Get Rid of Stubborn Grease on Cabinets in 3 Easy Steps
If you love cooking delicious meals in your kitchen, chances are you've dealt with the inevitable grease buildup on your cabinets. Grease and oil splatters are a common byproduct of cooking. As we fry foods in oil or cook meat that releases fat, tiny grease particles fly through the air and stick to surrounding surfaces. Over time, these splatters accumulate and become noticeable greasy stains.
Simply touching kitchen cabinets with greasy hands leaves behind oily fingerprints and smears. Grease transfers easily from hands to cabinet doors, knobs and handles. Repeated hand contact causes a gradual buildup of grease on cabinets.
In addition to splatters and hand prints, kitchen cabinets develop layers of grease from years of cooking. The constant exposure to oil and fat particles causes grease to slowly accumulate in a thin film over the entire cabinet. This oily sheen makes cabinets appear dingy and dirty.
Problems Caused by Greasy Cabinets
While a little grease may seem harmless at first, it can lead to some frustrating issues over time.
Grease attracts dust, dirt and grime. As layers of grease develop, particles in the air stick to the oily surface. This makes cabinets appear dirtier and dingier as the grease builds up.
Grease also attracts pests like ants and cockroaches. These insects are drawn to fatty, oily residues. Greasy cabinets provide an irresistible food source for household pests.
Left untreated, grease stains can become baked on permanently. The longer grease sits, the more difficult it becomes to remove. Over time, grease oxidizes and leaves behind stubborn discoloration.
How to Remove Grease from Cabinets
Removing grease from kitchen cabinets is possible with the right techniques. Follow these three simple steps to get rid of grease and restore the clean look of your cabinets.
Step 1: Remove Surface Grease
Start by removing any loose surface grease. This preparatory step prevents smearing grease around during the deeper cleaning steps.
Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bowl of warm water. Dampen a soft sponge or microfiber cloth in the soapy water. Wring out excess liquid. Gently wipe down cabinet doors, handles, and exterior surfaces. The surfactants in dish soap will lift up and dissolve greasy residues.
After wiping with soapy water, rinse the cabinets with a clean, damp cloth. Wipe away all soapy residue. Finally, dry the cabinets thoroughly with a clean towel. Allowing moisture to linger can damage cabinet finishes.
Step 2: Break Down Set-In Grease
For grease that has soaked into the cabinet material, a bit of agitation is needed to break down the oily buildup. The scrubbing agents baking soda and vinegar work well for dissolving set-in grease.
Make a paste by stirring 1 part baking soda with 1 part warm water. Using a clean cloth or soft-bristled brush, apply the paste to greasy areas. Let the paste sit for 5-10 minutes to penetrate and dissolve the grease. Baking soda has natural degreasing abilities.
For another option, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray cabinets with the solution, wait 5 minutes, then spray again. Vinegar helps emulsify grease so it can be wiped away.
Step 3: Scrub Away Grease
With the grease broken down, it's time to scrub it away for good. This step removes the lifted grease residues.
Use a toothbrush, sponge or scrub brush to work on stuck-on grease spots. Scrub crevices, corners and areas near the stove extra well. These high-contact zones tend to collect more grease.
Scrub gently to avoid damaging the cabinet's finish. But apply enough pressure to lift off all traces of grease.
Rinse the cabinets with clean water to remove all scrubbing residue. Wipe dry with a clean towel.
Tips for Scrubbing Cabinets
Keep these tips in mind when tackling greasy cabinets:
- Test cleaning solutions on a small hidden spot first to check for damage to the finish.
- Scrub gently to avoid scraping or scratching the cabinets.
- Focus extra attention on grease-prone areas like near the stove.
How to Keep Cabinets Grease-Free
Preventing future grease buildup is just as important as removing current stains. Use these strategies to keep cabinets grease-free long-term.
Clean Cabinets Regularly
Stay on top of cleaning cabinets before grease has a chance to accumulate. Quick wipe downs after cooking capture splatters before they have time to soak in. Deep clean cabinets at least once a month to remove any greasy film.
Prevent Grease Buildup
Reduce the opportunity for grease to dirty your cabinets in the first place:
- Always use your stove's range hood vent when cooking to capture airborne grease.
- Install a backsplash behind and around the stove to protect the wall and cabinets from splatters.
- Immediately clean any oil drips and spills to prevent grease stains.
Grease-Proof Cabinets
Certain cabinet materials and finishes are more resistant to grease buildup:
- Apply a protective wax or polyurethane to create a grease-proof barrier.
- Choose cabinets with durable finishes like high-gloss enamel that repel grease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best grease remover for wood cabinets?
For wood cabinets, stick to gentler cleaners like dish soap, vinegar, or baking soda. Avoid harsh degreasers that may damage the wood over time.
How do I get grease out of cabinet hinges?
Use a toothbrush dipped in baking soda paste to gently scrub grease out of cabinet hinges. Q-tips also work well to reach tight crevices.
Will vinegar damage my cabinets?
White vinegar is safe for most cabinet finishes. Avoid prolonged exposure to prevent possible damage to wood finishes. Always test vinegar-based cleaners in an inconspicuous spot first.
Greasy cabinets don't have to be a permanent problem. With the right cleaning methods and regular maintenance, you can keep your kitchen looking fresh. Follow this simple 3-step process to remove grease from cabinets and prevent future buildup. Soon you'll be enjoying clean, grease-free cabinets that look as good as new.