Summer gatherings can be a lot of fun, but imagine your friends or relatives walking into your kitchen and suddenly notice those greasy cabinets. It’s so much of an embarrassment. So, we have started a new guide series on home improvement and cleaning hacks to make your life easier. And what best place to start than how to clean those grease stains from your kitchen cabinets over the stove top?
For this guide, we have mixed some of our methods with those of others from Reddit. We got overwhelmed with all those kitchen cleaning hacks and couldn’t help but include them in our guide.
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5 Solid Ways for Cleaning Greasy Kitchen Cabinets
When you wish to remove grease from the kitchen cabinets, rubbing a moist cloth will never do enough, especially when the grease has been built up for years. We need to de-grease by using cleaning agents and chemicals. We can also use items from our kitchen, such as dish soap and baking soda, but let’s save the steps for a detailed section.
Method 1: Cleaning Kitchen Grease with Ammonia and Water
Ammonia is a powerful cleaning agent that effectively cuts through tough grease and grime. When mixed with water, it creates a solution that can penetrate and break down stubborn grease, making it easier to wipe away.
Materials Required:
- Ammonia [view options]
- Spray bottle [view options]
- Microfibre cloth [view options] or sponge [view options]
- Water
Steps on how to remove grease from kitchen cabinets using Ammonia and water,
- Mix one part of Ammonia with four parts of warm water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on the greasy areas of your cabinets. Keep a distance and always wear gloves and eye protectors to avoid contact with fumes.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes to break down the grease.
- Use a kitchen microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe away the grease.
- Wipe the cabinets with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue, then dry with a towel.
Avoid using Ammonia on natural wood without a finish, as it may damage the surface.
Method 2: Remove Kitchen Grease with Baking Soda and Water | Home Hack
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can effectively lift grease without damaging surfaces. This method is great for regular maintenance and for cleaning grease off both wooden and laminate cabinets.
Materials Required:
- Baking soda [view options]
- Sponge or cloth [view options]
- Soft-bristle toothbrush (optional) – [view options]
- Water
How to clean grease from kitchen cabinets using baking soda,
- Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
- Spread the paste onto the greasy areas of your cabinets.
- Use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub the paste into the grease. For hard-to-reach areas, a soft-bristle toothbrush can be effective.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe away the paste, ensuring all residue is removed. Dry the cabinets with a clean towel.
Method 3: Dish Soap and Warm Water
Dish soap is designed to cut through grease and is safe for most surfaces. This method is simple and effective, one of the best methods for routine cleaning.
Materials Required:
- Dish soap [view options]
- Sponge or cloth [view options]
- Warm water
Cleaning grease from kitchen cabinets using the dish soap hack,
- Add a few drops of dish soap to warm water.
- Dip the sponge into the solution and wipe the greasy areas.
- For tougher spots, use a bit more pressure while scrubbing.
- Wipe with a clean, damp cloth and dry with a towel.
Method 4: Murphy’s Oil Soap and Orange Glo | For Wooden Cabinets
Murphy’s Oil Soap is known for its gentle cleaning power on wood, and Orange Glo helps condition and shine the wood while removing grease. This method is excellent for maintaining wooden cabinets.
Materials Needed:
- Murphy’s Oil Soap [view options]
- Orange Glo [view options]
- Soft clean rag [view options]
How to clean greasy wooden cabinets using Murphy’s Oil Soap and Orange Glo,
- Wash the cabinets with Murphy’s Oil Soap, making sure to dry the wood as you go.
- Spray Orange Glo on a clean rag and wipe the cabinets. It conditions the wood and cuts through the grease.
Method 5: Goo Gone | Commercial Cleaner to the Rescue
Goo Gone is a commercial cleaner specifically designed to tackle sticky, greasy residues. It’s highly effective for stubborn grease spots and can also condition the wood slightly.
Materials Needed:
- Goo Gone [view options]
- Kitchen microfiber cloth [view options]
Cleaning off grease from the kitchen cabinet above the stove using commercial cleaner,
- Apply Goo Gone to the greasy areas.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the grease.
Quick Maintenance Tips for Grease-Free Cabinets
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe cabinets regularly with a damp cloth to prevent grease buildup.
- Use Range Hoods: Always use your range hood while cooking to minimize grease particles settling on your cabinets.
- Protective Coating: Consider applying a protective coating to wooden cabinets to help repel grease and grime.
- Prompt Cleaning: Clean up spills and splatters immediately to prevent them from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove.
- Avoid Harsh Scrubbing: Use gentle motions to protect cabinet finishes.
Most Frequently Asked Questions on How to Clean Grease from Kitchen Cabinets
The grease accumulates because of cooking vapors that rise and settle on the cabinets. Over time, this can build up into a thick, sticky layer, especially if not cleaned regularly.
Ammonia is effective for cutting through tough grease, but it should be used with caution. Always wear gloves and ensure good ventilation. Avoid using it on natural wood without a finish, as it may damage the surface.
Yes, dish soap is designed to break down grease and is safe for most surfaces. It’s a simple and effective solution for routine cleaning and is gentle enough for frequent use.
Murphy’s Oil Soap gently cleans wood without damaging it, while Orange Glo conditions and shines the wood, effectively cutting through grease. This combination is excellent for maintaining and restoring wooden cabinets.
Regular cleaning is key. Wipe down the cabinets weekly with a damp cloth to prevent grease from building up. For a more thorough cleaning, use one of the methods outlined in this guide every few months.
Avoid using vinegar on wooden cabinets, as it can be too harsh and potentially damage the finish over time. Also, steer clear of any harsh scrubbing that can scratch or damage the cabinet surfaces.
Wrapping up: The Best Ways to Remove Grease off the Kitchen Cabinets
This pretty much wraps up our guide on the best ways to remove grease from your kitchen cabinet. Of course, while we picked up the best methods, we might still have missed out on a few grandma hacks; if you have one such hack that can help clean grease from kitchen cabinets, let our audience know in the comment section below.
For more home improvement and cleaning hacks, be sure to check out our other guides. Each guide is packed with practical advice and easy-to-follow steps to help you maintain a beautiful and functional home.
