The Secret To Grease-Free Cabinets Is Already In Your Kitchen

If your kitchen cabinets are covered in a greasy film that makes them look dirty and dingy, you're not alone. Greasy buildup is a common kitchen nuisance that happens over time as cooking fumes release tiny grease particles that cling to surfaces. But specialized cleaners aren't necessary for removing grease and restoring your cabinets' shine.

We'll share homemade cleaners made with ingredients like baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, and dish soap that will break down and dissolve greasy residue without damaging your cabinets. Using things already in your kitchen will save you money compared to buying commercial degreasing products. With a little elbow grease and these homemade solutions, you can banish grease and finally have clean, sparkling cabinets again.

Why Grease Builds Up on Cabinets

Whenever you cook, cooking fumes containing tiny airborne grease particles are released into the air. Over time, these minuscule bits of grease accumulate on surfaces around your stove and cabinets. Grease sticks easily to cabinet materials, especially unfinished wood which absorbs the grease into its porous surface.

As more dust and grime combine with the sticky grease layer, cabinets start to look dirty and dingy. Built up grease also makes cabinets much harder to clean by acting as a barrier that repels water and cleaners. Getting rid of grease and preventing future buildup is key to maintaining fresh, shiny cabinets.

Remove Grease with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive cleaner that lifts away grease and stains without scratching surfaces. When mixed with a bit of water, baking soda forms a spreadable paste ideal for cleaning grimy cabinets.

Start by mixing a couple tablespoons of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste. Using a sponge or soft cloth, apply the paste to greasy areas and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the baking soda time to break down the greasy gunk. Then wipe off the paste with a damp cloth, rinsing thoroughly afterwards to remove any residue.

For tough grease spots, let the baking soda paste sit for longer, up to 30 minutes, before scrubbing and rinsing clean. The baking soda dissolves grease without damaging cabinet finishes or wood grains.

Tip for Wood Cabinets

When cleaning wood cabinets, rub the baking soda paste gently in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratching the finish. And be sure to fully wipe off all traces of the paste so it doesn't leave a dull, gritty film behind.

Lemon Juice and Vinegar Cut Grease

Citric acid cleaners like lemon juice, plus acetic acid in vinegar, work together to break down greasy residues. Both ingredients have natural degreasing abilities.

For an effective homemade grease-cutting cleaner, mix equal parts lemon juice and vinegar. If needed, add a tablespoon or two of baking soda to give scrubbing power. Apply the solution over greasy cabinet surfaces and let it soak in for at least 5-10 minutes.

The acidic ingredients will immediately start breaking down the greasy gunk. Use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to scrub away the grime. Then wipe with a clean, damp cloth or rinse thoroughly with warm water. Lemon and vinegar dissolve stubborn, built up grease that needs a heavy duty cleaner.

Safety First

This strong citric acid solution can damage surfaces if left too long. Spot test in an inconspicuous area first. And never mix vinegar or lemon solutions with chlorine bleach - this creates toxic chlorine gas.

Degrease with Ammonia

Found under most sinks, ammonia is a powerful grease-cutting chemical. When mixed with water, it breaks down oily buildup on contact.

Fill a spray bottle with equal parts ammonia and warm water. Generously spray the solution over any greasy areas and let it soak in for at least 10-15 minutes. The longer it sits, the more it cuts through and dissolves thick grease deposits.

After letting it soak in, go over the cabinets with a clean cloth, wiping in the direction of the wood grain if needed. Give a final rinse with clean water to remove any ammonia residue. Open windows and use gloves when working with ammonia, as the fumes can be pungent.

Avoid Harsh Scrubbing

Since ammonia provides powerful grease-cutting on its own, avoid abrasive scrubbing that could damage cabinet finishes. Let ammonia do the tough work dissolving grease before wiping it away.

Remove Grease Residue with Rubbing Alcohol

For an easy maintenance cleaner, rubbing alcohol effectively dissolves any remaining grease residue. It simultaneously disinfects cabinets while leaving a streak-free shine.

Simply pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a clean microfiber cloth. Wipe down greasy areas to instantly cut through oily film and gunk. The alcohol will evaporate quickly, so go over cabinets systematically section by section.

Make sure cabinets are completely dry before closing them up. Rubbing alcohol is ideal for quick touch-up cleaning to prevent grease coming back between deep cleans.

Prevent Grease Buildup

Once your cabinets are gleaming again, keep them grease-free with regular maintenance:

• Immediately clean any splatters or spills before grease has a chance to set.
• Use grease-fighting dish soap diluted in warm water for regular wipe downs.
• Make sure your kitchen is properly ventilated to decrease cooking grease in the air.
• Apply a wood conditioner periodically which helps cabinets repel grease.

With a little diligent cleaning, you can keep your kitchen cabinets looking like new. No need to purchase expensive specialty products - the secret to grease-free cabinets is already hiding in your pantry.

Greasy buildup on kitchen cabinets is a pesky but common problem. This article shared multiple homemade cleaners made with items you already have at home to banish grease.

Mix baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar or ammonia with water to create powerful grease-cutting solutions. Use a soft cloth, sponge or scrub brush to apply. Let the cleaners sit before rinsing away grime.

Prevent future buildup with regular cleaning using dish soap and microfiber cloths. With these tips, you can finally restore your cabinets back to a grease-free shine.