaking down the oily grease right before your eyes. We recommend repeating the process on any extra stubborn spots.
Why This Works
Dish soap contains degreasing agents designed to cut through and emulsify stuck-on grease and oils. Allowing it to soak helps it penetrate the grease, surrounding gunk and dissolve it so it can be easily wiped away after rinsing.
Cleaning Solution #2: Baking Soda Paste
For a gentle scrubbing solution, turn to a staple of natural cleaning: baking soda. When water is added, it transforms into an effective abrasive paste.
- Mix baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste
- Using a soft cloth, gently scrub the paste onto greasy cabinet doors and frames
- Let the paste sit for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly
If any oily residues remain after wiping the cabinets down, spot treat them by applying more baking soda paste.
Why This Works
Baking soda is well-known for its odor and stain-fighting abilities. It's technically a weak alkaline, so when mixed with water, it helps lift grease and break down acidic grimy buildup on kitchen cabinet surfaces.
Cleaning Solution #3: Vinegar Spray
Another pantry staple - distilled white vinegar - can also help dissolve sticky grease. Combine it with water in a spray bottle for easy application over large cabinet areas.
- Mix 1 part vinegar to 1 part water in a spray bottle
- Liberally spray solution onto affected areas of cabinets
- Let sit briefly before wiping with a clean lint-free cloth
Vinegar is safe for sealed wood, laminate, linoleum and other heat-resistant cabinet materials when diluted with water. For wood surfaces, dry immediately after wiping to prevent warping.
Why This Works
The acetic acid within distilled white vinegar breaks up grease residue upon contact. Spraying allows you to completely coat cabinet surfaces while avoiding excessive liquid compared to using a dripping cloth.
Cleaning Solution #4: DIY Degreasing Spray
For the toughest grease stains, a heavy-duty DIY degreasing spray can work wonders. Here's an all-natural formula to try:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup Castile or other liquid soap
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 5-10 drops essential oils (optional for scent)
- Mix ingredients together in a spray bottle
- Shake bottle to combine
- Spray liberally over affected cabinet areas
- Allow to penetrate for 5 minutes
- Wipe clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth
The soap, baking soda, and water work together to cut through grease, while the essential oils leave cabinets smelling fresh.
Tips for Prevention After Cleaning
Once you've tackled all that built-up grime, keep your cabinets staying grease-free by:
- Regularly wiping down cabinet surfaces
- Using cabinet liners to protect from new spills and splatters
- Keeping kitchen appliances cleaned and maintained
- Promptly addressing any leaks or moisture issues
An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure when it comes to kitchen grease!
We hope these DIY grease-fighting solutions help you win the battle against the oily enemy that's been plaguing your kitchen cabinets. Whether dish soap, baking soda mixes, vinegar sprays or heavy-duty DIY degreasers, you now have everything you need to eliminate stubborn grease for good.